SpaceOne x BALTIC Introduce the Seconde Majeure
A Radical Independent Watchmaking Collaboration Blending Heritage and Futurism
PRESS RELEASE | 630 WORDS | 4 MINUTE READ
SpaceOne and BALTIC Present the Seconde Majeure - A Collaboration Born Through Friendship
SpaceOne and BALTIC Watches have unveiled the Seconde Majeure, an unconventional collaboration uniting two distinct visions of contemporary watchmaking. While Baltic is known for vintage-inspired timepieces rooted in classical proportions and traditional watchmaking codes, SpaceOne approaches horology through futuristic forms and experimental displays. Despite their contrasting philosophies, the collaboration emerged organically through friendship between independent watchmaker Théo Auffret and entrepreneur Guillaume Laidet. The origins of the project trace back to 2021 at Baltic’s Paris headquarters, where a gathering of French watchmakers laid the foundation for what would later become SpaceOne and, eventually, the Seconde Majeure. -
A Deconstructed Approach to Reading Time
At the centre of the Seconde Majeure lies a highly unconventional display architecture designed around a custom complication module.
Traditional hands are replaced by sapphire discs, creating a decentralised reading of time:
Hours are displayed at 12 o’clock
Minutes are displayed at 6 o’clock
A large central seconds hand dominates the dial
The time indications are guided through an arrow-ended crosshair system, while the futuristic typography contrasts sharply against the otherwise restrained mechanical construction. The flowing central seconds hand introduces continuous motion across the dial, giving the watch its identity and name Seconde Majeure.
The Jumping-Hour Mechanism by Théo Auffret
At the centre of the Seconde Majeure lies a highly unconventional display architecture designed around a custom complication module.
Traditional hands are replaced by sapphire discs, creating a decentralised reading of time:
Hours are displayed at 12 o’clock
Minutes are displayed at 6 o’clock
A large central seconds hand dominates the dial
The time indications are guided through an arrow-ended crosshair system, while the futuristic typography contrasts sharply against the otherwise restrained mechanical construction. The flowing central seconds hand introduces continuous motion across the dial, giving the watch its identity and name Seconde Majeure.
The Jumping-Hour Mechanism by Théo Auffret
The Seconde Majeure is engineered around a proprietary jumping-hour module developed by Théo Auffret. The complication operates through three visible mechanical elements integrated directly into the dial architecture:
Central Control Wheel
Positioned beneath the minute disc, the wheel completes one full rotation every 60 minutes before engaging the hour mechanism.
Star Wheel
Featuring twelve teeth corresponding to the hour display, the Star Wheel controls the jumping-hour transition.
Jumper Spring
Visible on the left side of the dial, the Jumper Spring maintains pressure on the Star Wheel before releasing energy to execute the instantaneous hour jump. The dial itself is machined from a single piece of maillechort and functions both as a structural component and decorative surface, reinforcing the technical identity of the watch.
Exclusive Dial Finishes
The Seconde Majeure is available in two dial executions:
Vertical Brushed Finish
Handcrafted “Charbonné” Finish
The Charbonné treatment is produced entirely by hand inside Théo Auffret’s atelier and requires up to three hours of artisanal finishing per dial. The process ensures that each piece possesses a unique visual character and texture.
A Newly Designed Case Architecture
Rather than placing the SpaceOne module inside an existing Baltic case, the collaboration resulted in an entirely original design language.
The Seconde Majeure features a 38.5mm case inspired by contemporary independent watchmaking aesthetics:
Brushed mid-case construction
Polished concave bezel
Sculpted low-profile lugs
Balanced ergonomic proportions
The combination of brushed and polished finishing creates subtle visual contrast while maintaining understated elegance. The watch is paired with a beige Alcantara® strap produced by Delugs, fitted with curved spring bars designed to integrate naturally into the case profile for enhanced comfort.
Limited Production Model
The Seconde Majeure will be available exclusively through a six-day pre-order window running from May 12th to May 17th, 2026. Each watch will be individually numbered on the caseback, with total production strictly determined by the number of orders placed during the preorder period. This approach reinforces the project’s independent watchmaking identity while preserving exclusivity and collector appeal.
The Creative Minds Behind the Project
The collaboration unites several influential figures from modern independent watchmaking:
Etienne Malec
Jas Rewkiewicz
Théo Auffret
Guillaume Laidet
Together, the project reflects a fusion of vintage sensibility, technical experimentation, and modern horological creativity.
Availability
The Seconde Majeure by SpaceOne and BALTIC Watches will be available exclusively through a limited pre-order period is available through the official website.
For further information, visit: https://spaceonewatches.com/ x https://baltic-spaceone.com/
