The newest Ball Watch debut tweaks the brand’s micro gas tube technology just a bit. On the dial of new Ball Engineer III King, a three-hand, day-date watch, Ball uses both thick and thin tritium-filled micro gas tubes, creating a brilliant multi-level effect for a viewer who reads the dial in dark.
Specifically, the Ball Engineer III King features 1mm-thick micro gas tubes to illuminate every hour marker, including the multi-tube 12 and 6 numerals. The minute markers are lit with 0.3mm x 2mm thin gas tubes. The self-powered gas tubes last for twenty-five years and they do not require recharging from the sun nor do they drain the watch’s power reserve.
In addition to this new gas tube layout, Ball’s watch includes DuraLock, a new in-house winding crown and sealing system that Ball says will enhance the effectiveness of the crown’s moisture and dust seal.
And as with most Ball Watch models, the Engineer III King is protected against shock with another Ball-developed technique called Amortiser. The design absorbs impact with a protective, anti-magnetic ring that runs around the movement. The ring itself helps shield the watch against magnetism to 80,000 A/m, among the strongest anti-magnetic protection levels we’ve seen inside a wristwatch at this price range. The case protects the ETA-based Ball automatic caliber BALL RR1102.
The Ball Engineer III King will be available in 40mm or 43mm diameter sizes with a choice of stainless steel or stainless steel with black titanium carbide coating case, black or blue dial, calf leather strap or stainless steel bracelet. Also, an extra NATO strap will be available ($65).Online orders offer the option of a personalized engraving on the back of the case.
Pre-orders for the watch, priced starting from $1,159 to $1,199, are available now until April 12. The Ball Engineer III King will be officially available at a full retail price starting at approximately $1,950 beginning this September.
About Ball Watch
Known for crafting chronometers, Cleveland watchmaker Webster Clay Ball was appointed chief time inspector to the federal railroads. Here, Ball performed timing tests on all railway watches replica and implemented a time standardization system. The Ball standard became so well known that in 1973 the Swiss society of chronometry based its COSC certification system on many of Ball’s recommendations and still applies them today. More than a century after that railway incident, Ball Watch is at the height of its popularity and its name remains synonymous with accuracy and dependability.