Engineer III Pioneer Black Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK

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.

Ball Engineer III Pioneer Black Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK

Unveiling the new Engineer III Pioneer Black Bracelet - Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK. The Engineer III Pioneer measures in at conservative 40mm in diameter with a height of 12.45mm. 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.

What makes the Engineer III Pioneer 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.

Use of 904L Stainless Steel Means Exceptional Shine

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.

The deep black dial of the Engineer III Pioneer expresses a really striking character with large bold numeric markers at the 12, 6 and 9 o’clock position ingeniously formed using the brand’s iconic micro tritium gas tubes in green on top of carefully placed yellow gas tubes for the rest of the markers, providing a gratifying all-day time reading experience. Further boosting the dial’s compelling appearance, broad sword-style hands complete the look perfectly. Protecting the dial lies a piece of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating for a crystal clear view of this amazing dial. 

Elegant case and bracelet finishing

Under the hood, the Engineer III Pioneer 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 Pioneer 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.

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

Summing things up, the Engineer III Pioneer Black Bracelet - Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK 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.