Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Black/Red Ref. DG2018C-S3C-BK

The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Black/Red Ref. DG2018C-S3C-BK is a classic modern Ball watch. Overbuilt, bold, aggressive in style and of course the signature tritium gas tubes that give Ball watches the ability to maintain high visibility through prolonged periods of darkness.


Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Black/Red Ref. DG2018C-S3C-BK

The Hydrocarbon collection of watches from Ball are their toughest they can offer. With dive-watch ISO-compliant depth ratings and visibility. The Hydrocrarbon AeroGMT II features Ball's proprietary crown guard system. The system protects the crown from being accidentally damaged and also ensures that the crown is fully secured.


The AeroGMT II's stainless steel case is 42 mm in diameter. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters, anti-magnetic to 4,800A/m, and shock resistant to 7,500Gs. The bidirectional rotating two-toned sapphire bezel which features for the first time in this collection micro gas tubes for exceptional nighttime legibility.

Two-toned GMT bezel

In total, the timepiece boasts 43 tritium tubes, filled with self powered tritium gas whose energy is released when the H3 molecules strike the tubes’ internal surfaces. The result is continuous, long-lasting luminosity, up to 25 years without requiring a recharge from any outside light or energy source.


Despite its masculine appearance, the 42mm watch does not actually look that huge in person. The fairly long but curved lugs helps in wearing comfort.


The bracelet and patented folding buckle & extension system of the Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II like the watch is crazily overbuilt. Brushed outer and polished inner links with screw in links. The double folding clasp is machined out of solid steel and locks in place with authority.

Ball's patented crown system

Ball's obsession with legibility and illumination is clearly shown in the dial. The black dial is matte and textured to give it some dynamism. Simple yet attractive and utilitarian at the same time. Especially attractive for those who seek form follows function. Turn the lights off and this thing is a different beast altogether. Each hour marker is fitted with yellowed tubes, doubled up at three, six, nine, and twelve. Twelve pair being illuminated in orange tubes. The sword hands feature a yellow tube each, and the GMT hand features a green tube. As if it was not bright enough, blue-colored SuperLumiNova illuminates the 24-hour inner index. This is certainly a watch you can enjoy both in daylight and in the dark.

43 self powered tritium tubes for insane luminosity

Powering the watch is BALL’s caliber RR1201-C, which is based on a ETA 2893-2. The movement, which has a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 bph, has earned a COSC chronometer certificate.


Overall, the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Black/Red Ref. DG2018C-S3C-BK is a superbly well built watch with some credentials to go with it. Overbuilt, masculine, anti-magnetic, shock resistant, GMT function with COSC accuracy. What more can you ask for in a watch?

 

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