While there are a few super-bright lume applications out there to light up your wrist, few sort of have that cachet to it like tritium tubes. The fact that you can get a lit-up dial without having exposed it to light, and the sheer variety of colors, well that’s just fun. In terms of a luxury Swiss watch, Ball is the brand to go with. I’ve long admired the Engineer III lineup, and the Ball Engineer III Legend Arabic is aimed squarely at my interests.

How is it aimed? Well, let’s see – a 40mm case (that’s just 11.5mm thick), a cyclops on the date display, wider tubes on the handset that matches the dial, and the fact that you can get their newer Rainbow layout on the tritium tubes. This one, of course, has the large Arabic numerals as 12, 6, and 9, which really shows the tritium off. I might have a hard time deciding between this and the plain indice model, but the tube width match is something that would lean me towards this one. Plus the sheer light show you get here.

Of course, the Ball Engineer III Legend Arabic has all the protections we expect from a Ball – water resistance (100m), anti-magnetism (1,000 Gauss), and shock resistance (5000 Gs). In other words, whatever you’re going to do, this COSC movement will be well-protected, and give you a watch that will last years, and decades (with proper movement maintenance).

I’ll also say, from my own experience (I do finally have my own Ball watch, which we’ll be reviewing soon), their bracelets really are quite nice. They’re comfortable, simple adjustments, and the alternating brushed-and-polished finish really sets the case off nicely, allowing the watch to be a versatile piece.

Frankly, there’s quite a lot to like about the Ball Engineer III Legend Arabic. Color-wise, you’ve got good choices on the dials, plus the ability to get some color-matched textile straps (again, my recommendation is the bracelet). For what this is offering (including a COSC rated movement), this is really quite a solid value for a watch, and it gives you everything you need – a clean dial, clear indication of the time, and a magnified date for tired eyes. Delivery is anticipated for May 2023, so you won’t have long to wait to put this on your wrist. Pre-order your own for $2,349 (a $400 discount) directly at ballwatch.ch

Tech Specs from Ball

  • LIMITED EDITION: 1000
  • WEIGHT: Approx. 160g
  • MOVEMENT
    • Automatic caliber BALL RR1101-C
    • Chronometer certified COSC
  • SIZE (CASE): Ø 40mm, height 11.5mm
  • WATER RESISTANCE: 100m/330ft
  • ANTI-MAGNETISM: 1,000 Gauss (80,000 A/m)
  • MICRO GAS TUBES: 29 micro gas tubes on hour, minute and second hands, dial for night reading capability
  • FUNCTIONS
    • Hours, minutes, sweep seconds and magnified date
    • 5,000Gs shock resistance
  • CASE MATERIAL
    • 904L stainless steel
    • Amortiser® patented anti-shock system
  • CROWN: Screwed-in crown
  • CRYSTAL: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
  • DIAL COLOR: Black, blue, green, or white
  • BRACELET: 904L stainless steel bracelet, rubber, or woven textile
  • LUG WIDTH: 20mm
  • LUG TO LUG: Approx. 46.6mm

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Last Update: January 13, 2023