Built to commemorate the 1864 disappearance of the CSS Hunley, submarine of the Confederate States of America Navy, the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley watch, is a special anniversary piece which combines clean styling with robust, utilitarian features.

A watch defined by statistics, this limited edition model incorporates a safety ring around its mechanical calibre to ensure its accuracy.  This security shield enables complete protection of the micro-components against magnetic fields up to intensity of 4,800A/m and the calibre is also cushioned from shocks up to a force of 7,500Gs.

Despite these astounding safety measures, the Hydrocarbon Hunley remains wholly handsome in appearance.  The piece carries a 42mm stainless steel case, topped with an ultra-tough unidirectional turning ceramic bezel.  On its side, the robust crown guard offers distinction to its profile, while contrasting brushed and polished finishing techniques enhance its architecture.

Beneath the sapphire, the striking black dial features a flange with concentric grooves, into which outsize Arabic numerals and minutes markers have been placed. From the centre, the chunky hour and minutes hands and the slender seconds hand featuring the signature motif overhang, take up position.

Adding to the functionality, a perfectly positioned date window has been slipped in between 4 and 5 o’clock while at the 7 o’clock location, the power reserve indication adds a subtle red accent to this monochrome dial.

Housed within this robust case, the Swiss-made Ball RR1201 automatic calibre features a locking rotor mechanism, which allows the wearer to lock the automatic winding mechanism at will, giving it protection from damage during high-impact activities such as sports.  When locked, the movement continues to run, drawing upon the energy in the power reserve.  The caseback switch for the locking system takes the form of a propeller motif, a unique feature of this special edition.

Boasting accuracy, reliability and the reassurance of patented safety features, the Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley Ref PM2096B-S1J-BK is a limited edition of 500 pieces and comes presented on a stainless steel bracelet.