Are Ball Watches Good? 

I have owned two ball watches and I think they are under appreciated. The quality and build is really solid compared to higher brand like Omega, Tudor and Tag. I would definitely recommend this brand to others.

Great video. The Ball watch brand is where the term “Get on the ball,” comes from, when someone is running late. That’s a cool way to explain the brand to a friend that has never heard of it before. Instant street cred. 👍

Ball offers very solid build quality, great fit and finish, shock resistance, anti-mag, even use 904L steel on many of their watches, but like you say they're not a hype brand. Granted not to everyone's taste, but they deserve more love.

I have two Ball watches. I bought one of them based on your RU-vid "My favorite $1000 watch - Ball Fireman Enterprise" post. I love both my Ball Trainmaster Streamliner and my Ball Fireman Enterprise. Of all my watches, they are the two I wear the most. While not as bright as other luminous watches when the lights are first turned out, they are readable without my glasses all night. Other luminous watches are not! I feel they are truly superb watches, and I say this as the owner of a Grand Seiko Spring Drive and Rolex Datejust. I highly recommend Ball Watches!

I own two. The lume alone makes them excellent choices for anyone living north of 45* latitude. Thanks for reviewing the brand. In my mind, if you’re not concerned with brand recognition and appreciate the original American provenance, Ball Watches are an excellent choice.

Great video. Many years ago I fell on hard times and I had to sell my Rolex Sub. When I was able to buy another one I opted instead to buy a few quality watches instead of one. So I purchased A Omega Speedmaster, a Tag formula 1 GMT, and a Ball train master world timer chronograph. I already had a JLC- now I must say my favorite watch above all is my Ball- it’s not a watch it’s a time Machine. It’s big but not to big, it’s heavy but not to heavy. It’s a total pleasure to look at. I’m most happy with it even over the Rolex and the Omega. It’s in a class by itself it’s a true man’s watch.

Ball has slipped through the cracks for me too for a long time. A few days ago I saw the Ball Engineer III Marvelight in grey at a good discount and I was attracted to it mainly because of three reasons (apart from the price): I find the tritium tubes really cool / this specific model is a lot dressier and more restrained than other Ball watches / the use of 904L steel. So I ordered it and will get it in a few days 🙂Let's see how it turns out in real life. Thanks for the overview video, I will check out your review of the GMTs.

I like that Ball is underrated and makes some of the best tool watches in the industry. You could say the same of Sinn watches, amazing tool watches but doesn't really have "street cred" I would however say that Ball is a brand any watch enthusiast would instantly recognize.

Havent clicked a video so fast. This is my favorite brand! I wear a marvelight caring edition and its so comfortable, the bracelet is smooth, its got some heft, super accurate, and the lume omg. Such a joy to wear.

I have owned a ball fireman for 2 years now. It's the most affordable collection at 1k. Im impressed. You know those brands that work hard to win collectors over? Ball is one of those. For 1k you get magnetic resistance, shock resistance, a modified sellita and mine runs between 1-3 sec a day, and the finish for a 1k watch is exceptional. I've said it for a year now it's my best bang for buck. A true field watch with military specs and with tritium that glows better than lume so no issue in low light whatsoever.

Thank You for this video! I'm pleased to see this brand gain more traction, it's one that I hold very close to my heart. I own both a vintage ball pocket-watch and a vintage Trainmaster - and they pair for a great conversation at any watch meet that I bring them to. I also own two contemporary models - one being a pilot's watch with a hand wind movement, and the other an art deco styled chronograph. Being a New Yorker, the watch collecting scene here is simply amazing. I've had the opportunity to see and handle watches from companies that I have no expectation of owning - in my lifetime - haha. However, seeing such timepieces has inspired me to go with whatever watches I like, regardless of brand recognition. It is here where companies like Ball really shine - features that more mainstream brands won't offer, and value for money. The Pilots watch I mentioned - comes with a hunter style case back to reveal a beautifully decorated 6498, and The chronograph in my collection is a panda style layout in Blue Enamel - I'd have a hard time naming any watch company offering enamel dialed watches that are both readily available AND in my price range. All that to say, my collection has ranged from Nomos to Grand Seiko, and while the recognizable brands will always get the nods from folks - it's the ball watches that draw them in - the history of how the company came to be and why this first generation of 'Tool Watch' had to look and operate the way that they did. Our country was built upon the railroads, and the safety and efficiency of travel by rail depended a great deal on watches regulated to the accuracy and reliability standards codified by Ball.

Thanks for the video. I have 4 Ball watches, 3 pocket watches and one wrist. The wrist is a 60's era with a wind indicator. One of my favorites. To say the least the 3 Pocket watches and very important additions to my watch collection. Very well made and quite accurate. I believe that the wrist watches are under appreciated. Always on the lookout for additions to my collection.

Just purchased the engineer ii skindiver Heritage limited edition one of only 390, I have to say I am very impressed with the build quality the TIC coating is on point, the lume is amazing t and at the price point I got it at it is plenty of bang for buck!! Highly recommended.

Thanks Bruce. Great video. I'm a big fan of BALL and plan on owning another one in the future. BALL seems to be happy occupying the niche it does in the marketplace. I'd like to see more of the watches they offer in their "on-Line Boutique" at brick and mortor AD shops myself. As far as Cache", I think they have have it - very classy watches but they fly under the radar for some reason.

Been looking at the gmt model on gnomon for a while now. I really like the fact that it has both the jump hour,and a quick set date. 🔥

I feel like their best watches are based on their old pocket watch designs. They just do that 1900 style dial really, really well.

You’re spot on. I have the Omegas and the Brietlings, but I also adore the Ball watch in my collection for a fraction of the price. The history and the attention to detail is what I love about these watches. I am fast becoming a Ball enthusiast.

I much prefer having quality watches that others don't have. As such, brand recognition for me is a huge turnoff. I have three Ball watches, one vintage, two modern. Fabulous brand, fantastic watches

My favorite watch in my collection has become my Ball Fireman Racer. The black with red numerals

I have been a watch fanatic for a decade now. I used to always go to the Tourneau in Caesars palace in Las Vegas because they had about 30 different watch brands. Ball watches were always a stand out, and I always felt they were on par with the best of them. Always impressive.

I have always admired Ball watches and would absolutely love to have one in my collection. For me personally, I prefer to look for watch brands that aren't necessarily the "Big Boy" brands. Yes I love the Omega's, Tudor's, Rolex's etc, but there is so much quality and history behind so many other lesser known watch brands. And finding out about these kind of watch brands, looking into the history of these watch brands, is probably the most enjoyable part of watch collecting for me.

Great video as always 👍. I think that's the first time I've seen end links like that that extend past the end of the lugs.

Purchased my Fireman Enterprise in late May-23... So satisfied with the built & quality... Looking forward for next purchase - perhaps Engineer II Moon Calendar

Watch Enthusiasts definitely know about Ball watches, and how great they are. As for me, I would prefer a watch full of great specs and rich history like Ball, then a over hyped mainstream brand that's more hype than specs. That's just me though. Good video!!!👍

I love the communities surrounding Ball watches. They take amazing photography with them and seem to really enjoy them. Thank you for this video on them Bruce!!!

Engineer master diver 2 here, it’s a fine durable watch, mine runs cosc despite no official certification

FYI: Ball Watch Company is Chinese-owned. Just two weeks ago that mention was also on their Wikipedia page, but after I mentioned the fact that they're a Chinese-owned brand on another youtube video's comments that mention has now been erased from Wikipedia.

I have 6 Ball watches and am looking for a 7th. They just fit my wrist the best and are very accurate.

I had my eye on Ball for a few years and finally pulled the trigger and got a Roadmaster Rescue. I have several Movado's, Certina, Victorinox and now Ball. Some reviewers say Ball is on that entry level of luxury watches some say they are on the Rolex, Breitling. I also want a Trainmaster and another Roadmaster, I like them a lot. Especially since I work on the railroad doing trackwork

I’ve had my eye on an Engineer III Marvelight for a long time. When the funds allow, I intend to pick one up.

Never actually tried on a ball watch but I have seen them in jewelers cases and the finishing/quality looks really good compared even with more expensive competitors

I have an Engineer III Marvelight, and it's made with 904L steel; I think it's a solid, well-made watch. Tbh, it gives my wife's Rolex OP a run for its money. It's funny how people want to find watches that aren't as well known and unique, but they'll also go for name brands to get that recognition. If you want something that's very well made and unique, Ball is a great brand to check out, but if you want to get validation from other watch people, you could always go with a more recognizable brand.

Thanks for your presentation about Ball Watches. They are great value watches and while some are overdesigned, there are many that really sit in the sweet spot of quality and price. as for name cache, i guess it's in the eye of the beholder. Tag? ugh, no thanks, Grand Seiko? that's like buying a Grand Toyota, so no. Tudor, uh maybe but well, it's not a Rolex. Rolex? perfect if you're promoted to interim assistant district sales manager for the tri-state region. Omega? now you're talking. also, when i look at the build and finish on a Ball World Time or a Hydrocarbon or better yet, the Ball Engineer Endurance 1917 in Ice Blue, now i'm in love. a chacun son gout!

Any problems with the pushers for the GMT sticking out so far? E.g. with sleeves etc?

I pondered this, and I come up with…it depends. It depends on the comparables (brands), and the wide range of variables (materials, designs, size, shape, style elements, layout, etc). I may like a Seiko over a Ball, but a Ball over an Oris, but an Oris over a Seiko. It’s a vicious twisted game, where you win for losing and lose when winning.

I do like Ball watches but I don't care for the name Ball that much. Michael Caine is also a fan of Ball. The Ball Engineer master 2 skin diver is a really nice offering with the mesh bracelet and probably my favorite. They have so kool GMTs aswell

Ball has some of my absolute favorite watch designs out there. I wish I had the 5K to plunk down on the Spacemaster Orbital II I would lose my mind with that timepiece. They are one of the sleeper makers out there that deserve the respect of any high quality luxury brand out there. IMHO

I finally after years got my Roadmaster Ocean Explorer. I would love to see a review on it...

I just bought a Ball Roadmaster Pilot GMT. Have owned it for about a month and so far it's the most accurate watch I own - way more accurate than my Omega Aqua Terra. The Ball is running spot on at +/- zero seconds a day - kinda of freaks me out.

I love this being the second luxury buy. I just picked one up after first scratching my Speedmaster itch.

Interested in long-term ownership experience of Ball watches, especially the in-house true GMT movement (caliber RRM7337-C). If we want to benchmark Ball against the archetype of its category, let's say that's Rolex, does Ball fall short in some way? If so in what areas? (yes I know Ball is much cheaper than Rolex, but I think it's illustrative to ask where and by how much it is inferior, in order to get a sense of value)

I think dual-time sport watches may be the Next Big Thing. Looking forward to getting my Horage Supercede GMT later this year.

I’m new to let’s say, admiring watch’s and looking to get my first, I’ve narrowed it down to a Ball and or a Hamilton,

I've been stuck between a bb58 and an engineer M marvelight for months... Tritum vs divewatch lume Both in house Ball had an open caseback with a great looking movement 70 vs 80 hours power reserve 40 mill vs 39 mill. Both have a small lug2lug of skx proportions with makes it good for medium wrists. It is so difficult. But the ball wins on many points. The look of the movement, the butterfly clasp (for small wrists) the gas tubes, but my neighbour (who i rarely speak to and barely know) does not know ball.... and i don't care but subconsciously i do, like everyone.

in my humble opinion, Ball is underrepresented in watch reviews.

This raises the oft asked question faced by watch enthusiasts today: Why do i wear a watch? Is it most important to me for its timekeeping capability, or is it a piece of jewelry intended to impress others? To me, name brand recognition applies to the latter half of this question. Do I really want to spend thousands of dollars for a well-marketed brand name? If so, then I have reduced my very impressive piece of timekeeping engineering to a mere bracelet with a fancy mechanical ornament.

Great every day watch ⌚️. A brand I recommend to people just getting into watches or want their first nice watch.

I like their watches. Rock solid build quality. And Tritium lume is so reliable when you really need to see at night.

Greetings, Bruce. I wonder if you could recommend a watch winder that will keep my automatic Rolex wound up! I've tried a couple with no luck. I don't wear it every day so must find a watch winder that will work for this. Thank you.

I just picked up an early ball watch. I believe it's one of the earliest. Nice!!!

I'm a railroader and I want to like Ball and like the brand, but haven't found a design that speaks to me. I get the tritium tubes are their thing, but it restricts the design a lot.

I think Ball is very good watches. Their movement very accurate, my friend has engineer II without COSC cert and it +1+1.5sec/day after 5 years everyday wearing, warm summer, very cold winter. I have engineer III with very cool iced blue dial. The quality I think is better than rolex, movement (COSC certified) -1 s/day. Feels solid, looks nice, finishing very good. And all just this for 2k. And you can get nice and accurate in house caliber for 3-3.5k. I think this is one of the best deals. And you can get watches anywhere, wide model line and has in stock.

I feel that this a very underrated and unappreciated Swiss brand. I have a Worldtimer and diver COSC certified with day date ! Do you know of another brand like that? 2022 Ball Roadmaster Worldtimer Automatic 42MM Limited Edition DG3032A-SC-BKRD. Lume in Bezel and Tritium tubes to last a lifetime light up! Is magnetic resistant, with 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and 80 hour power reserve! SPECIFICATIONS Model: DG3032A-SC-BKRD Case Material: Stainless Steel Water Resistant: 300 Meters / 1000 Feet Bezel: Unidirectional Stainless Steel Bracelet: Stainless Steel Crown: Screw-Down Dial Color: Black Hand Indicators: Luminous Hour Markers: Silver Tone Baton-Style Indices Crystal: Sapphire Movement: COSC Automatic Caliber BALL 1501-C Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Day, Date, Worldtimer Case Diameter: 42.0mm Case Thickness: 14.5mm Lug Width: 20.0mm

I'm one of those watch guys that could are less about name recognition. I want a well made watch that I love. Ball does this for many of us. It sure did it for me. Ball makes a great watch.

This is the question I've been asking myself my entire life...Good video Bruce.

Great video Of course Ball watches provide better value than many prestige watches where you are paying big time for status - which is fine of course

I purchased one fire man nightbreaker love it

Lovely watches, and I've considered getting one for awhile. But anything with a butterfly clasp is out. Lack of micro adjustment is just stupid.

I love my Balls! But from experience I would avoid any of their world time complications.

i am actually looking to purchase an Engineer Hydrocarbon NEDU because it is NOT well known. When someone asks what it is they will comment how beautiful and thick it is, but not assume it is a fake like the well know brands can be... Who would copy a Ball?

To me Ball is nothing but the best! I have 2 one diving and dress watch . Quality, presence and very elegant in all Aspects 🤷🏽

I thought you were going to say I want to talk about my Balls in the beginning of the video before you said Watches lol.

Is there any other GMT watch that has both day and date?

In terms of the quality, which one is better, rolex or ball?

Definitely a watch brand you would come back to later on in watch collecting, when you’d appreciate everything the watch has rather than like you say that big brand on one of your 1st buys…. Like I did 😅

Ball is top notch. Great work 👏👏

I definitely have a Ball shaped itch that needs scratching. Every time I see them, the quality speaks for itself 👍🏻

They are the best watch for the price. The one I have gains about 2.5 second a day which is very high end . Highly recommend

Not as recognized but I love my Ball Engineer. Great watch and cheap enough if I bang it up, lose it or donate it, I wouldn't really care.

I owned an Engineer Master ii Diver DM2020. Dissapointed with agent service, the inner bezel is impossible to lock in position. Change out the weak lume and was told no new stock just try my luck with a used replacement. Turns out worst then what I had before. Up to 6 mins out of time in a day!!! No more ball for me, sorry! Thrice sent for servicing.. gave up. Same price point, I’ll go for Oris any day.

Thanks for the video. I’m considering buying a Ball Roadmaster Moonphase. If anyone has any feedback on that it would be greatly appreciated!

I just got my Engineer II Aviator 46mm Black. I put a black leather band to replace the factory brown band.

Ball is like lexus people whom know know. People whom don't know say that ain't an s class is just a fancy Toyota. I just picked up a ball hydrocarbon nedu and am blown away by the total watch experience it gives. It was 4200 euros what was more then I paid for my speedmaster monwatch professional crystal sandwich. How I loved the manual wind omega I hated the almost zero water resistance of the speedmaster. And this watch is just an go anywhere daily kinda watch. I am not looking into the Roadmaster marine GMT. I think I have become a ball fan. And will be building my ball collection over the next couple 9f years

Ball has a great heritage..and is a well established firm ..going back to the 1800’s . They are better value for money than an omega ,Rolex or Tudor. In fact they punch high above their weight .. I’d rather buy a ball watch than overpriced Rolex or an omega ..ect…

A lot of people have not heard of Vacheron Constantin or Lange Sohne, i would rather have a Ball Watch over Omega, Tudor, Tag heuer, they just do it for me and they have real history

Most people don't recognize any watch brands other than Rolex & Omega. What I look for is "spot-ability", something that is recognizable at distance by an enthusiast. Not a one-up or show-off watch, but one that sparks a conversation, one that makes an introduction. Ball just doesn't have that iconic piece like even the Seiko Turtles or Oris Aquis. It's a shame to have that history, but nothing that stands out anymore.

Bruce the vintage pocket watches are an absolute bargain! To make a hand made heavily decorated movement now would run in the thousands and not just a couple……

The quality of those bracelets look incredible.

If you’re buying a watch to impress your neighbor, etc. You’re buying it for the wrong reason. I have one Ball and really like it. My grandfather worked for the railroad and I appreciate the heritage of the brand. But, for the same price, you can get a Tag, Breitling and even some Omega’s. To each their own.

Bruce, is it true that Ball watches uses Chinese components and assemble them in Switzerland?

Talk about a multi cultural brand… was own and made in America, new ownership is Chinese, and made in Swiss…. I have never heard about this brand yet I’m drawn to it. Maybe it’s our connection to the railroad. Since my family history dates back to the building of the transcontinental railroad

I buy a watch to impress myself more so than someone else. I can count on one hand with a couple fingers cut off how many times someone has noticed my Tudor or Rolex. If I can get quality that meets or surpasses hype brands for a reasonable price, that’s a winner. Plus if someone were to notice and know about it, you can bet some wonderful fellow watch-nerd conversation will follow!

I have a fireman enterprise, really awesome watch compared to price. They do have some misses with design, but the quality is def there.

I figure at least 30% of the retail price of omega, Tudor, etc is simple due to their brand name on the dial. Ball watches are very good from my experience.

Was looking at the Engineer III Ohio Chronometer. A lot of watch for under $2k. COSC Accuracy, 904L steel, real nice looking face and case. I just could get past the bracelet design and the butterfly clasp.

Are those watches screw down crown?

Ball the best watch! I 'm wearing it now Ball Devgru . and I don't want others.

Why the cyclops? Or do they release no-date version of this

I can't find information about the owner of this company. On wiki, it still says the company is Swiss.

Ya but Ball fans know what they're getting and what they're paying for. If the name is what's keeping you from buying one, you probably need to do a little self reflecting. I do believe ball is on the same level or even higher at times than Omega ect. Thanks for the content. God bless

Would have bought one by now, but very turned off by the design and size of these pieces. If they could remove the numerals and have a simple double baton it would be much better.

Just to be clear, Ball never manufactured his own watches. Ball watches were manufactured by Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton and perhaps others, on commission from Ball to his standard. The pocket watch you were looking at should have the manufactures name on it somewhere. I own a Ball watch, a Nightbreaker. I’m very hit or miss with their styling as a whole. The watch I own, in some light, the dial looks a bit busy to my taste. Most of the time, I think the dial looks just great. The lume on the Nightbreaker in particular is really fabulous, the tubes are tall with lots of surface area. Ball does a great job of regulating their movements. I would suggest that any non COSC watch is quite likely to run easily within COSC spec. That’s nothing too unusual. They are very well made. The one I own with a 40mm case is probably my most comfortable watch. It fits. The trick is to fig around and find one or two which look right to one’s eye, there styling isn’t for everyone at the end of the day

Great, great watches! It's an asset that no one recognizes your Balls 😆. Can travel more freely without all that attention. The Roadmaster GMT rootbeer or worldtimer would be my choice!

Maybe I should get one?

Don't pay retail. Half price on ebay very good value. Got the skindiver. Fantastic watch.480 dollars for a service 2 weeks ago. Yikes.

Always wanted one as a kid, because of my last name haha only still saving, there a quintessential time peace I like the not so advertising brand, they wouldn't be unique if everyone was wearing the same bling brands. Official standard enough said.

Ball is one of my favorite

The lume doesnt look that great? thanks for vid. i see great value in their watch

Do you have any recommendations for a watchmaker in Utah County ?

Their lume only lasts 10 years ?