Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Patriot

Ready to mark off 250 years

With this year marking off 250 years of America’s existence, there’s going to be all sorts of stuff coming out to help you mark the occasion. We know full-well that watch brands love to celebrate an anniversary, and there are undoubtedly going to be more of these announced (we actually have a hands-on review of one in the works for another brand). If you want to not just mark the year, but also have some fireworks on your wrist at the same time, the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Patriot is up for pre-order right now.

Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Patriot: what it is

Well, first and foremost, it’s a design that has been around for almost a decade now. You get the legendary triple protection (shock, water, and anti-magnetism) the brand is known for, wrapped in a robust steel case. On the Hydrocarbon line, you also get the swing-away crown protector, which can also double as a fidget toy in a pinch. On top of all of that, you’ve got the capacity to track up to three time zones (main time, GMT hand, and then the bi-directional bezel). Then, of course, you’ve got the tritium illumination, with 44 tubes on the dial, and additional lighting under the sapphire bezel insert.

What makes it special for the 250th?

For that, it’s all about the dial. At the 6 o’clock position, you’ve got Ol’ Glory waving in the wind, as well as the 1776 - 2026 years listed out. In case that math trips someone up, they’ve also got the 250 years called out at 9 o’clock, inside a ring of stars.

Now, you do have a choice of dial to have those printed on, as well. You could go with the geometric, space-age look of the silver meteorite dial, sure. For us, though, the gold medal would go to the dark blue aventurine dial, which gives the look of a starry sky, due to the metals embedded in the glass. It’s a unique look, and if you’ve not seen it in person (on any watch), it’s worth seeking out.

Wrapping things up

Along with the two dial choices, you’ve also got a choice in case size for the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Patriot - 40mm or 42mm. Pricing for this limited edition (250 pieces, we presume of each variant, which would make for 1000 total) is the same for the size, it’s the dial that makes the difference.

The meteorite dial commands $4,699, while the starry-sky aventurine dial is $3,749. The pre-order closes out on April 29, 2026, with delivery anticipated for September 2026. So, unfortunately, you won’t have it in time for Independence Day, but you’ll still have the keepsake of the year. Check it out, and pre-order yours, directly at ballwatch.com

Tech Specs

• Model number

  • DG2118C-S24C-ABE (40mm / Blue Aventurine Glass Dial)

  • DG2018C-S24C-ABE (42mm / Blue Aventurine Glass Dial)

  • DG2118C-S24C-MSL (40mm / Silver Meteorite Dial)

  • DG2018C-S24C-MSL (42mm / Silver Meteorite Dial)

• Limited Edition: 250 pieces

• Movement

  • Automatic caliber BALL RR1201-C

  • Chronometer certified COSC

• Functions

  • 44 micro gas tubes on hour, minute, second, second time zone hands, dial and bezel for night reading capability

  • Luminous three time zone indication

  • Shock resistant to 7,500Gs

  • Anti-magnetic to 4,800A/m

  • Water resistant to 100m/330ft

  • Hours, minutes, sweep seconds and date

• Case

  • Stainless steel

  • Ø 42mm, height 13.85mm or Ø 40mm, height 14.5mm

  • Bidirectional rotating curved sapphire bezel with micro gas tubes for night reading capability

  • Dome-shaped anti-reflective sapphire crystal

  • Patented crown protection system

• Band: Tapered stainless steel bracelet with patented folding buckle & extension system

• Dial: Blue Aventurine Glass or Silver Meteorite

• Recommended retail price

  • US$ 3,749.- (Blue Aventurine Glass Dial)

  • US$ 4,699.- (Silver Meteorite Dial)