The BALL Engineer M Skindiver III Beyond (ref. DD3100A-S2C-BE) pairs a relatively contained 41.5 mm case diameter with a substantial 52 mm lug-to-lug span, an 80-hour stated power reserve and micro gas tube illumination. Its 300 m water-resistance rating and COSC-certified movement make an ambitious specification sheet, but its 13.8 mm height, approximately 180 g weight, US$3,999 listed price and 1,000-piece limit matter just as much to a buyer. This review assesses the published specifications; it is not a hands-on wear, timing, lume or dive test.
What is the BALL Skindiver III Beyond?
The Engineer M Skindiver III Beyond is a stainless-steel automatic dive watch with a blue dial, steel bracelet and folding buckle. BALL lists it as a 1,000-piece limited edition. The watch has a dome-shaped anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a screw-in crown and a unidirectional sapphire bezel. The manufacturer’s product page identifies the reference as DD3100A-S2C-BE: BALL Watch Company SA’s official listing.
The combination is unusual in emphasis: it is not especially small by everyday-watch standards, but its 41.5 mm diameter is moderate for a watch rated to 300 m, while its long reserve and tube-based illumination distinguish the specification set. The case dimensions and weight temper that appeal for anyone seeking a thin or light diver.
How does it fit?
BALL lists a 41.5 mm case diameter, 13.8 mm height, 52 mm lug-to-lug measurement, 22 mm lug width and approximate weight of 180 g. Diameter alone can understate the amount of wrist a watch occupies: the 52 mm span is the key measurement to compare with a watch that already fits you, while thickness and bracelet weight affect how it sits and feels. These figures do not establish comfort on every wrist.
#1 Best Overall
- Collectible Vintage Watch design from an era of aerial bravery - World War 2 Luftwaffe ME109 German Pilot Style WWII Aviator retro design watch from Miltec is a great addition to any collection.
- Vintage Design combined with Modern Technology - this watch has a Highly Accurate Japanese Quartz Movement more precise than a mechanical movement and is crafted with precision and reliability.
- Simple and Easy to Read - three-hander with luminous hands, black hour markers, arabic minutes all in a 42 mm wide round case with diamond crown. Affording a piece of history has never been easier.
- Each Watch is Unique - the beige dial of the watch is different on each unit and has a fighter pilot oil stained look. Slide your hand into the bold style military-inspired timepiece.
- Comfortable and Eyecatching watch - genuine brown calfskin leather strap and metalic buckle closure in a flieger design makes each timepiece a tribute to the history of aviation.
- Wrist footprint: The 52 mm lug-to-lug span may be more consequential than the 41.5 mm diameter for smaller wrists or wrists with a flatter profile.
- Height: At 13.8 mm, it has a noticeable case profile rather than a low-slung one.
- Weight: Approximately 180 g is substantial; bracelet sizing and the wearer’s preference for a heavier watch will affect the experience.
- Straps: The listed lug width is 22 mm, but that does not guarantee that a particular strap, end link, clasp or strap length will fit correctly.
What do the movement specifications mean?
BALL specifies its automatic manufacture caliber RRM7309-C, certified as a COSC chronometer, running at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offering an 80-hour power reserve. The listed functions are hours, minutes, sweep seconds and a magnified date. An 80-hour reserve means the watch is specified to keep running for that length of time after being fully wound and then left unworn, under the relevant conditions; it can make rotation between watches more convenient. The figure is BALL’s specification, not a reserve measurement made for this review. Time+Tide’s review video, published January 4, 2024, also identifies the caliber and repeats the 80-hour figure.
COSC certification is a formal chronometer certification, not a guarantee that every individual watch will keep identical time on every wrist or remain within a particular rate indefinitely. No independent rate test of this example is available here, so the certification and frequency should be understood as specifications rather than observed performance.
Rank #2
- Stainless-steel - The stainless-steel case and bracelet are resistant to corrosion, rust, and daily wear and tear.
- Date Window - Easily track the date in a magnified window beside 3 o'clock.
- Enhanced Visibility - Luminant hands and hour markers ensure readability in low-light conditions.
- Dive-inspired Style - Polished yet rugged, this watch is reinforced with a sturdy crown protector and features a black rotating bezel.
How does the micro gas tube illumination work?
BALL specifies 35 micro gas tubes placed on the bezel, dial and hour, minute and second hands. The tubes provide the watch’s night-reading illumination. The bezel itself is unidirectional sapphire and includes micro gas tubes. This layout gives the wearer illumination on both the time display and bezel markings, rather than relying solely on conventional lume applied to the hands and markers.
The published information establishes the tube count and placement, but does not quantify brightness, color, aging or visibility against competing watches. There is therefore no sound basis here to call it the brightest diver or promise a specific duration of legibility.
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Rank #3
- Timeless Elegance: Miykon Vintage Men's Wrist watches blends classic square tank styling with contemporary elegance. Featuring a gold-tone case finish and brown genuine leather strap, this mens watch is perfect for formal events, or daily wear.
- Multiple Dial Options: Available in three refined dial choices—classic Roman numerals, modern Arabic numerals, or sleek index markers. Customize your look effortlessly with this versatile men's watch, making it suitable for any occasion or attire.
- Reliable Japanese Quartz Movement: Equipped with precision Japanese Quartz Movement, this black dress watches for men guarantees exceptional accuracy and reliability. Enjoy effortless timekeeping with minimal maintenance, ideal for daily wear.
- Comfort & Durability: Crafted with a lightweight, high-quality brown genuine leather strap, these tank watches for men provide unmatched comfort and durability. Its compact square design ensures a comfortable fit, perfect for extended wear.
- Everyday Water Resistance: With a 100ft waterproof rating, these Miykon Vintage Mens Watches withstand splashes, rain and daily handwashing. A reliable companion for your active lifestyle, delivers functionality without sacrificing style.
Is it built for diving?
BALL rates this reference to 300 m/1,000 ft water resistance and specifies 4,800 A/m anti-magnetism and 5,000 G shock resistance. It also has a screw-in crown and a unidirectional bezel. These are manufacturer ratings, not independent test results for this review, and they do not certify the condition of a pre-owned example. BALL’s 2023 v.2.2 owner manual notes that water resistance varies by model, so the reference-specific rating is more useful than a general statement about the brand. Buyers of a used watch should not assume its present seals or resistance match its original specification.
Price, availability and warranty
BALL’s official page listed the watch at US$3,999, with import duties included, and showed availability of 15 days when the listing was captured. Price and lead time can change, so check the current official listing for the latest terms. Time+Tide’s January 4, 2024 video reported US$3,699; that is a historical review price, not the current listed figure.
Rank #4
- Material: CUSN8 bronze case, bezel, stainless steel case back, synthetic sapphire crystal, suede leather band, stainless steel buckle
BALL states a 24-month international warranty, or 48 months with a “Premium” warranty card, and says registration within 90 days can add 12 months. Coverage is limited to qualifying material and manufacturing defects and excludes items including the bracelet, strap, buckle and crystal. Validity requires a dated, fully completed card stamped by an authorized BALL dealer. Confirm the seller, warranty card and terms that apply to the specific watch before purchase. A retailer listing for this reference is available at Jura Watches; the listing alone does not establish current stock or warranty eligibility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who should consider it?
- A good fit on paper: Buyers who want a 300 m-rated steel diver with COSC certification, a long stated reserve and micro gas tube illumination, and whose wrist can accommodate a 52 mm span and heavier bracelet.
- Think carefully first: Anyone prioritizing a slim, light case, a shorter lug-to-lug measurement, or a lower purchase price. The listed dimensions and price may be decisive regardless of the technical specification sheet.
- Check before committing: Confirm the current price and delivery timing, the condition and sizing of the bracelet, the exact reference, and warranty documentation. For a used example, the original water-resistance rating is not a substitute for knowing its present condition.
There is no controlled competitor comparison, independently verified resale data or hands-on assessment behind these conclusions, so a value ranking or claim that it outperforms a particular alternative would go beyond the available evidence.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILT FOR TOUGH, ACTIVE DAYS Handle outdoor routines and daily wear with confidence. 42mm 316L stainless steel case delivers strength and durability, making it a reliable rugged option for men who need performance in real-world conditions.
- RELIABLE TIME YOU CAN TRUST DAILY Stay on track from work to weekend activities. Swiss-made Ronda 515 quartz movement delivers accurate, consistent timekeeping you can depend on throughout your day.
- DESIGNED FOR WATER AND ACTIVE USE Move from daily wear to time in the water with ease. Unidirectional rotating bezel helps track time during swimming and outdoor activities, making it a practical dive watch for active lifestyles.
- READY FOR SWIMMING AND WATER EXPOSURE Built for everyday wear and ready for swimming or time in the water. Water resistance up to 100M (330FT) supports underwater use and active environments without added stress. The best gift for an active man anyday.
- PRACTICAL DESIGN FOR EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE Keep your day organized without distraction. Date display adds quick access to daily information while maintaining a clean, easy-to-read dial for regular use.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
