Classic Vintage Pie Pan Timepieces Reinvented - Baltany S4090

Introduction

Baltany has officially launched the latest model, S4090—a Pie-Pan watch that embodies the baltany’s philosophy of bringing vintage beauty to life through meticulous design. For years, Baltany has been dedicated to reviving the classic elements of a bygone era, seamlessly blending timeless aesthetics with modern watchmaking techniques. The introduction of the S4090 perfectly reflects this commitment, drawing inspiration from 1950s wristwatch design while meeting the expectations and needs of today’s wearers.

Design Language and Aesthetics - The Pie-Pan Dial

What is a Pie-Pan Dial?

The "Pie-Pan" dial takes its name from the distinctive dial shape popularized by the Omega Constellation series. This style features a large, flat central area with edges angled downward, resembling an inverted baking pan or tray traditionally used for pies.

Indeed, the Omega Seamaster Series has also featured pie-pan dials, particularly in models from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, the pie-pan design is more commonly associated with the Constellation series.

Historical Origins of the Classic Models

Let’s have to look back at these most classic models（Pie Pan Constellation）

2652

The 2652 featured a two-tone ivory dial housed within a 35mm steel case. It was powered by the advanced Caliber 354 bumper automatic movement, equipped with 17 jewels.

2943

The 2943 showcased a pure gold dial within an 18-carat pink gold case measuring 34.5mm. It ran on the Caliber 504, a fully automatic rotor movement with 17 jewels. Notably, this was the first Constellation watch to include a date display.

14381

The 14381 featured a champagne-colored dial within a 35mm case, powered by the Caliber 551 movement. Significantly, it was the first Constellation model to introduce the iconic "dog-leg" style lugs.

14393

The 14393 came with a 34mm case, powered by the Caliber 561 movement, and featured a date function.

167.005

The 167.005 had a striking silver-white dial with a distinctive starburst finish, contained within a 35mm case. It housed the Caliber 551 movement, notable for being one of Omega's record-setting 100,000 chronometer-certified movements, tested to standards twice as rigorous as typical chronometer requirements.

S4090 Pie-Pan Dial Details

The S4090’s dial design continues the iconic "Pie-Pan" element—its center gently arches upward, and the edges slope inward, forming a shallow, dish-like profile (similar to a pie pan). This signature design is a hallmark of the 1950s, offering a striking visual appeal. The dial presents a rich sense of depth in different lighting, enhanced by the raised arrow-shaped hour markers and delicate minute markers, creating a classic, vintage look. Each hour marker is finely polished and presented in a three-dimensional manner, which increases the overall texture and legibility of the dial.

Arrow Hour Markers:

From the beginning of designing the dial, we spent a considerable amount of time carefully planning the hour markers. Given the watch's overall slim profile of just 10mm, it was crucial to achieve a three-dimensional effect without making the markers excessively tall. After numerous adjustments, we succeeded in finding the perfect angle for the hour markers—ensuring they would appear visually appealing and balanced from various perspectives.

Classic Dress Watch Inspiration

The design of the S4090 draws heavily from the classic dress watch style of the 1950s. If we were to sum up the essence of dress watches from that era in one simple phrase, it would be "simplicity and symmetry." Prominent brands like Longines, Bulova, Vacheron Constantin, and Omega all embraced this minimalist approach in their dress watch dials, featuring symmetrical layouts that emphasized balance. Some brands like Elgin, Movado even incorporated linear design elements to further enhance the symmetry.

Suitable Size

The S4090 features a case diameter of 38.5mm and a thickness of approximately 10mm. At 38.5mm, the dial size is slightly larger than that of classic 1950s dress watches. This design choice by Baltany was made to improve readability and cater to modern consumer preferences, making it suitable for a variety of wrist sizes—perfect for both men and women. (Since its release, we have received strong feedback from customers requesting a 36mm version, and we are actively working on developing this size model.)

Domed Double Sapphire Crystal

The S4090 features a domed double sapphire crystal design, meaning both the front and back sides use curved sapphire crystals. The pronounced dome shape of the front crystal recreates the aesthetic of vintage acrylic watch crystals, presenting an elegant curved profile that adds a nostalgic charm. On the back, the transparent sapphire exhibition caseback fully reveals the movement, enhancing the overall openness and visual appeal of the watch.

Two Dials Options

To suit different tastes and preferences, Baltany offers the S4090 in two distinct color variations. The silver steel version features a silver-white dial paired with a polished stainless steel case, providing a versatile, understated look that radiates elegant sophistication. The lightly gold-plated version presents a darker dial combined with a pale gold-toned case and a classic brown leather strap, creating a more formal, vintage atmosphere. Each version uniquely interprets the iconic aesthetics of the 1950s: the stainless steel model feels cool and refined, while the gold-plated model exudes vintage luxury.

Hardening Treatment

The case of the S4090 is crafted from premium 316L medical-grade stainless steel, polished to a refined, mirror-like finish. One standout feature is Baltany’s surface hardening treatment—a specialized deposition process that forms a tougher protective layer on the steel surface. Among microbrands at this level, Baltany is one of the few applying this technique. As a result, the case achieves a Vickers hardness of around HV500.

Compared to standard stainless steel cases, this hardening process significantly improves scratch resistance, making the S4090 more durable for daily wear—without compromising the case’s natural shine or texture. Whether you choose the stainless steel or gold-plated version, both offer a solid and long-lasting case construction built to withstand the test of time.

In addition, we also use this hardening craftsmanship on 4055, 6074, 6047, and 4046. In the future, we will use this hardening technology in more styles. In micro brands, we pursue higher quality.

Craftsmanship and Materials

Light Gold Plating Process

For the light gold-plated version, we initially experimented with traditional gold plating methods, but the resulting tone was too bright. As a result, Baltany employed a special ion-plated gold (IPG) antiquing process. In traditional gold plating, a base layer of chrome or nickel is applied first, followed by the gold electroplating and a final protective coating. For the S4090, we opted for a unique electroplating process that simultaneously deposits real gold and titanium nitride onto the case surface. This technique not only gives the watch a soft, subtle gold hue but also increases the hardness of the plating, making it 2-3 times more durable than standard IPG plating.

Strap and Details

The S4090 comes equipped with a high-quality genuine leather strap, expertly tanned to achieve a soft yet durable texture. The color of the leather strap complements the watch’s design: the stainless steel version features a sophisticated light brown strap, while the gold-plated version pairs with a vintage brown tone, enhancing the elegance of the gold case. The strap width is 20mm, proportionally balanced with the case, making it suitable for both formal occasions and daily wear. The accompanying pin buckle is made from the same material as the case (either stainless steel or gold-plated) and is engraved with the Baltany logo.

Luminous

The hour and minute hands of the S4090 are treated with Swiss Super-LumiNova® GL old vintage lume, which emits a dark yellow glow, creating a distinct retro atmosphere.

Movement and Performance

The S4090 is powered by the Miyota 9039 automatic movement, known for its precision and durability. This movement offers several key advantages that make it a reliable choice for everyday wear.

Power Reserve: With a power reserve of over 42 hours, the Miyota 9039 ensures that the watch continues to run smoothly even after extended periods of non-use.

Vibration Frequency: The movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, providing smooth second-hand motion and improved accuracy.

Accuracy: The Miyota 9039 is highly accurate, with a deviation of only ±30 seconds per day, making it a dependable option for timekeeping.

Durability: Known for its robustness, the Miyota 9039 is designed to withstand the rigors of daily wear, maintaining its performance over time.

With its combination of precision, reliability, and long-lasting performance, the Miyota 9039 movement is an ideal choice for the S4090, aligning perfectly with Baltany’s commitment to quality.

Culture and Aesthetics of an Era

[Pics From：https://culture.pl/en/article/vintage-polish-fashion-divas-of-the-1950s-and-60s】

The 1950s was a time defined by elegance, refinement, and a sense of ceremony. In the wake of post-war reconstruction and economic recovery, people gravitated back toward tradition and sophistication in both fashion and lifestyle. Men wore crisp suits, women donned graceful dresses, and wristwatches—symbols of status and taste—were designed with restraint and refinement. The era’s aesthetic could be summed up as timeless elegance: unlike today’s bold sports watches, 1950s timepieces favored clean, balanced dials, harmonious proportions, and meticulously crafted details. Slim hour markers, uncluttered layouts, and delicately shaped hands spoke to a deep respect for tradition and formality. In social settings, a wristwatch wasn’t just a tool for telling time—it was an essential complement to formal attire, quietly showcasing the wearer’s taste.

The Baltany S4090 is a heartfelt tribute to this era of cultural and stylistic grace. Every detail of its design echoes the hallmarks of mid-century elegance. The pie-pan dial, reminiscent of the refined faces of iconic timepieces from that period, features a sloped outer edge paired with raised indices that add depth and dimension. A slim and clearly marked seconds track runs around the perimeter, conjuring images of classic dress watches. The faceted arrow-shaped hour markers seem to transport us back to a time when craftsmanship was paramount—each one a tiny piece of wearable art. Complementing these are slender, polished Dauphine hands and vintage-tone lume, which strike a beautiful balance between classic homage and modern-day utility.

Wearing the S4090 is like stepping into a scene from a 1950s café or standing outside a grand theater. The watch rests quietly beneath a shirt cuff, its retro glow subtly catching the light. With this timepiece, modern wearers can experience a taste of mid-century refinement—bringing a touch of nostalgic ritual into their everyday routine. It’s more than just a watch; it’s a time bridge connecting past and present, a statement of one’s appreciation for timeless culture and classic aesthetics.

Pricing & Purchase Information

As of April 16, the Baltany S4090 is available in two versions: White Dial Steel Case and Black Dial Gold Case. The current pricing is as follows:

White Dial Steel Case – $295 USD

Black Dial Gold Case – $315 USD

Use the promo code “BALOFF” at checkout to get $5 off your order.

Click here to order Now

When you're ready, you can safely purchase the S4090 through the official Baltany website. Simply visit the product page, select your preferred style, and complete the payment process with full confidence—your order is covered by our official warranty and customer support.

Additionally, select authorized retailers and partner e-commerce platforms may also carry the S4090. For the best experience, including access to promotions and the most up-to-date product info, we recommend ordering directly through official channels.

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