In addition to a new in-house movement launched in 2016, Swiss Ball Watch Authorized Dealer Replica watches is also getting more serious about adding their own components and tweaks to the base movements they work with. Back in 2013 Ball announced a novel shock protection system for the balance wheel called SpringLOCK (read more here). SpringLOCK was never really deployed in a serious way because it simply cost too much to manufacture – and Ball didn’t want to charge too much of a premium for SpingLOCK-equipped watches. So for 2016, Ball introduces the second generation of SpringLOCK which is now a system that can be industrialized properly and, according to Ball, continues the mission of preventing vibrations from dramatically affecting the accuracy of mechanical watches. This new SpringLOCK system, along with other cool features is found in the new reference NM2126C-SCJ-BK Ball Engineer II PowerLIGHT 72 watch.
Ball SpringLOCK generation 1 from 2013 (above) versus SpringLOCK generation 2 from 2016 (below).
Ball apparently has a “spin-off division” called Patrick’s Labs where they work on new developments such as the caliber Ball RR1107-C movement that is inside of the Ball Engineer II PowerLIGHT 72. Working off a base Swiss automatic movement, this mechanism not only has the new generation of SpringLOCK, but also a longer power reserve. Specifically (and as the name implies), the caliber RR1107-C has 72 hours of power reserve which is about a full day more than the base movement. This is done by lowering the frequency of the movement from 4Hz to 3Hz. Normally, I don’t like this technique because you are theoretically decreasing accuracy over time in favor of a longer power reserve. With that said, the movement is still COSC Chronometer certified. This means that Ball is highly cognizant of how collectors react to lower frequency movements, and they are attempting to counter such concerns of decreased accuracy.
As promised, I am finally putting these watches together for your enjoyment. A couple of disclaimers: this isn’t a perfect matchup. The Omega and Ball Watches Kuala Lumpur Replica are all extended in similar sizes and dial colours, but these particular examples are not perfectly aligned. Still, the general design and quality points can be determined in the photographs. So what do you get for about double the price?The resemblance is immediately obvious. Though the Ball has chosen to utilize broader-spaced lines, each has chosen the vertical stripes (teak dial). Even their hour markers are rather similar.The gap in lume is quite apparent even in day light. The Omega’s blue lume is a clean white, where the tritium tubes possess a subdued green look to them. I believe they both seem great.No doubt partly attributable to the Omega’s grey dial (versus the black one from the Ball), the glare resistance is noticeably better on the Omega.The hands and mark are both well done, but the Omega’s are considerably more complicated. Do note, but the high level of polish used on the interior of the Ball’s day/date display.The different choices of day windows are going to be highly divisive. As for me, I really like the angular look of the Omega, but I will confess, the display is significantly more readable on the Ball, largely due to the high contrast look. Furthermore, you get an extra complication with all the Ball.There are a few places that I think will be incontrovertible. First, the Omega features a much bigger movement. In addition, it offers a far longer power book, although they share the same 5 position adjustment and COSC rating. Furthermore, the ETA-based Ball actually has a slightly smoother sweep hands than the Omega.Here is that the Aqua Terra along with the Red Label side by side, immediately after the Omega was subjected to a bright light. In the beginning, the Omega easily outshines the Ball.
“PowerLIGHT” in this context has nothing to do with weight but rather illuminating light. The PowerLIGHT name comes from the increased power reserve of the movement, as well as Ball’s traditional use of tritium gas tubes on the hands and hour markers for dial illumination. There are 27 tubes on the dial in total. Ball Watch Ionosphere 600 Replica offers a very modern yet clear dial for the Ball Engineer II PowerLIGHT 72. The overall design is highly “restrained” as we see an absence of too many textures. Rather, the dial focuses on key Ball design DNA elements such as the hour markers and hands, with a cleaner inner-dial. The date window has been retained, and it still has a magnifier cyclops lens as part of the sapphire crystal.
Ball Watch 60 Seconds Ii Replica SpringLOCK generation 1 from 2013 (above) versus SpringLOCK generation 2 from 2016 (below).
We also see a minimalized approach to the Ball Watches Australia Replica Engineer II case. Note the smooth, polished bezel (no rotating bezel here) and the medium, 40mm-wide case size (just 11.15mm thick). The watch is in steel with 100 meters of water resistance, along with a lot of shock resistance and anti-magnetic qualities. The brand seems to be presenting the Ball Engineer II PowerLight 72 as a middle ground between a sport and dress watch. By design, the Ball Engineer II collection is a sports watch, but with the smooth polished bezel and polished bracelet middle-links, it has a more formal appearance to it.
While it would be nice to see Images Of Ball Watches Replica offer some more case design updates and variations, I like what they are doing when it comes to movements and design a lot. Value is still very high for the brand’s offerings given what you get for the money, and Ball is keenly aware what consumers are demanding these days so it is good to see so much focus on interesting movements and high performance. Price for the reference NM2126C-SCJ-BK Ball Engineer II PowerLIGHT 72 is 2,600 Swiss francs. ballwatch.com