So, last week, I wrote about the first Ball watch with flat tubes on the handset, the Ball Engineer II Timetrekker. In that article, I had wished to see flat tubes on the dial as well – and wouldn’t you know it, that’s precisely what the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Deepquest II has on offer.
Now, obviously – by both the name and the photos – the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Deepquest II is very much intended to be a dive watch. You’ve got a 1000m WR, and even a helium escape valve. Where, though? That’s a clever trick on this watch – it’s actually integrated into the crown, rather than being another divot on the case. This is important, as it helps maintain the integrity of the titanium case, which is actually a monobloc (so the movement and all are loaded from the front; no removable caseback here).
That’s right – while the flat tubes on the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Deepquest II certainly steal the show, the fact that that case (and the bracelet, should you opt for it) being made of titanium is nothing to sneeze at. While the 42mm case is small-ish for a diver, the 15.5mm height certainly is not. So, those weight savings from the use of titanium will be appreciated – and noticed – by anyone more accustomed to beefy steel divers.
Just take a look at that lume shot above – the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Deepquest II is quite a beauty there, no? As with last week’s Ball article, this one isn’t quite exactly the one for me, but it’s getting a lot of things right in my book. If you want one of the more unique – and robust – divers out there today, this one can be yours for $3,649 on the rubber strap or $3,749 on the titanium and steel bracelet. ballwatch.ch
Tech Specs from Ball
- Automatic movement caliber BALL RR1101-C, Chronometer certified COSC
- 24 micro gas tubes on hour, minute, second, and dial for night reading capability
- Automatic patented helium release valve
- Shock resistant to 7,500Gs and Anti-magnetic to 4,800A/m
- Water-resistant to 1000m/3300ft
- Hours, minutes, sweep seconds, and date
- Titanium single block case ? 42mm, height 15.5 mm
- Easy-grip unidirectional rotating bezel with Super LumiNova markings to monitor immersion time and decompression stops.
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Screwed-in crown
- Tapered titanium and stainless steel bracelet with patented folding buckle & extension system or rubber strap with standard buckle
