Ball Update Engineer III Outlier with New Dials and Advanced Materials

What does it take to be an adventurer? Well, it takes careful preparation and the right gear. Fortunately, Ball have got you covered in the timing department with watches like the Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph and the Engineer III Outlier, which has now been updated with new dials and fresh materials.

The Engineer III Outlier previously existed as a single watch within the Engineer III family and featured a black dial and a case made from super scratch resistant 904L stainless steel. With its matching steel, GMT bezel the influence of watches like the Rolex Explorer II is very apparent. Now though there’s a blue dial version joining the line up along with a white dial version and a second black dial.

All three updated Outliers feature 40mm cases made from the same robust 904L steel as the original, however two of them – the black and blue dialled versions – feature new bezels made from ceramic. Ceramic is a difficult material to work with but the results are worth it, it’s even more scratch resistant than steel and its colour will never fade. The white dial option retains the steel bezel, making the similarities to the Rolex Explorer II even more apparent.

Beyond the three updated dials and two upgraded bezels, the new Engineer III Outlier models are virtually identical to the original. They house the Ball Manufacture Calibre RRM7337-C automatic calibre with 42-hour power reserve and True GMT functionality. Additionally they feature Balls signature gas tube lume.

As for pricing and availability, all three of the updated Engineer III Outlier models are currently on a pre-order discount until November 9, 2022 and are limited to 1,000 pieces each. That means the two ceramic bezel versions are £2,340 and the steel bezel model is £2,151 – those prices will increase to £3,100 and £2,860 after the pre-order period. Ball’s adventure watches are some of my favourite because they blend classic design languages, such as the white dial with steel bezel, and add modern twists with their gas tube lume and robust materials.