Fergus Nash The new Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer features a domed sapphire inner bezel that can be used underwater and comes in six color options, including sunburst green and blue, and matte gradients of blue or brown.
It’s fair to say that dive watches are a well-worn genre in modern watchmaking. But here we have proof that you don’t need any gimmicks to make something great in 2023. The new Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer harnesses the power of perfect proportions and purposeful styling to create something entirely new while still retaining a penchant for nostalgia. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s also available in six different color options.
There is no such thing as an ideal case for a dive watch, but Ball Watch Company has figured out how to approach it pretty well. The surfaces of the thin lugs are radially brushed, with a subtle polished bevel running between the two tips on either side. The walls of the outer bezel are also polished, helping to reduce the visual effect of the increased height required to accommodate the inner bezel. While it may not be relevant to diving, both crowns are engraved with Ball’s historic “RR” logo, which has its roots in American railroads. It’s also a very wearable watch, with a size that’s kept down to 42mm in diameter, with a lug-to-lug length of 49mm and a thickness of 13.5mm. The width of the inner bezel also helps make the watch appear a little smaller on the wrist, given the limited diameter of the dial. The bracelet, which is polished in the center and brushed on the outside, is a little longer in length due to the protruding end links, but its curves make it fit the wrist well. If that bothers you, you can always opt for a rubber strap, or find your own 21mm strap replacement.
Speaking of the internal bezel, it’s a pretty clever one. It’s uniquely designed with a convex sapphire crystal that gives it a vintage feel and beautiful reflections, while the case’s domed sapphire crystal means there’s no need to worry about scratches. That said, it’s still practical when you get underwater. The crown is always bright and shiny thanks to the use of a micro tritium gas tube. The tube color can be chosen from classic green and yellow, or a rainbow assortment. The dial itself of the Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer is in typical Ball style, with blocky hour markers, fencepost hands, a date window with a cyclops magnifier, and an ornate counterbalance for the seconds hand. There’s also a neat minute track between the dial and the bezel. When it comes to color, there’s a wide range of choices, including versatile black, sunburst green and blue, matte blue or brown gradients, and a black dial with a white bezel.
The Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer is powered by caliber RR1101-C, an improved version of the ETA 2892-A2 that is COSC-certified to chronometer standards. This means guaranteed timekeeping within -4/+6 seconds per day, a 4Hz beat rate for smooth sweeps, and a 42-hour power reserve. The case protects the movement from magnetism, with magnetic resistance up to 1,000 gauss and water resistance to 300m. The internal bezel can be operated underwater using a push-and-twist function to ensure it will not accidentally shift out of position.
Pricing and availability for the Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer:
The Ball Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer can be pre-ordered on Ball’s website at a special price until March 8th. Price: $2,199 USD (steel bracelet – MSRP $2,599 USD) / $2,099 USD (rubber strap – MSRP $2,499 USD)
Brand Ball Model Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer Case Size 42mm x 49mm x 13.5mm Case Material Stainless Steel Water Resistance 300m Crystal Sapphire Dial Black, Green, Blue, Blue Gradient, Brown Gradient Lug Width 21mm Strap Steel Bracelet or Rubber Strap Movement RR1101-C Power Reserve 42 Hours Availability Available for Pre-order Now Price Steel Bracelet MSRP $2,599 (Pre-order US$2,199) / Rubber Strap MSRP US$2,499 (Pre-order – $2,099)
