I recently purchased this watch, (my first Ball), thinking it would be comparable to my Rolex Milgauss. I was wrong. There’s little comparison - this Ball outshines the Rolex in several areas at a fraction of the cost. I’m living this watch. This is my first Ball, but it won’t be my last!
@@nathanielzaharia9630 First of all, the tritium gas tube luminosity makes the watch easy to read in any light, particularly full darkness. It doesn’t fade, it doesn’t need exposure to other light to “charge” it. It’s every bit as attractive as my Rolex Milgauss and larger, (the Ball is 43mm, where the Milgauss is 40mm). The Ball is a COSC certified chronometer, so it is on par with the Rolexes, as all the Rolex OP models, (including the Milgauss), are chronometers. Like my Rolexes, it has a sapphire crystal; but, unlike the Rolex, it also has a sapphire crystal backing; which is a cool feature, as you can see the movement in the watch. The movement, like the Rolex, is Swiss. It has patented anti-shock system which makes it ideal for active lifestyles. It shares the same water resistant depth as the Rolex, but boasts an 80 hour power reserve, which out-performs the 48 hour reserve on the Rolex OPs and Milgauss. I don’t own any Rolexes with the date function, as I find the magnifying “bubble” to be gaudy and annoying. The Ball Engineer III Marvelight M has a date function without that annoying, unsightly bubble. And I actually like the clasp on the band of the Ball more than my Rolex Milgauss. ...Though the Rolex has the Easylink feature, which is superiority the Ball for sure. So those things which outshine the Rolex are things that are enjoyed by me as an individual. I’m still a huge fan of Rolex and wear them proudly. But I also wear my Ball watches proudly, (I bought a second one since my original comment), and some features, (the 43mm size, the wrist band, the sapphire crystal back, the luminescence, the bubble-free date feature, the 80 hour power reserve, the weight of it on my wrist, etc.), I consider to be as attractive, and in some cases, more attractive, as the Rolex. And it is an excellent quality, Swiss-made luxury watch that isn’t just a fraction of the price of a Rolex, but is far easier to obtain than Rolexes are right now. None of my Rolex ADs have any new stock available and don’t know when they’ll get it, despite having placed an order for me. Conversely, I can go to my local authorized Ball dealer, and they will either likely have the watch I want in stock, or can easily get it. If I place an order, I’m getting a watch. That’s not the case with how Rolex has been doing business lately. So there’s that, too. I can buy 2 or 3 new Balls for the price I’d pay for one Rolex and I’m guaranteed to get one. I’ve received no such guarantees from my Rolex AD.
i will own a Ball one day.........Edit May 2019 . I now own a Ball. It is a stunning watch and the quality is off the charts. I will own another Ball one day.
I love your attitude. I will own a Ball one day....Edit March 2021. Pre-ordered an Engineer III Legend II. I am now paying for a watch I have yet to wear. Which one did you purchase?
I have a Ball Skindiver II, and I will tell you (if you are a skeptic) the build quality is very, very high. I love it, never plan on parting with it. And I buy/sell watches about as frequently as Rob reviews them (sarcasm. kinda)
I recently purchased a Ball Engineer III Ohio Automatic watch, Black, 40 mm, NM9126C-S14J-BK. I have new admiration for Ball. Definitely a class above many renowned watches. Too bad the Holy Trinity does not want to include Ball, however I will give him this category in my humble opinion, because for a watch expert, I would say that Ball is up to Patek Phillipe along with Vacheron Constantin and Breguet. This new acquisition in my humble collection, is a beauty that has many forms and with extreme expressions of beauty and is called Art! Therefore, Ball is my favorite of the Big Four, and based on general impressions and value for money. Although the only "detail" is a bit thick for my taste and although the thickness of the box is not perfect in this model, although it has an attractive appearance. As the owner of a Patek among other fine watches, I must say that Ball is easily compatible, if not superior, to the Patek in some aspects ... My Holy Trinity has Patek at the top, but not necessarily Vacheron Constantin or Breguet as a second level ... I think Ball fits better. They attract me like honey flies. Not only are Ball's watches beautiful, they represent the height of watchmaking development. Congratulations !!! For example, people make me smile when they say the Rolex watch is better. "Yes, it can look better ...", but technically speaking there is a big gap between a Ball watch and a Rolex. We must also remember and that you can not forget the luminescent tubes used by Ball, these are in my opinion the best tubes that have been applied to a watch. They offer a higher and more resistant luminosity - an intensity 100 times greater than that of traditional luminescent paints - which can last up to 25 years. Honestly, if there is anyone who is in doubt when buying a Ball, I encourage you to opt for this formidable brand called Ball. Greetings to all and have a good day
In my opinion, the Ball Watch Co. is very underrated. I have a Magneto S, and it gets a TON of wrist time. It's just well designed and finished. I've really enjoyed it.
I too have become a Ball fan and the great history of the watch is fantastic. I can't truly say this about many things but worth more than I paid. 😍😍😍😍😍
Ball watch is totally under the radar and I’m ok with that. I like the pieces low! Need to buy another I only have one and it’s been about 8 years. This one is simple and elegant. I’m on their preorder mail list and might just do the Icebreaker. Not sure if I want their in house movement more or the 904L steel.
Great job Rob. Really love seeing brands like Ball getting review time. Another superb watch with American lineage. Tritium watches are hard to display but at night onve your eyes adjust they are crazy bright. ✌️🏻
That case is amazing. I would love to see them do a case like that in tungsten carbide. That way it would stay high polish without scratches for a long, long time. I would have a high polish case like that in SS scratched way too quickly.
I own 3 Ball watches along with some more expensive brands like Rolex and Omega. This is hands down the best watch brand for the money. Very solidly built and what a man’s watch should look and feel like. Too many higher end watches are either too gaudi or effeminate for my taste. Although I do like my Rolex and Omega too👍🏻
I own a Ball Hydrocarbon Submarine warfare ceramic. It is so awesome, super high quality & the bracelet is solid. That watch is definitely a keeper till my death.
I have the exact same watch in the 40mm version, the only thing missing on this, is a button clasp release, instead of friction clasp. Otherwise a fantastic piece!
Wow. Look at that movement. Reminds me of a 992 railroad watch. Large wonder what ligne? Spectacular. Thanks Rob. Quality and quantity. Edit: 38 mm 15.2 ligne much larger than 2824 11-1/2 26 mm
Ball Watch told me watches have to go back to Switzerland for new tritium tubes. The NRC doesn’t allow, ritium tubes into the country unless installed in a watch.
It’s amazing! Just got it from gnomon watches in blue (40mm). Trust me it’s worth it, wears like a beauty on my 6.75 inch wrist. The quality, the bright tritium, in-house all add up and make this piece a keeper. Enjoy it more then my Omega Seamaster!
Isn't it a modufied ETA movement? Is it truly an inhouse? Modified bmw engine is still a bmw engine for the new supra. Not to take away that ETA madness great movements
@@RandomRobReviews Its not my favorite. Rolex holds that spot. Its clean looking though. I'd like to see companies become serious about innovating new bracelets and clasps. I think it's the most neglected aspect, quality and design wise, of nearly every watch.
Ball makes a great watch and an amazing bracelet. But, putting a Ball on a strap completely alters its wrist presence. Great bracelet but I'm starting to enjoy the wearing experience more on a black strap.
Ball are fine watches. Best lume, bar none. Accuracy about as good as any other mechanical. Heavy, bulky, thick, which does not necessarily mean more durable than any other mech watch. If you desire a thin, light watch, Ball is not for you. Ball should offer a quartz model, which should reduce the weight and thickness considerably, and have far greater accuracy.
Frustrating for people with youtube channels to review something and not know things in the manual and readily available. Please be sure to know the watch if you are going to review it.
@@RandomRobReviews I wonder how that 40mm wears.. its hard to find many videos of people wearing it.. I travel. a lot and there aren't many places you can buy a Ball watch in person. I guess I have to stay put somewhere and have it delivered?
