Engineer III Invigorating Serpent Ref. NM9026C-S47-MAL - 904L Steel

Ball Watch Company is one of the most respected and established watch brands in the United States with their watches Made in Switzerland. They have been updating their product range in the 21st century, enabling them to keep pace with shifting consumer patterns. Not leaving their roots, Ball continues to uphold original details, such as the watch dial that faithfully follows the design guidelines for the standard railway watch. Till this day, Ball makes superior watches that endure all adverse conditions, even more so could be seen in their all new Engineer III Pioneer collection.
 
Unveiling the new Engineer III Invigorating Serpent 40mm, a refined tribute to the Year of the Snake. The Engineer III Invigorating Serpent measures in at conservative 40mm in diameter, 46.6mm lug to lug with a height of 12.5mm. Further, it features a screwed-in crown, commonly found on most Ball's watches, allowing it to have a 100m/330ft water resistance. Once the time and date adjustments are done, screwing back the crown will enable one to bring it out for some splash around water.

Ball Engineer III Invigorating Serpent Ref. NM9026C-S47-MAL - 904L Steel

What makes the Engineer III Invigorating Serpent really unique is the use of 904L stainless steel through and through. This steel has been used primarily by the big "R" company for decades now. 904L grade stainless steel is unlike any other steel. Due to its extra amounts of chromium, molybdenum, nickel and copper, 904L steel features superior resistance to corrosion, rust and acids. While its unique hardness allows it to withstand extreme conditions, it also requires special machinery and production processes in order to be shaped. Visually, 904L grade steel has an exceptional high polish compared to 316L steel and ages exquisitely well.
 
Selected BALL timepieces are now built using 904L steel. Though every timepiece is made to handle harsh conditions, the implementation of 904L stainless steel only fortifies the strength and reliability.

Use of 904L Stainless Steel Means Exceptional Shine

Dripping in elegance and mystery, the Engineer III Invigorating Serpent mesmerizes with a lush malachite dial, its rich green hue evoking the sinuous allure of a serpent in motion. The natural horizontal striations of the stone create an organic depth, ensuring that no two dials are ever alike.  This Engineer III Invigorating Serpent elevates its sophisticated charm with the applied steel hour markers, all are meticulously beveled and highly polished. Each housing a tritium tube that glows with an enchanting green radiance in the dark. Complementing this brilliance, finely polished dauphine hands glide effortlessly across the dial, also embedded with micro tritium gas tubes for unwavering luminosity. The slim steel seconds hand, tipped with a glowing tritium tube, subtly balances the design with Ball's signature "RR" logo at its opposite end. Protecting this visual spectacle is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating to ensure an immaculate view of the artistry beneath.
 
Further embracing the serpent theme, the Chinese character for "Snake" proudly sits at the 6 o'clock position, glowing brilliantly in SuperLumiNova. This striking detail not only reinforces the watch's tribute to the Year of the Snake, but also harmonizes beautifully with the SuperLumiNova minute track and the micro gas tubes embedded in the hour markers and handsets. When darkness falls, the entire dial comes alive with a hypnotic green glow, enhancing both its visual allure and practical readability, making every glance a truly immersive experience.

27 micro gas tubes on hour, minute and second hands and dial for night reading capability

Under the hood, the Engineer III Invigorating Serpent is driven by the Chronometer certified COSC Ball Caliber RR1103-C Swiss automatic movement, a chronometer-grade engine based on the ever-reliable 25 jewel ETA 2824-2 or the 26 jewel Sellita SW200 depending on the execution. Beating at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour with a healthy power reserve of approximately 38 hours, this mechanical movement is meticulously crafted and vigorously tested by Ball to deliver utmost precision and performance. Adding to the mix, the watch is rated with a shock resistance of 5,000Gs and anti-magnetic to 80,000A/m, making it incredibly robust for the daily grind.
 
The new Engineer III Invigorating Serpent is paired with their elegant solid links bracelet that is made from the same 904L steel material, with a nice mixture of polished and satin finished throughout. The bracelet features a double-sided locking clasp system which makes the bracelet more streamlined when being worn. signed tang buckle.
 
Summing things up, the Engineer III Invigorating Serpent is certainly for someone who appreciates fine watchmaking that packs reliability and value from a respected watch company. The use of 904L stainless steel gives the watch an exceptional glow while making it tougher and more corrosion resistant at the same time. The watch exhibits exceptional value given that it has a 28,800bph modified ETA movement. The beautifully designed dial with self-illuminating tritium tubes and exceptional case makes this watch high up in the value-for-money chart. We cannot find a reason not to like this watch if you are in the market for an everyday smart casual watch. Wanted to find something for the year of snake? Have a look on this one!

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