BALL Watch Company was founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball in Cleveland, Ohio, and is now based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The brand became famous after a train crash caused by poor timekeeping, which led Ball to create strict standards for railroad watches—known as the RR Standard.

As Chief Time Inspector for U.S. railroads, Ball helped bring accurate, reliable timekeeping to the entire railway system. Today, Ball watches still reflect that legacy of precision, now combined with Swiss-made movements and the brand’s signature tritium gas tube lume. Known for their toughness and accuracy, Ball watches stay true to their motto: "Accuracy Under Adverse Conditions."

BALL Engineer-Hydrocarbon

Automatic Watch

Ref. DT1016A

Swiss Made

We are pleased to present this authentic BALL Engineer-Hydrocarbon Automatic Men’s Watch, reference DT1016A. This finely crafted vintage timepiece combines classic design with dependable Swiss engineering. It is powered by an automatic movement and was made in Switzerland. In very good condition, this watch is a great choice for collectors or enthusiasts who appreciate quality craftsmanship and horological heritage.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

· Brand: Ball

· Type: Wristwatch

· Model / Reference: DT1016A

· Year / Era: Late 1990’s early 2000’s

· Gender: Men’s

· Country of Manufacture: Switzerland

· Dial: Analog display with a white textured dial featuring luminous baton hour markers and matching luminous hands, all illuminated by self-powered tritium gas tubes (3H) for constant visibility. Includes a sweep second-hand and a date window positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock.

· Movement Type: Automatic

· Caliber: ETA 2892A2

· Jewels: 21 Jewels

· Movement Features: Self-winding, sweep second hand, central hours, central minutes, date function with quick-set, hacking seconds, 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

CASE/BAND:

· Material: Stainless steel

· Case Size: 40mm

· Case Shape: Round

· Bezel: Uni-Directional rotating, ratcheted, 0-60 Elapsed-Time.

· Back: Screw-down style (threaded). Factory engraved/raised Logo.

· Crown: Original signed screw-down crown with patented crown protection system.

· Crystal: -

· Water Resistance: 300M / 30 ATM / 1000FT

· Band: Stainless steel Ball bracelet. It will fit to a wrist up to 7 1/4" (18.4cm).

ADDITIONAL INFO

· Box & Papers: NO

· Other Accessories: It comes in a travel box.

· Extra information: Runs very well, keeps excellent time.

EXTENDED DETAILS

Movement:

ETA 2892A2

Twenty-one 21 Jewels

Swiss

Case Back Markings:

BALL

Official Standard Since 1891

Swiss Made

40C Endurance

DT1016A

7502178

Measurements (mm):

Case Diameter 40

Case Diameter w/Crown 46

Case Lug to Lug 51

Case Thickness 14

Lug Width 20

Band Width 20

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience. We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

WA-5539

Looking for more? Visit our eBay store to browse our full collection, featuring a wide range of vintage and modern watches. New pieces are added every day, and each listing reflects our commitment to quality, honesty, and service. We’d love for you to take a look and follow us for updates!

BIDDING & OFFER GUIDELINES

If you’re unsure whether your offer will be accepted, please feel free to message us beforehand — we’re always happy to discuss respectful offers. We kindly ask that you only submit an offer if you are fully committed to purchasing the item. Once an offer is accepted, the watch will be removed from the market and no longer available to other buyers.

ABOUT VINTAGE TIMEPIECES

Vintage watches often run smaller than today’s standards. Men’s wristwatches typically measure between 29–36mm (excluding the crown), while women’s models—especially from the early 1900s to the 1970s—can be considerably smaller. We encourage you to review the measurements provided and reach out with any sizing questions.

Our collection features timepieces that are 20 to 100 years old. Naturally, they may show honest signs of age such as light scratches, patina, or worn straps—features that often add to their unique character and charm. Unless noted as recently serviced, vintage watches may eventually require routine maintenance to keep accurate time. If you’re looking for quartz-level precision, a modern watch may be a better fit.

PRE-OWNED CONDITION

We offer a mix of brand new and pre-owned watches. Pre-owned pieces might have some cosmetic wear, which we always describe clearly. Take a close look at the photos and don’t hesitate to message us if you have any questions before buying.

We do not use Photoshop to hide imperfections—only basic lighting adjustments are made. This ensures that the photos represent the actual condition of the item.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

We ship worldwide with care and promptness. Domestic orders typically ship within 2–4 business days after payment clears; international shipping times vary by destination. Tracking information will be provided once your package ships.

Returns or exchanges must be arranged in advance and must follow our return policy. If you have any questions about shipping, payment, or our terms, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!