The Ball Engineer III Bright Path stands as a remarkable timepiece, paying homage to the legendary athlete Jim Thorpe. This watch is available in three distinct sizes, catering to a variety of wrist preferences: a 36mm version (NL9616C-S10CJ-YTE), a 40mm version (NM9026C-S50CJ-YTE), and a 43mm version (NM9028C-S46CJ-YTE). Each size is limited to 1,000 pieces, adding to its exclusivity and desirability.
The namesake of the watch, "Bright Path," is derived from Jim Thorpe's Native American name, Wa-tho-huk. Thorpe's story is one of incredible resilience and athletic prowess. He overcame adversity, including having his Olympic medals stripped due to a technicality, to become a celebrated figure in professional sports. The Bright Path watch encapsulates this spirit of perseverance and determination.
Courtesy of Ball
At the heart of this timepiece lies a distinctive tigerite dial. Tigerite, a golden-brown gemstone, is known for its chatoyancy, a reflective property that gives it a shimmering, cat's-eye effect. This means that the appearance of the dial shifts subtly depending on the angle of light, creating a dynamic and captivating visual experience. The process of crafting a tigerite dial is meticulous, ensuring that the stone's natural beauty is showcased while maintaining its hardness. Due to the natural variations in the gemstone, no two tigerite dials are exactly alike, making each Bright Path watch a unique piece.
In daylight, the dial's warm tones are complemented by the applied hour markers, designed as micro gas tubes. These tubes are a signature of Ball watches and provide exceptional luminosity in low-light conditions. Filled with tritium gas, they emit a constant glow without needing to be charged by an external light source. This self-powered illumination ensures that the watch remains legible in the dark, adding a practical dimension to its aesthetic appeal. The micro gas tubes are also present on the hour and minute hands, providing consistent brightness.
The Engineer III Bright Path is encased in 904L stainless steel, a material prized for its superior corrosion resistance. This type of steel contains high amounts of nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, making it exceptionally durable against harsh environments, including saltwater and acidic conditions. The 904L steel is also known for its high-polish finish, giving the watch a refined look that withstands daily wear and tear. The strength of the steel doesn't compromise comfort, ensuring the watch remains pleasant to wear.
Courtesy of Ball
Protecting the movement of the Bright Path is Ball's patented mu-metal ring, which offers anti-magnetic protection up to 1,000 Gauss. This shield has a high magnetic permeability, diverting magnetic fields away from the delicate components of the Swiss-made movement. This feature is complemented by Ball's patented Amortiser® anti-shock system. This system absorbs energy from external impacts, further safeguarding the movement. The watch is also shock-resistant to 5,000Gs and water-resistant to 100 meters, highlighting its robust construction and suitability for an active lifestyle.
The movement itself varies slightly depending on the case size. The 36mm version houses the automatic caliber BALL RR1101-C, while the 40mm and 43mm versions contain the automatic caliber BALL RR1103-C. Both movements are chronometer-certified by COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), guaranteeing their accuracy and precision. The functions of the watch include hours, minutes, sweep seconds, and a magnified date display, providing essential timekeeping information.
The case of the Engineer III Bright Path is thoughtfully designed. The 36mm version has a height of 11.5mm, the 40mm version a height of 12.5mm, and the 43mm version a height of 12.75mm. This variation in thickness ensures that each size maintains a balanced profile on the wrist. The watch features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, offering excellent scratch resistance and clarity. A screwed-in crown contributes to the watch's water resistance and overall durability.
Courtesy of Ball
The 36mm and 40mm versions are equipped with 14 micro gas tubes on the hands and dial, while the 43mm version has 15. These subtle differences reflect the proportional design considerations for each case size.
The visual characteristics of the dial are striking. The tigerite's natural patterns create a captivating interplay of golden-brown hues, subtle stripes, and shimmering effects. This natural variation ensures that each dial is truly one-of-a-kind. The applied indices, fashioned from micro gas tubes, stand out against the tigerite background, offering both visual contrast and nighttime legibility. The hands, also fitted with micro gas tubes, complete the luminous display.
The caseback offers a glimpse into the thematic elements of the watch. Engravings pay tribute to Jim Thorpe, with text like "TOM & JENNY" adding a personal touch. The caseback also displays the model number (NM9026C, 904L), and other markings indicate its anti-magnetic properties, water resistance (100M), and limited edition number (N0001/1000). There is a train emblem.
The Engineer III Bright Path is secured to the wrist with a 904L stainless steel bracelet, featuring a folding buckle. The bracelet matches the case in both material and finish, providing a cohesive and elegant look. The use of 904L steel ensures that the bracelet is as durable and corrosion-resistant as the case itself.
Courtesy of Ball
Ball Watch Company's history is deeply rooted in precision timekeeping. Founded in 1891 by Webster Clay Ball, the company played a crucial role in establishing standardized timekeeping for American railroads. This legacy of accuracy and reliability is carried forward in the Engineer III Bright Path, which meets the stringent standards of COSC certification.
The establishment of Patrick's Labs, Ball Watch Company's research and development center, underscores their commitment to innovation. This division focuses on pushing the boundaries of watchmaking technology, ensuring that Ball continues to introduce groundbreaking products.
The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the watch, from the carefully selected materials to the precision-engineered movement. The tigerite dial is a standout feature, its natural beauty enhanced by the luminous micro gas tubes. The 904L stainless steel case and bracelet provide exceptional durability and a refined appearance.
Courtesy of Ball
The legacy of Jim Thorpe is subtly integrated into the watch's design. His story of perseverance and triumph over adversity resonates with the watch's robust construction and unique materials. It is a tribute to an athlete who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on sports history.
The pricing for the Engineer III Bright Path reflects its quality, materials, and limited edition status. The 36mm version (NL9616C-S10CJ-YTE) is priced at US$2,749, while both the 40mm (NM9026C-S50CJ-YTE) and 43mm (NM9028C-S46CJ-YTE) versions are priced at US$2,449. The watches are available for purchase, offering collectors the opportunity to own a unique piece of horological craftsmanship.
Case: 904L stainless steel. Available in three sizes: Ø 36mm, height 11.5mm; Ø 40mm, height 12.5mm; Ø 43mm, height 12.75mm. Features Amortiser® patented anti-shock system and Mu-metal shield. Anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a screwed-in crown. Water resistant to 100m/330ft. Anti-magnetic to 1,000 Gauss / 80,000 A/m. Shock resistant to 5,000Gs.
Movement: 36mm: Automatic caliber BALL RR1101-C. 40mm & 43mm: Automatic caliber BALL RR1103-C. Both are Chronometer certified COSC. Functions include hours, minutes, sweep seconds, and magnified date.
Dial: Tigerite gemstone. Features 14 (36mm & 40mm) or 15 (43mm) micro gas tubes on hour, minute, and second hands, and dial for night reading capability.
Strap: 904L stainless steel bracelet with folding buckle.
Price: US$ 2,749 (36mm). US$ 2,449 (40mm & 43mm).
Reference Number: NL9616C-S10CJ-YTE (36mm). NM9026C-S50CJ-YTE (40mm). NM9028C-S46CJ-YTE (43mm).
Notes: Limited edition of 1,000 pieces each. Pays tribute to athlete Jim Thorpe. Each tigerite dial is unique due to natural variations in the gemstone.