https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands-on-the-ball-engineer-iii-marvelight-chronometer-40mm/

BALL are a bit of an oddity in the hierarchy of Swiss watches, having enjoyed such a rich history but not always getting the attention they deserve. They’re not exactly a budget brand, but their prices are definitely reasonable, so they fit into a very versatile pocket of luxury. Having been updated with three fresh colour options, the BALL Engineer III Marvelight Chronometer 40mm could easily be a contender for a one-watch collection, or at least an incredibly durable daily wearer that looks and feels like quality.

As a watch based around simplicity and subtlety, the 40mm case is presented entirely in a highly polished finish. Although BALL’s history is steeped in engineering and toughness, this watch is far more aimed at those who want a luxury object that can withstand the rigours of daily wear.

The use of 904L stainless steel ensures not only an increased resilience to tarnishing, but also retains a more brilliant polish. The sides of the case are the best example of this effect, proving an almost distortion-free mirrored image. You definitely get the impression that this is a nice watch right away, and 100m of water resistance is enough to make it completely versatile without the need for over-the-top specs or aggressive tool-watch stylings.

The BALL Engineer III Marvelight dial isn’t shy about its similarity to the modern Datejust, although it’s the differences which make it undoubtedly its own watch with its own character. The BALL personality of technical prowess and precision is evidenced by a sleek dauphine handset, the elaborate counterweight on the seconds hand, and the depth of the applied indices. The new available sunburst colours are all delectable, one being a sumptuous dark green, a lighter blue, and a decadent wine-red fumé.

What sets this company apart from most other Swiss brands is the use of tritium gas tubes in place of painted Super-Luminova, providing a constant glow regardless of how much UV the watch has been exposed to. You can see the tubes, although they’re more like glass boxes, surrounded by a silver frame that creates a nice sparkle as the light catches all of the edges. The glow of the indices and hands are all green with the exception of the 12 o’clock marker which is more of an orange-red.