First things first. Let’s all get our minds out of the gutter and leave the crude, juvenile schoolyard jokes behind. We’re better than that. Aren’t we? Yes, I get that jokes about balls are just too easy and we should all rise above it and move on to more sophisticated humour. Probably.

Ball watches may not be front of mind for the vast majority of us considering a watch purchase, but it really shouldn’t be overlooked… once you get past the name… Yes, I know what I typed just in the previous paragraph. But it’s just too easy.

As the size of your balls, all the best quality of the watches are hidden, away from prying eyes. But once you dive deeper you’ll see that perhaps these inner qualities are worth a second glance. Or three.

To be honest, much like the rest of you, I’ve not given the Balls a second glance. Even though I’ve known about the brand for a long time, the only thing that I knew about them was their glow-in-the-dark capabilities, thanks to their tritium gas tube technology. Other than that, to me, they were just another brand utilising reliable workhorse movements from ETA/sellita, but not much else stood out.

So when I was given the chance to grab a couple of Balls, I jumped at the opportunity to see exactly what’s what. And I am pleasantly surprised. Really.

The watch is the Engineer Hydrocarbon Original in the 40mm size. Right off the bat, without even digging into the specs, and going off purely by first impressions, it is a very solid watch. You certainly feel the heft, but even more so is the fit and finish, which is in keeping with the price point; better than a few other brands which won’t be named and shamed… The confidence-inspiring “click” of the patented double deployant clasp (albeit a little on the thick side and with sharp-ish edges) feels like once the watch is fully locked on, nothing less than Godzilla could separate it from your wrist.

Next, we come to the crown guard, and although it’s a nice aesthetic touch that gives the range a distinctive style, I’m not fully convinced by its day-to-day usefulness, even though I’m sure it does the job it’s designed to do. However, it’s fiddly on the wrist, especially in contrast to how solid the rest of the watch is, almost like a case of form over function.

The vintage RR font also felt out of place with the rest of the watch’s design language. It has its place on the more vintage-styled “Official Railway Watch” range.

Once you get past these highly subjective points (and these are very personal opinions so they may not matter to you one bit) there are a lot of objectively impressive innovations which aren’t readily visible. If these were done by IWC you can be sure they’d be plastered all over public transport and splashed across Lewis Hamilton’s chest.

Why don’t we just go ahead and list all the features and innovations in the watch you simply can’t see? Take a deep breath….

904L stainless steel

Chronometer certified

Shock resistant to 7500G

Antimagnetic to 80,000 A/M

Tritium gas tubes

Mu-Metal shield

Patented Spring lock hairspring anti-shock system

Patented Springseal regulator anti-shock system

Patented Amortiser anti-shock system

Patented crown protection system

Patented folding buckle and extension system

A lot of these features are completely practical in today’s day-to-day life, and all contribute to the continuation of timekeeping no matter what life throws at you. Considering this, it is truly an extraordinary value for money. The railway system may not have the cache it used to enjoy but there is no doubt that the world has continued to build upon the standards set by Ball, and this is certainly reflected in the watchmaking.

This is a heavy watch on the wrist. You will definitely feel the heft. But in saying that, the watch is very comfortable (as comfortable as a heavy watch can be), and it comes in 2 sizes (40mm and 43mm) so you’re more likely to find one that will fit you best.

You gotta have the balls to pick one up over something that is perceived to be more established and with more marketing might. But a Ball is more about inner strength and hidden talents in a good looking package that tells the world you’d rather pay for innovation than advertising. Oh. And unbeatable lume.

Reference: DM2118B-SCJ-BK

Specification:

• Case: 40 mm and thickness of 14.55mm, lug-lug 51.1mm and weighing 140g
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black
• Crystal: 3.1mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Movement: Automatic caliber BALL RR1102-CSL (Chronometer certified COSC)
• Power reserve: 44 Hours
• Strap:  Tapered stainless steel bracelet with patented folding buckle & extension system

Australian Retail Price: $5,200.00

Availability:Available now, Headover to Ball.com for more information

Once upon a time, if you wanted a mid-priced automatic chronograph, chances are it’ll be powered by the ETA 7750 (or one of its close siblings), and the only choice really was the brand and the style. The movement was so ubiquitous that it was literally everywhere and fitted to almost everything. The dial layout was distinctive, and the rotor wobble was familiar, instantly giving away the engine within.

Don’t get me wrong. This wasn’t a bad thing. The movement is a low key high achiever, easily running within COSC specs day in and day out without so much as breaking a sweat. It is a tough, durable, workhorse movement, designed from the beginning as an integrated chronograph, making it very efficient and the “almost 2 days” of power reserve is a testament to that fact. You might scoff at the power reserve but keeping in mind that this movement has been around since the 70s, largely unchanged, and 2 days was the norm for many decades. Plus, if you wear it every day, then it’s really a moot point.

The only thing that might generate heated debate is how much value you attach to a watch powered by the 7750. Given that you could find it anywhere from a Tissot to an Omega, both part of the Swatch Group, and to other brands such as Breitling, IWC, Chopard, and even Franck Muller. But that’s not the end of it, as the movement is so good that many complication modules could be mounted and still be ridiculously reliable. 

One of the most complicated modules is the perpetual calendar split-second chronograph with tourbillon and minute repeater from IWC in their grande complications watch, the 125th anniversary Il Destriero Scafusia (the “Warhorse from Schaffhausen”). Granted it’s probably more than just a module, but a thorough modification, whilst still using the movement as a base.

Nowadays we are swamped with a plethora of choices when it comes to automatic chronographs. A few, more budget-conscious versions might still have their roots firmly in the 7750 base (Sellita versions) but further up the pricing ladder, you also have the Breitling B01, shared with Tudor, the Tag Heuer 02, The Omega 9300 series, Hublot Unico, Zenith El Primero, IWC 69370 (which could be argued that it is still very loosely based on the 7750 architecture). La Joux-Perret also makes chronograph movements that are more or less based on the 7750. And we are barely scraping the surface of the depth of influence this movement has. But this is really a massive digression, so let’s get back to the watch on hand – the Ball Engineering Hydrocarbon NEDU.

If you do want a bit more in-depth analysis on the 7750 and its variants, let us know down in the comments section below and we can look at potentially doing a series in tribute to this absolute legend of an unsung hero.

Oh and before you all leave comments about the ETA 2894-2.. this is a DD module on top of 2892. In my books, it’s not a true chronograph. 

NEDU stands for Nacy Experimental Diving Unit and describes its mission as: “The Navy Experimental Diving Unit tests and evaluates diving, hyperbaric, and other life-support systems and procedures, and conducts research and development in biomedical and environmental physiology. NEDU provides technical recommendations based upon knowledge and experience, to Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command to support operational requirements of our armed forces.” Therefore, for a watch to live up to its name, it’s gotta withstand the conditions right? So, obviously, the Ball calibre RR1402-C which powers this watch is based on the ETA 7750 chronograph movement, meaning it’ll be reliable and accurate. On top of that, you get all relevant Ball technologies built-in, including shock resistance to 7500G, Anti-magnetic to 4800A/m, water-resistance of 600m with a patented helium release crown, crown protection system, and on the bracelet, the patented folding clasp and diver extension system. 

Unlike many other diving watches where it is often suggested the chronograph aren’t used underwater, here you are encouraged to activate and operate the chronograph underwater. Granted many of us are possible desk divers but hey, at least the option is there, just like using your Land Rover Disco on school runs. Just in case you need to take a shortcut through the national park…

Now, this is not a small watch, and although the lighter titanium does help, it doesn’t hide the bulk. Nor the height. At 17.3mm it’s not going to be a watch you wear with a suit. But assuming you’re in the market for this type of diving chronograph, your drawer is probably already full of other watches in varying sizes and styles. 

I guess the question is whether this is a watch for you? It’s a solidly built piece with a reliable workhorse movement. It comes with all the above-mentioned Ball technologies and phenomenon lume. It’s not a subtle watch so you’ll need to have the wrist for it. Suit and tie are out of the question. Downsides? The fiddly crown guard and screw-in pushers might annoy some, and the height of the watch means you’ll need to keep your distance from walls, corners, doors, etc. Otherwise, it’s a heck of a lot of watch for the money.

Reference: Ball DC3226A-06

Specification:

• Case: 42 mm and thickness of 17.3mm
• Case Material: Grade 5 Titanium
• Dial: Blue
• Crystal: 3.7mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal
• Water resistance: 600 meters
• Movement: Automatic caliber BALL RR1402-C (Chronometer certified COSC)
• Power reserve: 44 Hours
• Strap:  Stainless steel and titanium bracelet with patented folding buckle & extension system or rubber strap with standard buckle

Australian Retail Pricing : $6,750.00 AUD

Availability: Available now, Headover to Ball.com for more information

The world of diving is not the most pleasant environment to be in. To be accurate, consistent, and deliver trustworthy functions to underwater explorers, a watch that reaches such depths must show additional skill.

The Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST Ceramic has improved on the original model’s incredible toughness and diving features to incorporate new modern standards. This timepiece now features BALL’s patented automatic helium release valve, which is directly integrated into the crown. 

This latest timepiece is offered in two variants, a black or green dial. All features remain the same between the two models with only the dial colour being the difference. 

Design:

The Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest Ceramic has retained the ultra-tough monobloc titanium case from the original timepiece that made it so untouched and unrivaled. The 42mm case is made from a single block of titanium, which is rather impactful for a dive watch as potential interfaces are reduced, while the effects of deep sea water pressure are also minimized. 

Titanium as a material is able to withstand and absorb intense impact, and also offers extreme corrosion resistance in water. All in all, with the single milled titanium case, the water-resistance of the Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest Ceramic is rated to a depth of 1000m/3300ft. 

BALL has also strengthened the crown seals, which is usually considered a weak point in watches when it comes to water resistance. To further enhance reliability and alleviate the water pressure on the watch when the diver is coming back to the surface, BALL has implemented a patented automatic helium release valve, which is directly constructed onto the crown, leaving the titanium case untouched. 

The design of this timepiece is to ensure that the diver has clear readability at all times. For example, the markings on the ceramic bezel have been done to allow the diver to accurately monitor the immersion time as well as decompression stops. 

The bezel has been designed so that it can be rotated even with gloves on, and when rotated can be done uni-directionally to stop accidental movement in the water. In an everyday scenario, both colour variants provide excellent contrast and easy readability. 

The hour markers as well as the hands feature 15 H₃ gas tubes in green and yellow colours, which are some of the brightest colours that glow in the dark. These gas tubes are signature to BALL timepieces and are quite impressive in that it requires no external source of light while also being 100 times more efficient when compared to standard luminous strips. 

Movement:

The movement used inside the Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest Ceramic is the automatic caliber BALL RR1101-C. This COSC chronometer-certified movement is based on the ETA 2892-A2 movement and produces a frequency of 4hz (28, 800 VpH). The movement also produces a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. 

The latest DeepQUEST has unparalleled sturdiness, high water-resistance can handle extreme shocks and resist magnetic fields while ensuring comfortable wear. The Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQUEST Ceramic is definitely a dive watch that ticks all the right boxes. 

Australian Pricing:

BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest Ceramic on Strap $5,650

BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest Ceramic on Bracelet $5,800