Engineer III Legend Arabic Blue - Ltd Ed 1000pcs Ref. NM9016C-S7C-BER

In 1891, about 40 miles west of Cleveland, a fast mail train collided with a passenger train. This accident later became known as the Great Kipton Train Wreck. The cause of the accident? The passenger train’s conductor’s watch had stopped functioning for a mere 4 minutes before restarting. 

Ball Engineer III Legend Arabic Blue - Ltd Ed 1000pcs Ref. NM9016C-S7C-BER

After that collision, renowned jeweller Webb C. Ball was appointed Chief Time Inspector to investigate the accident's timekeeping issues. Ball then formulated a new timekeeping system for the railroad industry, revolutionising timekeeping (in the industry) and thus making train travel significantly safer for passengers and employees. The watches employees used were certified and issued by Ball, leading to the birth of the legendary company known today as Ball Watch Co.
 
Unveiling the newest Engineer III, Ball has introduces Ball Watch Co. Engineer lll Legend Arabic featuring entirely in-house movement in one of their most popular Engineer III models, the Legend Arabic. The Engineer III measures a familiar 40mm in diameter, a thinner 11.5mm in height and has a 46.6mm lug-to-lug. The dimensions help the Engineer lll wear superbly well on any wrist, featuring a slim and familiar fit. Further, it features a screwed-in crown, making it 100m water-resistant.

Use of 904L Stainless Steel Means Exceptional Shine

What makes the Engineer III unique is the use of 904L stainless steel. This steel has been used primarily by the big "R" company for decades. 904L 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 requires special machinery and production processes to be shaped, which is why it is not as commonly used. Visually, 904L stainless steel has an exceptionally high polish compared to 316L steel and ages exquisitely well.
 
Moving on to the dial, the new Engineer III Legend Arabic sticks to its DNA from the earlier version with new additions. The classic rectangular indices is matched with the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock markers in numerals complimented with a nice pencil hand set The hands and the indices are fitted with "micro" gas tubes filling up the dial nicely while helping legibility when reading the time. Each indices glow in different colors, from either pink, orange, blue, green, white or yellow like on its sword hands to assist in visibility in the dark.

Elegant case and bracelet finishing

This blue version bears a sunburst effect, mimicking the previous models, in a striking hue, which is a nice touch. Couple this with their signature seconds hand with Ball's "RR" symbol as a counterweight on the other end. Topping things off for the dial, the Engineer III has a cyclops flat sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating underneath. The incredible details of Ball Watch Co's dial never cease to impress.
 
Ball Watch Co. Engineer lll Legend Arabic Steel is powered by the Ball calibre RR1101-C. Renowned for its precision and accuracy, a Swiss-made automatic BALL RR1101-C movement drives the timepiece's essential hours, minutes, sweep seconds and date functions. This calibre complies with the criteria of the prestigious chronometer standard authorized by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), guaranteeing Swiss accuracy and reliability. The movement is hooded by a screw-in caseback that displays Ball's iconic emblem with essential information engraved at the periphery. Alongside anti-magnetic and shock resistance properties, the Engineer lll is one reliable watch, able to keep up with you anywhere you go.

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

The new Engineer lll's bracelet is no slouch. Featuring 904L steel, the bracelet runs alongside the show's star and is done with a nice mixture of polished and satin-brushed finishing. For the first time, the bracelet gets a nice taper from 20mm to 18mm at the clasp area, making it more wearable. It further features a double-sided locking clasp system, making the bracelet appear more streamlined when worn.
 
Summing things up, the Ball Watch Co. Engineer lll Legend Arabic 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 elegant sunburst blue dial, self-illuminating tritium tubes, and exceptional case finishing make the Engineer lll high up in the value-for-money chart. We cannot find a reason to not like this watch.

Video is not available