Ball Watch Company is one of the most respected and established watch brands in the United States with their watches Made in Switzerland. They have been updating their product range in the 21st century, enabling them to keep pace with shifting consumer patterns. Not leaving their roots, Ball continues to upheld original details, such as the watch dial that faithfully follows the design guidelines for the standard railway watch. Till this day, Ball makes superior watches that endure all adverse conditions, even more so could be seen in this new model that commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders.

From the intention to strike the heart of the enemy’s empire to the unprecedented launch of B-25 bombers from the deck of the aircraft carriers, the Doolittle Raid was an audacious mission in many ways. In the aftermath of the surprise attack on the Pearl Harbor, the U.S. military force devised a counter-action plan, led by the then Lieut. Col. James H. Doolittle, in less than 5 months. On April 18, 1942, 80 volunteer raiders successfully launched their 16 B-25 bombers from USS Hornet, though it was ahead of the planned schedule, as they were spotted by the enemy. The additional distance meant they might not have enough fuel to land safely. At the end, only 69 raiders escaped capture or death. The success of the mission has greatly boosted Allied morale and reversed the tide of WWII.

Ball Engineer Master II Doolittle Raiders 46mm Black - Ltd 999pcs Ref. NM2638C-L1-BKR

Eighty-one years ago, in one of the darkest moments of WWII, eighty pilots risked their lives to take on an impossible mission for the freedom of mankind. They are the Doolittle Raiders. On the 80th anniversary of their legendary mission, BALL Watch proudly presented the all-new Engineer Master II Doolittle Raiders series to pay homage to their bravery, selflessness and sacrifices. The Engineer II Doolittle Raiders 46 Black Ref. NM2638C-L1-BKR comes with a hand winding movement and a sub-second display, combining classic military toughness with modern watchmaking technology.

Unveiling the newest Engineer II Doolittle Raiders, Ball has clad an old school hand winding movement in one of their most popular Engineer II models. The Engineer II measures in at 46mm in diameter with a height of 12.35mm. The dimension allows the wearer to have sportier wearability as compared to the brethren Marvelight which is only at 40mm. Further, it features a push-in onion crown, commonly found on most Ball’s watches, allowing it to have a 100m water resistant.

Commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Doolittle Raiders

What makes the Engineer II Marvelight durable is the use of 316L stainless steel through and through. The case distills multi-polished finishing throughout, where the top surface is satined finished while the sides are polished.

Moving on to the dial, the new Engineer II takes some tweaks from the earlier version, the 14 micro gas tubes on the dial are large. All of them glows in rainbow hues to assist in dial orientation in the dark. The dial further adds the subsidiary seconds on the 9 o’clock position adds a unique flair to this vintage-inspired piece. On the opposite side lies the Doolittle Raiders’ emblem in bright yellow. As a limited series, the limited edition number of each timepiece is individually marked on the bottom of the dial, the added uniqueness elevates the Doolittle Raiders series from a functional piece to a collectible. To echo the military theme, a silver pilot insignia is added to round out the design.

14 micro gas tubes on hour and minute hands and dial for night reading capability

Couple this with a tapered broad sword style hour and minute hands, along with their signature gas tubes on them. Topping things off for the dial, the Engineer II has a non-cyclop domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating underneath.

Now for the star of the show, the Engineer II Doolittle Raider is powered by the manual-winding caliber RR2102. It is a 21-jewel movement that boasts an amazing 46-hour power reserve even though it beats at 18000bph(2.5 Hertzs). What's more? This caliber being tweaked entirely in-house by Ball. The movement can be admired through the display case back while being well protected with their own patented Amortiser anti-shock system, that consists of a protective and anti-magnetic ring around the mechanical movement that absorbs the energy created by side impacts and shocks.

Comes with a limited edition dye-cast B-25 bomber plane

The new Doolittle Raiders paired with their 22mm elegant leather with a nice rivet on both sides. The strap brings back the old aviation charm and wears comfortably on the wrist.

Summing things up, the 999 pieces limited Ball Engineer II Doolittle Raiders edition exhibits exceptional value given that pays tribute to the heroes who risked their lives to take on an impossible mission for the freedom of mankind. Ball patented anti-shock system, self-illuminating tritium tubes and exceptional case and bracelet finishing. We think it will be difficult to find another watch with similar specifications without going to the next price category. Oh, did I mention this particular limited edition comes with a dye-cast B-25 bomber plane that is an exact clone of the WWII ones in 1942.