Reliability and functionality has always been the ethos of Ball Watch Co. since the beginning. Likewise, the “Engineer Hydrocarbon” range of watches consist of modern feature-rich sports models that are insanely tough, packing impressive shock resistance and exclusive patented innovations with robustness in mind. In spite of its name, the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE is a watch catered towards frequent travellers or pilots requiring time reading of a second time zone instead of engineers. Nonetheless, this is a visually stunning piece that is truly built like a tank.

Right off the bat, it is apparent that the Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE is distinctly built for purpose with such a badass appearance. Housed in a sturdy stainless steel case construction, the case bears a diameter of 40mm, notably more compact than its larger 42mm brother. Even so, the watch wears a tad larger than the measurement suggests due to its overhanging bezel and brawny crown guards, exhibiting a prominent wrist presence. With thickness of 14.5mm and a lug to lug distance of 51mm, the watch wraps around the wrist comfortably as a result of its curvaceous case shape, fitting a wide range of wrist sizes.

Ball Watch Co. nailed the finishing flawlessly with a balanced mix of brushed and polished surfaces. The longitudinal satin brushed finish on the top of the lugs transitions to a high polish at the side of the case that carries through to the specially designed crown guards. This patented crown protection system is developed for the Engineer Hydrocarbon series to secure the crown in place for a tested shock resistance of 7,500 Gs while protecting against water leakages.

The beautiful finish is consistent throughout the solid 20mm brushed H-link stainless steel bracelet with a mirror-polished centre link that tapers down to a machined butterfly deployant clasp. Every fine detail of the watch seems to be conscientiously overbuilt, from the case construction right down to the bracelet. The bracelet presents another patented feature - the folding extension buckle capable of handling 1,400 newtons of force. Similar to a diver’s extension, this innovative integration allows for quick bracelet adjustments on the fly, especially for pilots to fit over aviation apparels.

Undeniably, the distinguishing characteristic of the Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE is its ravishing black and green curved sapphire 24-hour bezel. As a GMT timepiece, the 120-click bezel rotates bidirectionally to track an additional time zone. If you think it's already impressive as it is, the bezel flaunts an array of micro tritium gas tubes that provides excellent nighttime legibility.

Ball Watch Co. is best known for their brilliant use of micro tritium gas tubes in their watches. The deep blue dial of the Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE utilizes their signature micro gas tubes on the hands and markers with a combination of various vibrant colours, illuminating like a party on the dial in dark lighting conditions. Additionally, dial numerals are treated with SuperLuminova luminous paint for an extra glow. With its large sword-style hour and minute hands, time reading is exceptionally easy with a simple glance to the wrist. Above that, the dial is protected by a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.

Accuracy has been one of the key emphasis for Ball watches, the Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE is powered by the Ball Cal. RR1201-C COSC Certified Chronometer-grade Swiss automatic movement, a movement based on the ever-reliant ETA 2893-2 GMT movement. This 21 jewel movement has a beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour and a healthy power reserve of 42 hours. The Cal. RR1201-C is protected by Ball’s Amortiser® Patented Anti-Shock System, a proprietary shock system protecting the movement from external shocks that may cause damage.

The Engineer Hydrocarbon AeroGMT II Blue Ref. DG2118C-S11C-BE is one hell of a watch, showcasing phenomenal Swiss watchmaking and packed full of innovative features. While many larger brands dominate today’s watch market, Ball continues to produce incredibly well-made timepieces such as the Aero GMT II that outclasses many watches of way higher price tags. With amazing specifications and a captivating design, this is one that will definitely stand out from the crowd.