Ball, alongside the United States Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, have developed a whole new breed of watch. We already have many capable watches built to withstand high levels of magnetism, shock and moisture, so deep dive watches, and those almost immune to magnetism, do already exist. However, the ultimate test lies in shock-proofing a watch with numerous delicate moving parts—a formidable challenge that has long been the pinnacle of horological achievement.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD - Credit WatchGecko
- Regular price
- £28.00
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- £28.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £28.00
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- £28.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £28.00
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- £28.00
- Unit price
- per
Ball has truly crafted something exceptional here with its patented anti-shock technologies—the SpringSEAL regulator and SpringLOCK hairspring. The SpringSEAL® ensures that the regulator's setting remains secure even in the event of impact, eliminating the need for frequent resetting. Meanwhile, the SpringLOCK® reduces the shock impact on the balance spring by an impressive 66% compared to the Swiss certification standards for mechanical movements.
The high levels of anti-magnetism (1000 gauss) are achieved by using a mumetal shield. Mumetal, consisting of nickel, iron, copper, and molybdenum, is an alloy renowned for its exceptional magnetic permeability. This characteristic empowers it to both attract and divert static or low-frequency magnetic field lines with remarkable efficiency.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD - Credit WatchGecko
This model offers two distinctive configurations, each distinguished primarily by its bezel and second-hand design. The first variant features a fully polished handset and a bezel adorned with a sleek black ceramic insert. Conversely, the alternative option, which we had the opportunity to experience first-hand, boasts a stainless steel bezel embellished with striking red and black markings, complemented by a vibrant red-tipped second hand.
The box crystal sapphire glass of this timepiece features a Cyclops lens positioned over the date display, complemented by an anti-reflective coating on its underside. Machined from solid Titanium, with a diameter of 42mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 53.2mm, this watch presents a robust presence on the wrist, appearing wider than some counterparts. The unidirectional bezel, protruding slightly by only 1mm, aids in convenient adjustment. Elevated at 14.5mm above the wrist, the watch boasts a commanding presence, further emphasised by the intricately adorned case back proudly showcasing the emblem of the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD Cyclops - Credit WatchGecko
The case has a fine-brushed finish and nicely detailed polished bevels along its edges, elevating its rugged design. The water resistance is a decent 300m, allowing it to go way below some of its counterparts.
While the Panerai-esque crown guard bears similarities to the Omega PloProf watches, the Ball rendition offers a distinct feature. Upon unscrewing the crown cap, the hinged guard seamlessly swings away, granting access to the straightforward pull-in/out crown. This innovative design serves a crucial purpose: it shields the crown from direct impacts, preventing any potential damage from transferring to the stem and subsequently, the movement itself.
Ball’s Most Shock-Resistant Watch Ever
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD Crown - Credit WatchGecko
This crown protection system also helps to isolate the fully suspended movement within the Titanium case. Thus, how Ball has achieved such impressive test results on its shock resistance. To address this challenge, an innovative elastomer ring encircles the dial, hands, and movement, serving as a suspension system. This unique design enables the internal components to move slightly within the case, with the elastomer bumper effectively absorbing the majority of forces resulting from impacts.
Initially, it was quite unnerving to see the dial move slightly when you released the crown to set the time. Once you understand the mechanics around this, you will not pay it any attention, as it is part of the core reason this watch was developed.
The Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD proudly touts its ability to endure a free fall from a remarkable height of up to 10 meters. Even I’m not that clumsy, but hey, it’s good to know that just to put your mind at rest.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD Caseback - Credit WatchGecko
The engine powering this is the Ball Calibre COSC-certified RR1101-CSL which offers a 42-hour power reserve. This movement also uses a special type of lubricant allowing the watch to run accurately in extreme environments, from -45° to 80°C.
The matte black dial has white text and at 3 o’clock, a date window. The oversized 12, 6 and 9 indicators use Ball’s micro-tube technology to build the numbers, and the hour markers and hands also make use of these tiny tritium tubes. During the day this is, without doubt, a very legible dial, but it’s at low light or under the glow of a torch, these tubes come to life. This ingenious system operates without the need for recharging from any light sources and shines approximately 100 times brighter than competing technologies. Ball watches have a very distinctive look with these micro tubes and I applaud them for standing alongside their competition, whilst offering something unique.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD - Credit WatchGecko
The 21mm bracelet is a bit of a pain for those strap changers out there, as you won’t be able to use your 20mm or 22mm straps and will have to invest in yet another size. This aside, the bracelet tapers to 18mm and features a super tough butterfly clasp as well as a dual extension that operates on either side of the signed clasp.
But to the question of how does it wear?
To be honest, pretty well. I own a couple of 42mm watches and it does feel a little bulkier than my Tudor Pelagos FXD, but not by too much. The lightness of the Titanium is welcomed, as this would be a chunky monkey if made from Stainless Steel.
The Ball fans will like these, I have no doubt. If you’re after a super rugged watch with an individual look, that will survive the harshest environments, then maybe try one out.
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD - Credit WatchGecko
Specifications
- Models - DM3200A-S1C-BK / DM3200A-S2C-BK
- Movement - Automatic caliber BALL RR1101-CSL, Chronometer certified COSC, SpringLOCK® patented hairspring anti-shock system, SpringSEAL® patented regulator anti-shock system, Special movement oil to endure -45°C to 80°C / -49°F to 176°F
- Functions - 28 micro gas tubes on hour, minute and second hands, dial and bezel for night reading capability Shock resistant to 50,000Gs/10-metre free fall Anti-magnetic to 1,000 Gauss/80,000A/m
- Water resistance - 300m/1,000ft
- Hands - Hours, minutes, sweep seconds and magnified date.
- Case – Titanium
- Dimensions - Ø 42mm, height 13.7mm
- Bezel - Luminous ceramic or stainless steel unidirectional rotating bezel with gas tube inset Mu-metal shield
Patented shock absorption elastomer ring. - Crystal - Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Patented crown protection system - Band - Tapered titanium and stainless steel bracelet with patented folding buckle
- Dial Colour - Black
- Price - £2,760.00 (Red) £3,231(Black Ceramic)
