Accuracy certainly plays a vital role in transportation from one place to another, even the misjudge of a few seconds could cause a fatal catastrophe as seen in the Great Kipton Train Wreck in 1981 that originally sparked the advent of Ball watches we know and love today. Likewise, the aviation industry requires absolute precision in their flight operations as well. Ball Watch Co. brought into play their vast expertise in railroad watches to produce an astonishing aviation timepiece fitting for the modern day pilot - introducing the Ball Engineer III Aviator Black Ref. NM2182C-N11J-BK.
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| Ball Engineer III Aviator - Leather Ref. NM2182C-N11J-BK |
Thus far, we have seen Ball Watch Co. introduced pilot watches with sizable dimensions with bold wrist presences. This time, Ball brought to the table an incredibly refined aviator piece in a sleek 40mm package that will unequivocally satisfy a broad range of wrist sizes. Together with a case height of 12mm and a lug to lug distance of 47mm, these tasteful dimensions hit the sweet spot as a perfect everyday driver. Ball is known to integrate innovative protective features in their watches. Here, the case houses Ball’s Amortiser® Patented Anti-shock system and Mu-Metal Shield protection allowing for a remarkable shock resistance tested up to 5,000Gs.
Finishing is executed impeccably well with satin brushing on the top of the lugs that transitions to a high mirror polish at the side of the case. The thick bezel receives a lustrous high polish as well, giving the piece a dressy appearance that looks appropriate even with a suit and tie despite its tool watch nature. Water resistance on an everyday piece is essential, this piece carries an adequate water resistance rating of 100m as a result of its screw-down crown. Matching the black dial, the watch comes supplied with a durable 20mm black nylon strap.
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40mm case that unequivocally satisfy a broad range of wrist sizes
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The Engineer III Aviator Black Ref. NM2182C-N11J-BK features a deep jet black dial that strikes a balance between a simple practical layout and a modish design, bringing all the right elements that make this dial exceptionally attractive. With broad sword-style hour and minute hands, time reading is a breeze. Legibility in the dark is no less impressive, presenting a total of 14 micro self-illuminating tritium gas tubes for a pleasing glow in the night. At the 12 o’clock index, the micro gas tube glows a vibrant orange, allowing for excellent orientation. The dial is protected by a flat piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, keeping the dial crystal clear.
Accuracy has been one of the key emphasis for Ball watches, the Engineer III Aviator Black Ref. NM2182C-N11J-BK is powered by the Ball Cal. RR1102 Swiss automatic movement, a movement based on the ever-reliant ETA 2836-2 movement. This movement has a beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour and a power reserve of 38 hours. The Cal. RR1102 is protected by Ball’s SpringLOCK® Patented Hairspring Anti-Shock and SpringSEAL® Patented Regulator Anti-Shock System, proprietary shock systems protecting the movement from external shocks that may cause damage.
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| 14 micro gas tubes on hour and minute and dial for night reading capability |
Ball Watch Co. brought us an overall well-built aviation piece that definitely has a place in every watch collection, as expected from a historic brand with almost 130 years of watchmaking experience. The Engineer III Aviator Black Ref. NM2182C-N11J-BK delivers unbelievable value with outstanding specifications comparable to watches that cost much above its price point. With such a versatile and handsome design, this could very well be a one-watch collection that looks stunning on any occasion.
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