Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest
Angus Davies explores the delights of the Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest with his hands-on review.
This detailed review of the Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest includes live images and specification details.
Very few people who purchase a diver’s watches fully explore the potential of their chosen timepiece. This is a similar scenario to those who purchase an SUV, only to ever drive on smooth tarmacadam roads within an urban setting. However, scrutinising this argument, I would counter that SUVs offer an elevated driving position, robustness, flexibility to go off the beaten-track and an aesthetic appearance which appeals to many.
If you analyse the prospect of owning a diver’s watch, they have an intrinsic strength which makes them highly wearable. The wearer does not have to consider removing their timepiece prior to showering or swimming. Moreover, those who have damaged their watch by venturing into the jacuzzi or sauna and subjecting their prized timepiece to thermal shock, may well appreciate the go anywhere ability of the Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest.
Brawn and strength
Whilst I seldom venture much deeper than the shallow-end of the swimming pool at my local gym, the appearance of the DeepQuest design appeals to my tastes. It is overtly masculine and is blessed with a brawny physique.
The Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest is machined from a solid block of titanium, with the caseback integral to the case, mitigating the risk of ingress. The crown protectors, again integral to the case, render the watch with a sinew-like strength.
The bezel is directly screwed to the case, reducing the number of areas which can distort under pressure.
For those who genuinely intend to use the Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest in a professional capacity, a helium valve, located on the left hand side of the caseband, ensures the watch is capable of deep-sea exploration. The watch has a water resistance of 3000 metres, confirming this is “the real deal” and no faux diver’s tool.
The bracelet
The bracelet is constructed of titanium and stainless steel with a brushed appearance. It features a triple folding clasp and two extensions allow the watch to be worn over a diving suit. I repeatedly opened and closed the clasp and found the positive action noteworthy.
The clasp provides secure closure and imparts peace of mind that the bracelet will not readily come adrift. The smooth texture of the bracelet reaffirms the perception of quality, intrinsic to the timepiece.
A dial with depth
The dial displays hours, minutes, central seconds and the date. Whilst these functions do not represent anything revolutionary, the appearance of the dial is unique. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal is 5.3 mm thick, creating a wonderful depth to the dial. It draws the eyes to the details presented, acting like a metaphor for deep sea exploration.
Micro gas tubes
Legibility is excellent, with 12 patented rectangular micro gas tubes on the dial, marking each hour, and 3 micro gas tubes on each of the three hands. An inner flange is marked with Arabic numerals, marked in integers of ten.
The micro gas tubes contain tritium gas, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. The material is safely held within hollow mineral glass tubes. The internal surfaces of the tubes are coated with a luminous material which is activated by electrons emitted by the tritium.
Some with a knowledge of historical watchmaking may be concerned by the use of tritium. Radioactive materials caused ill-health in workers who painted watch dials with radium. However, Ball Watch are keen to point out that there is no danger to the “wearer of a complete and intact watch being exposed to any irradiation”.
The benefit of tritium is that it provides superior brightness than conventional luminous paints and has a “life easily reaching 25 years”.
ETA movement
Ball Watch are very honest, openly specifying they have used an ETA 2892 within the watch. The ETA movement is self-winding and protected by an anti-magnetic case construction. Moreover, the watch has been subject to extreme shock testing and is said to withstand a 7500G shock resistance test without any evidence of damage.
The watch is a chronometer with COSC certification. Only 3% of Swiss watch production meets this rigorous testing criteria.
Conclusion
The Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest is a thoroughly-engineered diver’s watch, packed with many patented features. It does not pretend to contain a manufacture movement, it readily discloses its talents with its handsome and purposeful appearance.
The watch has a hewn from granite quality. It looks capable of shrugging off minor impacts with no adverse effect. The thick sapphire glass, anti-magnetic protection, impressive water resistance, robust bracelet and specified shock resistance all suggest that post an apocalypse the DeepQuest will survive thanks to its resilient character.
With accessible pricing, the Ball model fulfills its professional role admirably. However, the DeepQuest offers much practicality and appeal to those who seldom leave the safety of suburban domesticity and seek a practical ownership proposition ideally suited to every day wear.
Technical Specification
- Model: Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest
- Ref: DM3000A-SCJ-BK
- Case: Titanium; diameter 43.00 mm; height 16.00 mm; water resistant to 300 bar (3000 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback.
- Functions: Hours; minutes; central seconds; date.
- Movement: ETA 2892, self-winding movement; frequency 28,800 vph (4Hz); 21 jewels; power reserve 42 hours.
- Bracelet: Titanium and steel bracelet with patented folding buckle and extension system
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