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heresiarh · 5 August 2009, 11:03 PM

I did this review on the watchuseekforums. Thought I'd share it on the rolexforums also. Enjoy!

Before I get into my 'first impressions' review, I promise I will be posting lume shots before the end of this week. The darn thing lights up like Times Square at night.

Anyways, getting into the review now.

I have a history of collecting watches and I've owned, through my grandfather, a number of brilliant vintage pieces from Pateks to Breguets to Hamiltons.

My current lineup has completely changed because all the vintage pieces have gone back into the family safe.

I'll be frank. My everday watch is a Rolex Explorer 2 with 3186 movement, recently purchase at a decent price. I enjoy it like no other watch. However, a couple of weeks ago I came across a Ball sighting on one of my friends. He was sporting one of the Conductor series and I took some interest, asked him mad questions and finally decided I HAD to own one. I began my usual quest and landed on this wonderful Ball forum. The three watches that caught my immediate attention were, Hydrocarbon, Night Train, and Fireman. I was looking for something clean and robust at the same time. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Hydrocarbon, then decided to go for the Night Train instead, but ended with a green Fireman.

So what is my first impression? Well, Ball is a watch company under appreciated by the mass public. I actually like that cause I have hardly seen a Ball watch in the flesh on anyone but my friend, therefore its unique. I'm pretty sure there aren't any fakes available in the market, where as my EXP II has been replicated millions of times.

Going in order, I'll start with the strap. Its a nice hefty strap, durable, 21mm thick, but I wish it was a little bit more comfortable, however at that price range I'm not complaining much. I have easily gotten use to it.

Buckle, I just love it, there is nothing else to say about it. I love how its screwed in and BALL is engraved on it.

*Correction on the buckle, thanks to timefleas*
(the "screws" on the Ball buckle are not real screws, they are part of single steel buckle unit. The buckle is actually attached to the strap using the usual retracting pin that you commonly see used to attach the strap to the lugs).

The casing is smooth, robust, and expensive looking. Brush finish looks superb and the overall quality feels SOLID. I mean for a watch that cost me $780, its as good as my $2000 Tag if not better.

Caseback is the best I've ever owned. I personally prefer exhibition backs but the engraving and the design of this one is exquisite. Different than others and the attention to detail is top notch. Let me post a picture of it again because I enjoy it every time I take off my watch before bedtime.

Now we come to the lugs. I wish the band fitting was a bit more close to the lugs. I feel there is a bit too much space between the band and the lug, its something that one has to get used to, and I'm getting used to it pretty fast. Believe it or not, thats the only one complain I have about the watch.

The dial of the watch is silky black, super clean, hour markers are clearly marked. Everything about the dial screams out LOOK AT ME. I'm obsessed with green accents in a watch and this particular Ball has done it just right.

The hour, minute, and seconds hand couldn't have been done better. They've hit the mark on this one and the hint of green accent on the seconds hand is an absolute killer. I actually prefer the Fireman 2 version since the older Fireman had a gaslight on the seconds hand, given it a square like shape.

Date window is placed on the traditional 3 '0' clock position, nice and clean, with absolute readability in my case.

*ADDED*
I forgot to talk about the gaslights. So, just like any other Ball watch, this one also lights up like Times Square. I've personally never owned a watch that is this readable in the dark. I'm really enjoying it since its so different from the rest of my collection.

The overall watch feels and looks gorgeous. If this was a Tag, it would've cost $2000, Omega $3000, Rolex $4500. Ball gives you top of the line product at a reasonable price. I won't be surprised that 5 years from now, this same watch will cost $3500 brand new.

I honestly wish I could buy another Ball watch but I have to stick to my philosophy. One watch per brand.

I will be spending more time on this forum, talking more and more about my Ball experience. I'm a young Ball owner, I've got a lot to learn.

Hope you enjoyed the review.

OVERALL WATCH RATING - 9/10.

PS. Now I alternate between my Rolex and Ball throughout the week, and loving it, I even wear it with suits.

Additional Info: I have not been able to check the accuracy of the watch as of yet. Will give it a months before writing about it.

AND HERE IS THE LUME SHOT:

esm · 11 August 2009, 08:21 AM

great review and congrates.

I have also recently interested in Ball watches. Tried a green EM2 last week and was going to the trigger until I saw the green fireman on the Internet, but couldn't find the ref no for it.

Really loving the green details and the clean look of it.

Can you let me know the ref no and retail price of it? Thanks.

kelly56 · 11 August 2009, 11:47 AM

Good timing on this thread. Just saw this watch in WATCH TIME magazine. Would like to see one up close at an AD.

heresiarh · 11 August 2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esm

great review and congrates.

I have also recently interested in Ball watches. Tried a green EM2 last week and was going to the trigger until I saw the green fireman on the Internet, but couldn't find the ref no for it.

Really loving the green details and the clean look of it.

Can you let me know the ref no and retail price of it? Thanks.

I will have to look for the ref number but its normally known as Fireman 2. Retails for $999.99

I'll give one pointer. If you buy this watch over the phone you get 15% off. If you walk into an AD you can negotiate for more. Where are you located?

heresiarh · 11 August 2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelly56

Good timing on this thread. Just saw this watch in WATCH TIME magazine. Would like to see one up close at an AD.

If you are looking for something different than Ball is the answer. You being a Rolex and Omega owner will definitely appreciate the quality.

NJSub · 12 August 2009, 05:39 AM

Wow they have some pretty awesome watches. I'll have to put them on the list for future consideration!

asindhidude · 19 August 2009, 12:45 PM

Could someone do a Rolex Sub / Ball Diver comparo? That would be super....

oneillba · 19 August 2009, 02:00 PM

A Ball watch will be in my future.

heresiarh · 19 August 2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asindhidude

Could someone do a Rolex Sub / Ball Diver comparo? That would be super....

Sub is an ultimate classic, but the lumes on the Ball divers are far superior. There is not much to compare about. Sub uses an inhouse movement opposed to a Ball's ETA movements, to me that is the winner right there.

As far as weight goes, Ball divers are heavier in comparison to subs, and sit a little bigger on the wrist.

If one was to choose a diver watch, I'd go with the no sub date any day ...

dpj17 · 21 August 2009, 07:01 AM

I just picked up a "Mad Cow" last month and it is awesome! Great review!

heresiarh · 21 August 2009, 11:03 PM

Mad Cow is such a beast. Superb quality watch and will last you a generation! And Ball's CEO Jeff Hess is a great guy ...

dpj17 · 23 August 2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresiarh

Mad Cow is such a beast. Superb quality watch and will last you a generation! And Ball's CEO Jeff Hess is a great guy ...

Haven't had the opportunity to meet the CEO, but after posting some pics on WUS actually got a PM from John "Mad Cow" Hembel himself. Now I don't know anything about professional skiing and really don't care, just thought it was pretty damn cool. I actually owned the black face model 2 years ago and sold it, I think I going to hold on to the White one though!

Putnam Dan · 26 September 2009, 12:32 AM

Beautiful. I just purchased an Alligator - cant wait to see it in person!

Mosco · 26 September 2009, 04:11 AM

Love Ball - looking for the Nery for myself. Couple pics - hopefully I am not hijacking this thread!

heresiarh · 26 September 2009, 04:26 AM

No hijacking here.

Ball watches are highly underrated. I think one should buy 2-3 Ball watches and keep them safe because I have a feeling the prices will be going up in the next 5 years, and by that I mean double/triple price jumps. I consider the Fireman a basic model and yet its just superb at $1000.00 retail ...

Mosco · 26 September 2009, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heresiarh

No hijacking here.

Ball watches are highly underrated. I think one should buy 2-3 Ball watches and keep them safe because I have a feeling the prices will be going up in the next 5 years, and by that I mean double/triple price jumps. I consider the Fireman a basic model and yet its just superb at $1000.00 retail ...

I completely agree - the quality is unbelievable and they're indeed highly under-rated.

HockeyBrand · 26 September 2009, 09:35 AM

I love my Night Train!

Mosco · 26 September 2009, 11:18 PM

I love it too :) sweet watch, man!

WatchTimes · 30 September 2009, 01:34 AM

I have the original dial NT as well...
It is my go to watch for hunting and camping.
I wear it on a NATO and if I wake up in the middle
of the night I can easily tell the time without bothering anyone.,
They are GREAT watches and Jess Hess (head of Ball USA) is a GREAT
guy! Ball really goes out of their way with customer service.

Brushpup · 30 September 2009, 05:09 AM

Enjoyed your review very much. I really would like to get my Dad one of these for Christmas this year.

Putnam Dan · 30 September 2009, 11:40 PM

The Alligator. Now this is a piece of art! I just love the way the blued hands flash when the light hits them just so.

heresiarh · 1 October 2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brushpup

Enjoyed your review very much. I really would like to get my Dad one of these for Christmas this year.

Secret to buying Ball watches is to walk in one of their ADs. They will give you excellent discounts .. sometimes 20%+.

For your dad ... hmmmmm .. Cleveland Express in white dial, perfect watch.

heresiarh · 1 October 2009, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Putnam Dan

The Alligator. Now this is a piece of art! I just love the way the blued hands flash when the light hits them just so.

I just LOVE Ball watches. I'm considering selling my entire watch line up and pick up a few more Ball timepieces.

5 August 2009, 11:03 PM	#1
heresiarh "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: heresiarh Location: Boston Watch: GMT-IIC Posts: 428	My Ball Experience - Fireman 2 - Green - with Lume Shot I did this review on the watchuseekforums. Thought I'd share it on the rolexforums also. Enjoy! Before I get into my 'first impressions' review, I promise I will be posting lume shots before the end of this week. The darn thing lights up like Times Square at night. Anyways, getting into the review now. I have a history of collecting watches and I've owned, through my grandfather, a number of brilliant vintage pieces from Pateks to Breguets to Hamiltons. My current lineup has completely changed because all the vintage pieces have gone back into the family safe. I'll be frank. My everday watch is a Rolex Explorer 2 with 3186 movement, recently purchase at a decent price. I enjoy it like no other watch. However, a couple of weeks ago I came across a Ball sighting on one of my friends. He was sporting one of the Conductor series and I took some interest, asked him mad questions and finally decided I HAD to own one. I began my usual quest and landed on this wonderful Ball forum. The three watches that caught my immediate attention were, Hydrocarbon, Night Train, and Fireman. I was looking for something clean and robust at the same time. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Hydrocarbon, then decided to go for the Night Train instead, but ended with a green Fireman. So what is my first impression? Well, Ball is a watch company under appreciated by the mass public. I actually like that cause I have hardly seen a Ball watch in the flesh on anyone but my friend, therefore its unique. I'm pretty sure there aren't any fakes available in the market, where as my EXP II has been replicated millions of times. Going in order, I'll start with the strap. Its a nice hefty strap, durable, 21mm thick, but I wish it was a little bit more comfortable, however at that price range I'm not complaining much. I have easily gotten use to it. Buckle, I just love it, there is nothing else to say about it. I love how its screwed in and BALL is engraved on it. *Correction on the buckle, thanks to timefleas* (the "screws" on the Ball buckle are not real screws, they are part of single steel buckle unit. The buckle is actually attached to the strap using the usual retracting pin that you commonly see used to attach the strap to the lugs). The casing is smooth, robust, and expensive looking. Brush finish looks superb and the overall quality feels SOLID. I mean for a watch that cost me $780, its as good as my $2000 Tag if not better. Caseback is the best I've ever owned. I personally prefer exhibition backs but the engraving and the design of this one is exquisite. Different than others and the attention to detail is top notch. Let me post a picture of it again because I enjoy it every time I take off my watch before bedtime. Now we come to the lugs. I wish the band fitting was a bit more close to the lugs. I feel there is a bit too much space between the band and the lug, its something that one has to get used to, and I'm getting used to it pretty fast. Believe it or not, thats the only one complain I have about the watch. The dial of the watch is silky black, super clean, hour markers are clearly marked. Everything about the dial screams out LOOK AT ME. I'm obsessed with green accents in a watch and this particular Ball has done it just right. The hour, minute, and seconds hand couldn't have been done better. They've hit the mark on this one and the hint of green accent on the seconds hand is an absolute killer. I actually prefer the Fireman 2 version since the older Fireman had a gaslight on the seconds hand, given it a square like shape. Date window is placed on the traditional 3 '0' clock position, nice and clean, with absolute readability in my case. *ADDED* I forgot to talk about the gaslights. So, just like any other Ball watch, this one also lights up like Times Square. I've personally never owned a watch that is this readable in the dark. I'm really enjoying it since its so different from the rest of my collection. The overall watch feels and looks gorgeous. If this was a Tag, it would've cost $2000, Omega $3000, Rolex $4500. Ball gives you top of the line product at a reasonable price. I won't be surprised that 5 years from now, this same watch will cost $3500 brand new. I honestly wish I could buy another Ball watch but I have to stick to my philosophy. One watch per brand. I will be spending more time on this forum, talking more and more about my Ball experience. I'm a young Ball owner, I've got a lot to learn. Hope you enjoyed the review. OVERALL WATCH RATING - 9/10. PS. Now I alternate between my Rolex and Ball throughout the week, and loving it, I even wear it with suits. Additional Info: I have not been able to check the accuracy of the watch as of yet. Will give it a months before writing about it. AND HERE IS THE LUME SHOT: __________________ "I though paradise was a library" Patek 5711/1A White Dial

11 August 2009, 11:47 AM	#3
kelly56 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Real Name: Mike Location: Kentucky Watch: 16610 1675 Speedy Posts: 1,057	Good timing on this thread. Just saw this watch in WATCH TIME magazine. Would like to see one up close at an AD. __________________

19 August 2009, 02:00 PM	#8
oneillba "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Hamilton, MI USA Watch: My beloved TT DJ Posts: 3,831	A Ball watch will be in my future. __________________ My Trusty TT DJ

21 August 2009, 07:01 AM	#10
dpj17 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: In the Middle Posts: 841	I just picked up a "Mad Cow" last month and it is awesome! Great review! __________________ Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat

21 August 2009, 11:03 PM	#11
heresiarh "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: heresiarh Location: Boston Watch: GMT-IIC Posts: 428	Mad Cow is such a beast. Superb quality watch and will last you a generation! And Ball's CEO Jeff Hess is a great guy ... __________________ "I though paradise was a library" Patek 5711/1A White Dial

11 August 2009, 08:21 AM	#2
esm "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Eric Location: Location,Location Watch: this, bro... Posts: 15,340	great review and congrates. I have also recently interested in Ball watches. Tried a green EM2 last week and was going to the trigger until I saw the green fireman on the Internet, but couldn't find the ref no for it. Really loving the green details and the clean look of it. Can you let me know the ref no and retail price of it? Thanks.

12 August 2009, 05:39 AM	#6
NJSub Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Chris Location: NJ, USA Watch: 16610 Posts: 156	Wow they have some pretty awesome watches. I'll have to put them on the list for future consideration!

19 August 2009, 12:45 PM	#7
asindhidude Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: orlando Watch: SS Sub ND - 14060M Posts: 17	Could someone do a Rolex Sub / Ball Diver comparo? That would be super....

26 September 2009, 12:32 AM	#13
Putnam Dan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Putnam, NY Posts: 13	Beautiful. I just purchased an Alligator - cant wait to see it in person!

26 September 2009, 04:26 AM	#15
heresiarh "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: heresiarh Location: Boston Watch: GMT-IIC Posts: 428	No hijacking here. Ball watches are highly underrated. I think one should buy 2-3 Ball watches and keep them safe because I have a feeling the prices will be going up in the next 5 years, and by that I mean double/triple price jumps. I consider the Fireman a basic model and yet its just superb at $1000.00 retail ... __________________ "I though paradise was a library" Patek 5711/1A White Dial

26 September 2009, 09:35 AM	#17
HockeyBrand Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Burnaby Posts: 265	I love my Night Train!

26 September 2009, 11:18 PM	#18
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	I love it too :) sweet watch, man! __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

30 September 2009, 01:34 AM	#19
WatchTimes 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: JYogi/Jeremy Location: Metro Detroit USA Watch: It's a Rolex! Posts: 5,452	I have the original dial NT as well... It is my go to watch for hunting and camping. I wear it on a NATO and if I wake up in the middle of the night I can easily tell the time without bothering anyone., They are GREAT watches and Jess Hess (head of Ball USA) is a GREAT guy! Ball really goes out of their way with customer service. __________________ "You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun

30 September 2009, 05:09 AM	#20
Brushpup "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Patrick Location: Texas Watch: what I'm wearing Posts: 5,943	Enjoyed your review very much. I really would like to get my Dad one of these for Christmas this year. __________________ *TRFs "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron-Founding Member* PClub # 10 74,592 The safest place for your watch is on your wrist.

30 September 2009, 11:40 PM	#21
Putnam Dan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Putnam, NY Posts: 13	The Alligator. Now this is a piece of art! I just love the way the blued hands flash when the light hits them just so.

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