In 2012, after having presented major technological achievements in the design of diving watches, BALL Watch Company released the first edition of the Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU. Today, true to its never-ending innovative developments, the NEDU is still very much on-trend thanks to refined designs of both the bezel and the dial.
The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) is the unit of the United States Navy responsible for rolling out operational diving and decompression rules for the United States Armed Forces. It assesses the systems and procedures involved in surviving hyperbaric and diving environments. The NEDU’s experiments have enabled new procedures and new equipment to develop and increase diving safety, applying the “Safety First” principle that has always been at the forefront of BALL Watch for its timekeepers. In particular, the NEDU established the decompression timetables that are a vital reference for all divers. Similarly, at the end of the 19th century, BALL Watch played a pioneering role in watchmaking by laying down chronometric standards which continue to be used as the reference today.
Combining engineering and aesthetics, the Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU appears as a striking, powerful and characterful chronograph. All aspects of this timepiece have been designed for professional divers for whom each second may be of crucial importance. Particular attention has been paid to the rotating bezel and its ergonomic contours, ensuring precise handling even when wearing diving gloves. The bezel’s unidirectional rotation avoids the dire consequences that could result from any accidental movement when monitoring underwater time and decompression stops. Designed in chromed pure ceramic, the bezel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, scratches and ultraviolet rays. Additionally, the oversized numerals and graduation are immediately legible for full visibility. A pioneer in ceramic processing, BALL Watch again uses its innovative application process to adhere powerful, luminous paint on the ceramic bezel indications.
A fundamental characteristic of any diving watch, this model is guaranteed to a depth of 600 meters thanks to the rugged construction of its watertight case which is 17.3mm at its thickest for a diameter of 42mm. Patented by BALL, the automatic helium release valve has been directly incorporated into the crown, improving the chronograph’s water resistance even further. The design completely eliminates any potential surface harm, such as warping under the effects of water pressure. The crown itself is fitted with a patented protection system used on all Engineer Hydrocarbon models, helping to avoid any unintentional manipulation of the timepiece.
The heart of the watch houses the benchmark chronograph caliber with a BALL RR1402-C automatic movement that can measure and indicate elapsed time for up to 12 hours. COSC certification is proof of the absolute precision of the hours, minutes, seconds, day and date display of this chronometer movement. To offer instant and reliable reading, even in the darkness of the deep, the dial’s indexes and hands are naturally fitted with luminous microtubes of H₃ gas. This state-of-the-art Swiss technology—the iconic signature of all BALL watches—requires no external source of light or energy while being up to 100 times more efficient than conventional luminous paints.
Another specific feature of this model includes the two chamfers cut into the case flange supporting the bezel; they act as drains to facilitate the outflow of any water that may become lodged between these components. This ingenious addition conceived by BALL Watch also helps combat any possible corrosion effect. The Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU is protected from shocks with a force of up to 7,500Gs and magnetic fields to an intensity of 4,800A/m. All these protection measures and systems make this a truly robust chronograph.
The new NEDU features a revamped bezel, framing either a black dial, blue dial, or the brand-new gradient blue dial; these color combinations create a technologically advanced overtone to this already robust model. For added creativity, the case back of this new model is handsomely stamped with a diver motif to honor the NEDU’s official emblem. In addition to the rubber strap that is by definition used on any diving watch, this model is also available with a stainless steel and titanium bracelet alongside BALL Watch’s patented triple folding buckle. The extension system allows the watch to be easily seen and safely worn on the wrist, even over a diving suit. With the new Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU, BALL Watch has again confirmed its undeniable place amongst diving-watch manufacturers. Today, more than ever, BALL Watch is continuing its journey and asserting its role as a key protagonist in the exploration of modern time and the evolution of watchmaking history.
Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU on a stainless steel and titanium bracelet is MSRP USD $4,499
Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU on a rubber strap is MSRP USD $4,399
Model Number : DC3026A-S3C-BE / DC3026A-P3C-BE
DC3026A-S4C-BK / DC3026A-P4C-BK
DC3026A-S6C-BE / DC3026A-P6C-BE
Movement : Automatic caliber BALL RR1402-C
Chronometer certified COSC
Functions : 21 micro gas tubes on hour, minute, second hands, dial and pushers
for night reading capability
Underwater operable chronograph with accumulated measurement
up to 12 hours
Helium System Patented
Shock resistant to 7,500Gs
Anti-magnetic to 4,800A/m
Water resistant to 600m/2,000ft
Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds, day and date
Case : Titanium
Ø 42mm, height 17.3mm
Top ceramic luminous unidirectional rotating bezel
3.7mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Patented crown protection system
Band : Tapered titanium and stainless steel bracelet with patented folding
buckle & extension system or rubber strap with standard buckle
Dial : Gradient blue, black or blue
MSRP : Price of the watch on stainless steel and titanium bracelet is USD $4,499
Price of the watch on rubber strap is USD $4,399
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