“Engineer Hydrocarbon” Series
The Engineer Hydrocarbon collection is the ultimate personification of the BALL Watch identity. It is its iconic hero! This series exudes unrivalled character that transforms its wearer into an unmistakable hero. It goes where he goes, cleaved to his wrist, leaving all others in its wake! Its ergonomic design means the wearer can forget about it and just focus all his attention on his current mission. The high performance advanced by locomotive engineers inspired the creation of the Engineer Hydrocarbon collection, BALL's most sophisticated and rugged watches.
The Engineer Hydrocarbon collection boasts unrivalled resistance features. The case is tested for shock resistance to 7,500Gs, including the relatively weaker crown position where the patented crown protection system ensures shock resistance and 300m/1,000ft water resistance even in the event of a blow to the crown. The lubrication system of the Engineer Hydrocarbon was engineered to function in all temperatures, from –40°C to 60°C (-40 to 140°F). Anti-magnetic resistance reaches 12,000A/m, by utilizing a shaped soft iron inner jacket. The exclusive Amortiser© system provides revolutionary anti-shock protection to the movement of the Spacemaster Orbital. And finally, the micro gas tubes light up the watch in the darkest of conditions.
With the unparalleled combination of anti-magnetic, shock, water and cold temperature endurance, the “Engineer Hydrocarbon” is truly the Ultimate Explorer's Watch. Recent years have seen commemorative models honoring the world's top explorers, as in the “Engineer Hydrocarbon Alligator”, which Richard Limeburner tested during his search for the eponymous US Navy submarine, the “Engineer Hydrocarbon Titanium”, a tribute to the materials perfected in John “Mad Cow” Hembel's pursuit of the title Fastest American on Skis or the “Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster” to celebrate the Space conquest of Brian Binnie.
“Engineer Master II” Series
The engineer's primary duty was to drive the train. They were also responsible for interpreting train orders and signals as well as railroad rules and regulations. They inspected the locomotives before a run to verify fuel, sand, water and other supplies. They also synchronized time with the conductor.
The “Engineer Master II” series salutes these fine men with a variety of no-nonsense watches incorporating superb innovations such as the “Engineer Master II Telemeter”, a model clearly dedicated to the scientists, the “Engineer Master II Diver”, the watch that will light the way beneath the seas or the “Engineer Master II Diver Worldtime”, an elegant solution for the busy travelers.
“Engineer II” Series
The sport-elegant “Engineer II” series honors the old railroad heroes that were these locomotive mechanics of the past. The locomotive engineer was a real hero in olden days who took care of its engine with passion. He was the one who decided of the color of its engines, polished the coppers and proudly dolled it up. He was also allowed to alter the sound of the whistle by placing wooden stops in it, to create a unique and distinct sound. This had a side benefit for the engineer. His wife or landlady would learn to recognize that distinct sound and she knew he would be home soon, so she would have dinner waiting for him when he arrived.
“Trainmaster” Series
The trainmasters ensured that the railroad ran smoothly. They handled many different aspects of the railroad including implementing railroad policy, supervising train, yard and engine employees, conducting operational tests and safety programs, managing costs, investigating accidents and more. They had to be experienced in the operation of heavy equipment.
The models in this collection refer naturally to the first signed “BALL's Standard” watches. Their precision and reliability ensured the trains' security.
“Conductor” Series
The conductor, being the «captain» of the train, held the ultimate dignity. He also collected fares when folks boarded the train where there was no ticket agent.
The «Conductor» series vividly represents the legacy of precision watch making at BALL Watch Company. Every watch under this series is a model of minimalist elegance derived from the brand's founding spirit of infallible accuracy. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the brand's impeccable watchmaking background and its history, which is steeped in perfecting railroad time service and the crucial role of the train conductor to keep perfect time.
The new Conductor is based on a vintage 1920s BALL model, one of the earliest wristwatch models closest to the company's roots and the only rectangular shape under BALL's name. Every detail of the watch is crafted to reflect a lifestyle where every moment is treasured, and noted with clockwork accuracy, from luminous hands to silver hour indicators.
“Fireman” Series
The fireman was the heart of the locomotive, the person who kept the whole machine moving. Its main job was to shovel coal into the firebox of the engine. Early engines burned from 40 to 200 pounds of coal per mile, depending on the quality of the coal and on the engineer. Another job of the fireman was to keep the cylinders on the drive wheels oiled while the train was underway. Without his efforts loading coal into the hungry machine and maintaining the many mechanical parts of the train «en route», railroad transport would have been impossible. It was rough, dirty work and it often put the fireman in the face of danger.
Since their inception, railroads have been an integral part of modern warfare, often deciding the success or failure of entire campaigns. The first American railroad was chartered in 1827, and army maneuvers using trains were underway by the 1830s. Now, the men of the railroads were in even more extreme danger. Route scheduling was increasingly important when a train could literally be smashed off the tracks if it was in the wrong place at the wrong time. And firemen, working directly in front of the firebox, were at the most risk. It should not come as a surprise, therefore, that railroading, military service and, by extension, watchmaking share many similarities: the same adverse conditions that pose the greatest challenges to people as well as the same quest for precision and nononsense timepieces with few frills but lots of rugged functionalities. The «Fireman» series is a modern combat timepiece that embodies the railroad practicality.
