The Baltic HMS 003 and Bicompax 003 share a compact 36.5 mm steel case, but they are built around different kinds of watch: the HMS 003 is an automatic three-hander, while the Bicompax 003 is a hand-wound chronograph. There is also an important availability difference: Baltic still lists the HMS 003, while the brand says the Bicompax 003 left its catalogue on April 1, 2025.
What’s the difference between the Baltic HMS 003 and Bicompax 003?
The main distinction is how you use them. The HMS 003 shows hours, minutes and seconds and runs automatically. The Bicompax 003 adds a two-register chronograph operated by pushers, but its movement must be wound by hand. Their case dimensions and headline materials are otherwise closely matched.
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| 1 |
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20mm Watch Band for Baltic HMS 003, Dark Brown | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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20mm Watch Band for Baltic HMS 003 | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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20mm Gray Vintage Watch Band for Baltic HMS 003 | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Feature | Baltic HMS 003 | Baltic Bicompax 003 |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Three-hand automatic | Hand-wound chronograph with two registers and a 30-minute chronograph |
| Movement and reserve | Miyota 8315 automatic; 60-hour power reserve; stop seconds | Seagull ST1901 manual; 42-hour power reserve |
| Case | 316L stainless steel; 36.5 mm diameter; 46 mm lug-to-lug; 13 mm thick including crystal, 10 mm without | 316L stainless steel; 36.5 mm diameter; 46 mm lug-to-lug; 13 mm thick including crystal, 10 mm without |
| Crystal | High-domed Hesalite | High-domed Hesalite |
| Lug width | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 ATM | 50 m / 5 ATM |
| Availability | Product page remains listed by Baltic; check the page for current stock and regional pricing | Baltic says it left the catalogue on April 1, 2025; resale availability varies |
Specifications and availability are from Baltic’s HMS 003 listing and Bicompax 003 archive. A movement’s name and type alone do not establish comparative accuracy, durability or reliability.
How do the movements change the experience?
HMS 003: automatic, three-hand simplicity
The HMS 003 uses the Miyota 8315 automatic movement. Baltic specifies a 60-hour power reserve and stop seconds, so the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled to set the time. It suits someone who wants a traditional three-hand display without operating a chronograph.
#1 Best Overall
- Complete Strap: This 20mm dark brown watch band includes preinstalled quick release spring bars, providing a convenient replacement for worn, damaged or outdated wristwatch straps.
- PU Leather: Selected PU leather with a soft lining creates a comfortable wrist feel, while the matte surface and subtle vintage texture deliver a refined, timeless appearance.
- Quick Release: Built-in quick release pins allow fast installation and removal without additional tools, while the 20mm lug width provides a secure and precise connection.
- Adjustable Fit: The 7.1"/18cm replacement strap features multiple adjustment holes and a polished stainless steel pin buckle for a secure, personalized fit during everyday wear.
- Customer Support: Please measure the inner distance between your watch lugs before ordering; contact us if you have questions about sizing, installation or product quality.
Bicompax 003: a hand-wound chronograph
The Bicompax 003 uses the Seagull ST1901, a manual-winding movement with a 42-hour reserve and a 30-minute chronograph. The two-register layout gives it an additional timing function, with the trade-off that it is not automatic: the wearer winds it by hand. Baltic’s archive describes the design as inspired by 1940s step-case chronographs.
How big are they, and how might they fit?
Both watches measure 36.5 mm across, 46 mm from lug tip to lug tip and 20 mm between the lugs. Baltic lists the cases as 13 mm thick including the high-domed crystal, or 10 mm without it. The shared measurements make case size a less decisive difference than function and dial preference; wrist fit can still vary with wrist shape and strap choice.
Each has a sector dial and applied markers, with the Bicompax’s two-register chronograph layout adding more information to the face. Baltic presents the HMS as a dressy three-hand watch. The Bicompax’s chronograph styling draws on its stated 1940s inspiration.
Rank #2
- Complete Strap: This 20mm black watch band includes preinstalled quick release spring bars, providing a convenient replacement for worn, damaged or outdated wristwatch straps.
- PU Leather: Made from selected PU leather with a soft lining, this matte watch strap offers a smooth feel, vintage appearance and comfortable fit for everyday wear.
- Quick Release: Built-in quick release pins allow fast installation and removal without additional tools, while the 20mm lug width provides a precise connection.
- Adjustable Fit: The 7.1in/18cm replacement band features multiple adjustment holes and a polished stainless steel buckle for a secure, personalized wrist fit.
- Customer Support: Please measure the inner distance between your watch lugs before ordering; contact us if you have questions about size, installation or product quality.
What do the crystal and water-resistance ratings mean?
Baltic specifies a high-domed Hesalite crystal and 50 m / 5 ATM water resistance for both models. Those are the manufacturer’s published specifications, not a guarantee for every activity or condition. Follow Baltic’s care guidance and ensure the crown is properly positioned before exposure to water; the available specifications do not establish that either watch is suitable for diving.
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Yes—from Baltic’s catalogue. The brand’s archive states that the Bicompax, one of the two watches that launched Baltic in 2017, would leave the catalogue on April 1, 2025. That does not mean every example has disappeared: resale availability may vary, and a second-hand listing should not be mistaken for current new stock from Baltic.
The HMS 003 still has an official product page. A listing is not confirmation that every dial or strap option is in stock in every region, so check Baltic’s page for live availability.
Rank #3
- 【Product Overview】: This 20mm gray watch band features a matte vintage finish, quick-release spring bars and a classic buckle, creating a refined replacement strap for men’s and women’s watches.
- 【PU Leather】: Made from durable PU leather with a soft, skin-friendly surface, this lightweight watch strap provides comfortable everyday wear while maintaining its structured retro appearance.
- 【Quick Release】: Preinstalled quick-release spring bars allow fast, tool-free installation and removal, making it easy to change the wristwatch band whenever your style or occasion changes.
- 【Vintage Style】: The understated gray color, frosted texture and neat stitching give this replacement watch band a versatile retro look suitable for work, travel, casual wear and formal occasions.
- 【Customer Service】: Please confirm the 20mm lug width and 7.1" strap length before ordering, and contact us if you have questions about installation, sizing or the received watchband.
Can you change the strap?
Both models have 20 mm lugs. Baltic lists leather and steel strap or bracelet options and says its straps are compatible with the watches. A replacement strap should match the 20 mm lug width, but width alone does not guarantee a fit: check the connector and end shape as well as the attachment method before buying.
What did the watches cost at launch?
Monochrome Watches reported launch prices of EUR 360 before taxes for the HMS 003 and EUR 540 before taxes for the Bicompax 003. Its launch-era report also listed an optional open caseback for the Bicompax at EUR 30. These are historical figures, not current Baltic prices or resale valuations; present-day pricing and stock were not established. See Monochrome Watches’ hands-on coverage for the launch context.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
