"Deploying oceanographic instruments in frigid polar water must be done with exact timing", stresses Richard Limeburner, senior research specialist with the US Global Ocean Ecosystems Dynamics.

A precise, rugged timepiece like Ball Watch is crucial for his scientific experiments in extreme Antarctica where adverse conditions rule: temperatures plunge to -60 degrees centigrade, hurricane force winds can whip up to 320 km an hour, and ice is everywhere.
Otherwise, you have wasted a long trip, explains Limeburner, who has been working for three years at Marguerite, near the Western Antarctic Peninsula.

As part of the Globec programme - which aims to predict how populations of marine animal species respond to climatic changes - Limeburner developed and deployed, near the bay, a series of moorings for crucial functions such as tracking ice motion and measuring salinity.
I have always enjoyed travelling, especially in China and Japan, says the ocean current explorer. "We usually fly to Punta Arenas, Chile, to meet a big icebreaker that transports us to Antarctica." Working in the frozen continent is a unique experience, but it also requires more preparation and just getting there is an experience.

Limeburner tested his knowledge of oceanic currents to help a team of marine scientists find the fabled wreck of the 291-foor coastal steamer, the Portland, in the summer of 2002. The Portland foundered and sank with all 191 passengers and crew aboard in a perfect storm after leaving Boston en route to Maine in 1898.
For years, the location of the ill-fated ship was shrouded in controversy. Researchers had spent decades looking for the 291-foot vessel, to no avail. The discovery of the wreck ended a century-long search for the so-called "Titanic of New England".

In the summer of 2004, Richard took on another adventure to locate the Alligator , the first American submarine, lost for 141 years. This first U.S. Navy submarine was built by French scientists in 1861. Compared with the standards back then, Alligator was equipped with the most advanced features. Thus, its discovery will solve many puzzles regarding the state of military technology back more than a century ago. Throughout his whole journey, Richard has been accompanied by his BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon.

At BALL Watch Company, we are proud to help Richard keep time.