I've been a Ball watch fan for years ever since seeing one in person in dc for the first time. Ball doesnt sell in stores anymore but I'm hooked. So this is the year I've promised myself to get once.
I absolutely love this watch. The fit and finish are amazing, I just recently passed on one, but the watch still haunts my dreams, not certain I will be able to resist.
Bought the Marvelight M with Grey dial and put it in a leather strap a couple months ago. Liked it so much I bought a White 40mm version (different movement) almost immediately. And, awaiting delivery of a Black Titanium Green Beret tomorrow. To say I'm impressed with Ball would be an understatement. Love the story. Love the history. Love the fact that you dont see them frequently... I personally enjoy educating people on watches when they ask, so this is a fun one to wear. If you like history and having a story to tell. This is a brand for you. If you like lume... This may very well be THE brand for you. Great Review, @BruceWilliams
I am hooked, Merry Christmas to me!! For what you are getting, for the price, is a steal. Prior to this video I was going to get a Blue Aquaterra. For halve of the price I will get a watch that almost matches the Omega with more features. I have another watch with the same dimensions 43mm, 50mm and 13.3mm and it wears excellent on my 7 1/4 wrist. To much bling for me so I will order it along with a factory brown leather strap that includes the buckle for $200. For me $200 is a lot of money but compare it to a factory leather strap with the buckle included from Omega or even an Oris!?!? Great video Bruce, you have saved me a lot of money!! Thank you, Bravo!!!
Killer piece! Seems a tad big for the style, but for my 7 1/8” wrist, I imagine it would wear well. Thanks for the review! Update: Just saw they have a 40mm version on the site. Dang! It’s on the list now. 😊
I recently purchased this watch, (with the blue dial), and I love it more than my Rolex Milgauss. It was a fraction of the cost of the Milgauss and has some features the Milgauss doesn’t have that I’m really happy with. In fact, I am probably going to get another one, (black dial), so I can match the Ball with various wardrobe choices. I like this particular Ball model so much, I think my Rolexes may start spending more time in the safe.
How does it compare with the finish? I believe they both use the 904L steel. Also, do you find the polishing a bit much? Thinking of buying one cuz I do like wearing watches thats not the norm like Omegas, Seikos or Tudors
LiveFit - I like the polishing. The band is thicker than any of my Rolexes. Seems sturdier as a result. Don’t know that it is, but sure looks and feels that way. The Milgauss is 40mm and this Ball is 43mm, so it’s noticeably larger. Though you can buy this mode in 40mm. Back to the polishing: I find it’s comparable to the Rolex Milgauss there, too; both in the level of high polish and the surface area that is polished, (case, lug, band). Don’t know if it’s sheer luck or by design, but the Ball doesn’t seem to scratch as easily as the Rolexes do. I don’t baby my watches. I buy them to wear them and I don’t freak out over small scratches. But the Balls, (yes, plural...I bought that black one I mentioned previously a few weeks ago!), seem to have remained looking pretty much brand new despite more than 2 months of daily wear on the blue one, and three weeks of daily wear with the new one. So the polishing doesn’t put me off, (a lot claim it’s a scratch magnet, but it seems to hold up pretty well on this Ball model). It’s a GORGEOUS watch. Just gorgeous. And you don’t see them every day, which I happen to like. They have put a lot of care and thought into this model. Worth every penny and more, in my opinion.
@@bendyparanormal WOW! Thanks for your thorough feedback! Your right about this one not having the same steel as the Rolex - the Engineer Master III Marvelight Blue 904L does though(ref. GNOMON Watches) and its going for $1360, quite a steal on the steel 😆. I might just have to pick the Master III for my 40th! Anyway, keep enjoying your Balls😁
Ball is very good quality for the money. I have a Ball Engineer III Starlight and the design and workmanship can sit side by side with a Rolex Explorer. I wanted to get an Omega Aquaterra but the Ball with the Tritium numerals were more practical. The bracelet is solid, watch case and dial is perfect even under magnification. I wear this in bed because you can still easily tell the time, even if it’s 2AM or 5AM. The tritium doesn’t fade out during the night. I got mine less than $1K from their pre-order program. So, if the tritium wouldn’t work after 25 years, I could live with that (I have a 18 y/o Luminox where the Tritium is as still bright now as when I bought it). If you see a particular model you like on the pre-order program, I suggest you get it because it will be impossible to buy that same model brand new at the pre-order price, anymore. Legitimate retailers usually sell the watches double or even triple the pre-order price. And a lot of people are pretty happy with their purchases that you don’t see Ball watches on Ebay that much except to re-sell with a ridiculous mark-up. I hope Ball watches won’t go up too much in price and they would stay from Sinn, Nomos, etc price territory. Ball doesn’t pay me to say this. But if they want to, they can send me an email :)
@@hyssean12 Because most people buying a Ball is for the novelty of the triutium, and most people buying an Omega or Rolex is because its an Omega or a Rolex. And with those brands, and old Omega, Rolex or even Longines can command a premium price. I doubt Ball can even command a price anywhere close to the original with a non-functioning tritium later. Without Balls tritium markers, some people would rather go with mid-range Longines, Hamilton or Tag Heuer for the same price.
That's a fantastic looking watch from Ball. I have owned the Engineer II Marvelight and the only thing I kind of miss here is the cyclopes date magnifier.
Great review of a well engineered and attractive time piece. I’m planning on buying the Fireman Enterprise shortly. Ball makes a quality watch for the money.
That movement looks great. I hate this bracelet's giant polished protruding end link. In your measurements, you should start including end link to end link span. Marvelight sits broad across the wrist because of that end link.
I had the 40mm version of this, the finish is good and although I like the bracelet, with out any half links or adjustment it just didn't fit right, I also found the crown to be pretty wobbly once is was unscrewed and the big empty space when looking through the display case back made me wonder why they bothered putting a display back on this. I bought this mainly for the tritium dial but ended up selling it as the tritium dial didn't make up for the flaws in my opinion. Also at this price I'd much rather have an easier to service ETA movement as many in house movements are less reliable and more expensive to fix......I have a discarded seamaster sitting on the shelf as a reminder of this.
I love Ball watches! The in house movement is a HUGE draw for me. The bracelet and case look amazing as well. 43mm is too big! And the handset is a bit dull. Anyway, thanks Bruce. I'd love to see more Ball watches on your channel.
Is it me or is the side profile of the mid case very "oyster-esque"? The 40mm version seems like it would be the better option (for me) but really like what Ball are doing. Solid, well finished watches for decent money. Hopefully the new movement proves reliable. Wouldn't be surprised to see a GMT version of the movement soon given the excellent gmt watches Ball makes.
J Mendes Jr I went with the Fireman Glory at $799. All I can say is “wow, will I ever wear another watch from my collection again?!” If I had started with the Ball first, I may not have purchased any of my other (40) watches!! It’s virtually a GADA piece- all most will EVER need!
Wow,I don’t know what it is,I’ve seen beautiful watches but there’s just something really elegant about that Watch!!I love the Peg Leg style hands and the relatively clean Face.I agree with the other viewer about scratches but I don’t care.It Reminds me of an old Seiko my Dad has when I was a kid.I don’t remember what it was.This does have a “Retro” look to me.I’m a Mech Engineer so I think I need this Watch,aha.Great Video,TY for showing this Brand.
Bruce, I have a 7.25" wrist just like you. I don't have a place I can go to try one of these on but do you happen to know if either will fit under a dress cuff? I'm thinking the 43 might look better on my wrist than the 40mm. Please let me know, thanks alot and great review as always!
I enjoyed your video Bruce. I have a question. When do you need to REPLACE those tritium tubes? 10 years? Also it would be nice if you could put the price on the screen then and now prices if applicable whenever you speak about watches. Some used to others just don't.
Hello, I read on a blog that someone asked ball if you could replace them and how much. Technically I think you could keep them for 20+ years, but it starts diminishing after 15. Price is 35$ per tube and Ball takes care of it!
Hi there! Thanks for video! Want such! I wished for Omega AT but they are too expensive for me. This one more suitable with their price. Can You told me, is this Ball comparing by quality with Omega? On the video looks not worse.
You will get at least the same quality as a similar priced Omega. I think the tritium tubes make the Ball even better, but it all boils down to a matter of taste. Buy the one you like best. At this price quality is not an issue anymore for any well established brand.
Hi Bruce, Love all your videos. How does the Ball compare with Seiko Sarx033. I was looking to buy the Sarx033. Primary the Fireman that you have in another video. Mainly asking about fit, finish, case and braelet quality, the tritium isn't a big thing for me personally. I have so often heard how the SARX fit and finish appearance is way beyond it's price point. TIA, Joe
Ball is a much better watch compared to a Seiko Sarx033. Plus you don't have to sheepishly apologize to the hot girl in the bar that you are wearing a Seiko.
I can appreciate what you are saying. Ball has the whole "better movement" thing, but not sure if is recognized as a luxury brand by the general public, I realize Seiko is not. But I am truly talking quality and finishing, watch folks talk about it the same breath as Grand Seiko. Bruce or anyone who has handled both, would love to hear thoughts on if there wasn't a "name"on the watch, which would be higher quality or maybe it's a draw. Thanks, Joe
I've always liked Ball but what will happen when the tritium "burns out" in 20-25 years? Can you send the watch back to Ball to insert new tritium markers? And what would that cost?
I had the same question, I contacted authorized repair places in the US and they can give you an estimate if you send the watch, forums talks says 200-350 US to replace the tritium tubes ......
@@CarlosMUrbaez well after 20 years that might not be so bad of a maintenance fee, as long as you trust them to not botch the job. It would be worth refreshing the tubes and making it like new. Thanks for the info.
The whole point of a new model is to do something new and not rehash the same old design. Perhaps if you actually tried the watch on, you might come to a realization that it fits perfectly on your wrist and that the less conventional lug width is pretty fabulous. Be a bit more open minded.
All Engineer M models are cosc chronometer spec, ball also makes a non in house chronometer, and my Engineer II Arabic, which is non cosc runs well within chronometer spec.
How does this compare to a grand Seiko? The style of the watch reminds me of one you reviewed. Beyond that compare ball to Tudor who is putting out the better watches?
It's no comparison. Tritium inserts on watches is cool but gimmicky. They DO fade, over years. Tritium is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 12.3 years. In 25 years you'll barely be able to see it in low light. Grand Seiko is 100% in house manufacture; that's the only watch company in the world that can make that claim. As a matter of fact, that's one of the only manufactured anything in the world that can make that claim. So if you're choosing between Ball and GS for the best quality and craftsmanship, go with GS.
@@ohroonoko Um no. Tritium inserts on watches is not gimmicky at all. It is a design specification that works extremely well. All watches will lose it glow in the dark abilities in 25 years so what do you care.
@@bigmacdaddy1234 because that's what Ball is literally all about. Tritium inserts. That's how they made their name in the watch industry. That's why people buy them. I will bet you it's a lot cheaper and practical and possible to reapply luminescent coating in 25 years than it is replacing tritium inserts in the applied markers. So when that novelty wears off and they're left with the watch, they'll regret the purchase and the watches will be worth a tiny fraction of what they paid for it. Nobody will want one, it will have zero vintage value or appreciation. Not a good investment.
@@BruceWilliams They're American, founded in Ohio, then moved to Chicago in 60's, then moved to Switzerland,( internet says they were family owned until 90's and founder's descendants sold the name right to another company in 90's so i don't know if they moved to Switzerland before or after the sale or the company who bought the name rights was Swiss or not) and currently they're owned by a Hong Kong company named Asia Commercial Holdings Ltd.
@@ondersuvari2540 so they are like pretty much every other brand except Seiko Rolex and patek. Changing ownership is no worry of mine. These are no doubt real swiss watches
@@BruceWilliams :) I thought i replied to the OP, yes of course they're swiss made watches but an American brand like Hamilton and yes ownership doesn't mean anything otherwise Volvo would have been Chinese
