Great review. Love the brand. ETA and Valjoux modified movements, and now in house movements are top notch. My 3 Balls all run as well as my Datejust or Seamaster. Mine are all Hydrocarbons. They’re big and have some heft, and the quality of the finishing is outstanding. My Airborne is 9 years old and the lume is very strong. Most underrated watch out there.
Jeffrey-Thanks for the comment. Enjoy that beautiful timepiece. Thanks for sharing because it truly helps people understand the quality and value of Ball watches
Brian-Thanks for watching. It's crazy how much Ball grows on you after you get one. For my money, best price/quality ratio in the high entry to mid level watch game!
I’ve owned the Spacemaster Glow twice, which is the steel version of your Mad Cow. Just loved that watch but let it go as it was just a little hefty. If I buy it a third time I’m never letting it go again. Recently purchased a Fireman Victory silver dial, as I missed having a Ball in the collection. What a beautiful dress watch for the money, and quality wise it’s definitely up there with my Rolex and Omegas. Can’t go wrong with Ball.
I regretted selling my Ball Fireman Racer black dial as it was a very fine wristwatch and I bought it for a song at $550 and I was a good guy and sold it to a new lucky owner for just that amount. Last night I purchased a Ball Engineer M Challenger COSC w/80 hour power reserve inhouse movement black dial 43mm in near mint condition. Looking forward to receiving it in a couple days.-
I got the black dial. Looking forward to it primarily for the explorer appeal,80 hour power reserve, and the lume. The display back should be interesting too.
Fantastic review. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a Ball for a little while. I'm new to watch collecting and don't have unlimited budget. Thank you!
Eric-Thanks for watching! Unlimited budget is a good thing. Once you but one, you'll buy more. Also check out Tudor, they're making some beautiful watches these days. I've sold almost all of my Rolex's and moved to Tudor.
@@ericsatterthwaite2836 (1) Heritage Black Bay M79230N-0009; (2) Black Bay M79540-0004; (3) Pelagos M25600TN-0001 (but you can get a really good deal on the older ETA version); (4) Heritage Ranger M79910-0011 (amazing value); Fastrider 42000-95730; (5) North Flag 91210N. That Ranger would be a good all-around entry/luxury starter watch!
Beautiful collection! BALL is so underrated (thankfully, or they would be 3x the price); your Ball GMT is so clean- that watch is super sharp- gorgeous watch. Your BALL engineer marvelite is overall my favorite. Nicer than a Rolex- I've owned several Rolex's but never owned a BALL. Hopefully I will soon! Thanks for the great video!
Ball watches are the most underrated watches on the market. I own all sorts of watches high end/otherwise. Including 4 Rolexes. Ball watches are actually as solidly built if not more in some models. The marvelight I prefer over my Rolex date just! I just picked up the roadmaster pilot GMT in blue and black and I’m waiting for it now to come in.
This review helped me get over my hesitation and purchase a Ball watch. I might get the name slightly wrong but I think it's called a Marvelite Engineer II (Caring Edition, ain't that precious?) so it has the multicolored tubes. I'm kinda hyped about having a RADIOACTIVE RAINBOW on my wrist! Ok, so it won't be here until November but still it's exciting to have my first real watch on the way.
Matthew, Thanks so much for the comment. I'm elated my video helped. You won't be disappointed. That edition looks really good. Let me know how it glows at night!
MR PHELPS, THE LAST ONE YOU INTRODUCE IS WE HAVE THE SAME INTERIOR DESIGN ONLY MINE HAS POWER RESERVED AND MINE DOESN'T HAVE BEZEL, IT'S REALLY A GOOD WATCH, VERY GOOD QUALITY MATERIAL, RELIABLE DURABILITY, I LIKE TO WATCH THE LIGHT AT NIGHT TIME IT'S BEAUTIFUL BEFORE I GO TO BED, I WISH I WANT TO HAVE ONE MORE BALL WATCH COZ ITS EXPENSIVE, THANKS A LOT FOR SHARING 😂
Just got the Ball Pilot GMT - as a pilot I really like the quick adjustment of the hour hand, for I'm constantly jumping thru different time zones. Also the tritium really helps as a lot of hotels don't have alarm clocks anymore.
I do the same. I refinish my watches once a year unless its a more popular brand like grand seiko rolex or omega. A lot of times that will effect value on resale. Im a crane operator so I have a tendency to scratch up my watches but im not afraid to wear any of my higher end pieces to work.
Engineer II Marvelight is very simlliar with Engineer III Pioneer which I have tried on today. They both are very beautiful and 40mm size is fit perfectly to my small wrist.
I was about to get an Omega Aqua terra but got talked into a Ball fireman victory and couldnt be happier with it. Very solid piece and very reasonably priced. Nice to find a channel talking about them.
Subscribed! Thank you for sharing your impressions on this brand. I've been considering a mechanical watch and researching accordingly so Ball keeps appearing. My job as a stationary engineer requires excellent timekeeping and puts a heavy abuse on timepieces so choosing the best suited candidate is crucial. Thanks for helping!
Matthew-Thanks for subscribing and the support. Depending on budget, there are some really good options. I do think the best bang for buck is any Ball Engineer model. Check out Gnoman watches online, they have a good selection of Ball pieces in stock at good prices. In the same price range, the Sinn 104, 556 or U1 might be good options. Of course you could spring for the Rolex Milgauss, which can be found pre-owned for around $6,000. That said, I might start by suggesting the Seiko SARB 033 (black dial) or 035 (white dial). New for around $350. Don't let the price fool you. They are amazingly accurate, durable and shock resistant.
Great review mate. This past weekend I've looked at Ball not many outlets in Ireland stock them really considering Ball Watch Company ROADMASTER MARINE GMT | LTD Edition | Auto | Black Dial DG3030B-S4C-BK. And the Tudor blackbay pepsi dial. Tudor definitely has more brand recognition in Ireland but the ball is such an amazing looking watch. I'll ponder my thoughts a while longer.🤔
Collecting my Ice blue Engineer III Marvelight chronometer tomorrow. I have contemplated getting this watch for awhile and finally decided to go for it, my first Ball.
Lume shot would have been nice. Currently have 2 on order. Engineer 2 Red Label GMT, and a pre-ordered Roadmaster Challenger 18. I'm chomping at the bit in anticipation.
Nice review, thanks. I only have one Ball, the two crown world timer but I keep looking at other Ball watches. I almost bought a Hydrocarbon GMT but ended up eith an Oris. I like your Orient too, I don't have that model but I have three Orients. 😊
True-Thanks for watching and the comment. That's right-on. When in doubt, I reach for one of 2 watches...the Mad Cow or the Rolex 16803 TT Blue Sub from 1986.
Thanks for watching and the comment. I'm planning an update video for sure. I haven't added to my collection but I do want to discuss all of the updated models!
Nice collection. I like the Engineer II Marvelight. The black is really ice very sharp. Burgundy looks great too. I would gladly take either and wear them proudly.
Steven-Thanks so much for the comment. Been a crazy year business wise but I will be posting new watch content starting next week. I appreciate the support!
Rob-Yes. Very much my bad. All of the watches except the Marvelight and Ceramic are nearly 20 years old with dead tritium. But I should have got the ML and Ceramic in the dark!
Daniel- Thanks for the comment. Can't go wrong with either of those choices! I've not owned an Oris, but have handled them and watched other reviews. Oris is a good choice for a quality automatic tool/dive watch!
Exactly! I decided that it wasn't that big of a deal and pulled the trigger. I bought the Engineer III Marvelite blue version. I was blown away by the beauty when I opened the box. I couldn't be any happier.
I love Ball watches and I'm just trying to decide which Ball watch to purchase first. I have a small wrist, so that will be a consideration. Thanks for the great reviews. I'm now a new subscriber! Excellent! I would be grateful for any suggestions you might have about a suppler for good used Ball watches.
Check out the Conductor series. They are fairly small, but rectangular cases. The other series are all 40-43mm. The Fireman Glory is 40mm, but thin at 11mm.
Milton Northway I have a small wrist as well and just got the Ball Trainmaster series Streamliner. It’s just 39mm and looks really good on my small wrist. I got mine for only $700 brand new on authenticwatches.com cyber Monday week sale. Very trustworthy site. Hope this helps.
Just got my Storm Pro panda dial and couldn’t be happier ...quality it’s outstanding.Keeps the time as accurate as my Panerai synchronized both and Storm Pro is dead on against the Panerai.
Great question. It would take me an hour video to go through all the differences. But generally (1) Movement calibres, (2) steel/titanium formulations and case sizes; and (3) Tritium density differences.
@@28jokes I didn't either until I was lucky enough to visit the Ball HQ a couple of years ago. The engineer tried to explain it to me, but it went over my head. It has a lot to do with Deuterium and Tritium Density, pressure of the gasses, in the tubes, temperature, etc.
Ey bro, great video. I am about to take the leap into my first Swiss Auto. My active and aggressive lifestyle lends to me choosing a rugged and overbuilt piece. This is what I'm leaning toward: Engineer Hydrocarbon TMTAutomatic Black DT1016A-SAJ-BK. Any input and or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance🤙
Be careful with the watch collections, someone who has a Seiko LX titanium spring drive, Omega Seamaster, a Titanium square Gshock. Plus a Damasko dk30 . Great video
I'm seriously considering the Hydrocarbon Original. Love everything about it. My only concern(mostly thickness) is the size 40mm by 14.55mm and I have small wrist 6.5". In your opinion to big/thick? Thanks and great video.
Man, that's a good question. First of all thanks for watching and the comment. That's just going to come down to personal preference. For me, I've always looked more at case diameter (or more precisely lug to lug width) than case thickness as it relates to the question "is this watch too big." IMO 14.55 isn't too thick. It might get caught on a dress shirt cuff if you wear the cuffs snug. When I wear a long sleeve dress shirt, I typically stick to 13mm at most (Rolex Submariner). That said, I usually end up rolling my sleeves up at some point anyway. My best advice is try one on if you can and see if you like it.
Branden, Ball uses a specific alloy they call "Mumetal." Mumetal is an alloy of nickel, iron, copper and molybdenum with very high magnetic permeability, which enables it to attract and deviate static or low-frequency magnetic field lines. A soft iron inner jacket, consisting of a back plate, a ring surrounding the movement and the dial, protects the inner workings of the watch. This special alloy, reinforced by the shape of the case, prevents magnetic fields from penetrating as far as the movement and having an adverse effect on its accuracy.
I too have a 4 watch collection from Ball. Trainmaster Roman, Trainmaster 135th anniversary, Engineer M marvelight and Roadmaster GMT. Never selling any of these!
What I'd like to know is how are they holding up, for example the finishing and have there been any issues. I see excellent value but with many pieces in this price category that aren't too well known issues can be prevelant.
Thanks for watching and the comment. I have been 100% pleased with the durability of all of my Ball watches. No issues at all with the finishes (on par with Breitling/Omega/Rolex). The movements have all been 100% reliable as well. Every bit as solid as the brands I mentioned above.
Beautiful collection. I pre-ordered an Engineer III Legend II this month. Should be the last watch I'll ever need to buy....again. Last watch for sure this time. You said once a year you polished the links on your Marvelight with something to keep them looking nice. What do you polish them with? Also, is that Marvelight the rainbow version? Again, great collections.
Thanks. Jura have a fantastic range of watches available, but I do enjoy going into a bricks and mortar shop to view and try on any watches that I buy. All the best.
the engineer ii you have is not antimagnetic like the milguass, only the engineer iii has the cage around the movement and is competitive with the milguass in terms of anti-magnetism. also, the ii is not the same as far as regulation. the cosc is regulated in 5 position. nice collection, but always best to know what you have and not make stuff up.
Thanks for the comment. You are correct that the MLII and MG have different ratings. Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. The Ball Engineer II collections, Marvelight included, can survive shock impacts up to 5,000Gs and are resistant against magnetic fields to a magnitude of 4,800A/m. The Milgauss is much higher rated, for sure. But both meet ISO 764 standards, however. As for the COSC certification, the MLII RR1103 and RR1103-C are identically regulated by Ball at the factory. I’ve seen this, in person, at Ball. Keep in mind COSC certification has nothing to do with “regulation.” COSC tests each movement over 15 days in 5 positions. That has nothing to do with a manufacturer’s initial regulation. Ball gets COSC cert on some 1103s and doesn’t with others, hence the -C designation. To meet the price point, they didn’t on the MLII. As I stated, my copy seems to meet the -4 to +6 a day. I appreciate your comment.
Nice Ball collection! I absolutely love Ball Watch. I enjoy sport watches that are seemingly "big and ugly" but grows on once you start noticing the quality and execution. Seiko fit the bill for a long time with the monster, turtle, marinemaster etc. but at this point I'm completely disillusioned with their uninspiring modern line up, lazy cash crab LEs and abysmal quality control. So I dabble into Rolex, Omega and Panerai with 116710LN, Speedy, and PAM00024 respectively. They just left me cold and made me jaded, so I sold everything and dropped the hobby for good ... or so I thought. Then I visited Hong Kong and it was impossible to escape all the watch stores. That's when I saw a pre-owned Spacemaster X-Lume on display, and the rest was history. The crazy original design, the heft and incredibly quality, the watch had it all. After getting the Spacemaster X-Lume, I've been fantasizing about Mad Cow and Deep Quest.
I've been there! I started with Seiko then moved up to TAG, then Rolex, then Patek. I've sold anything more that $3,000 and usually wear a Ball or SKX. That Mad Cow is my favorite watch of all-time. Especially the polar white dial. If you can find one...it's a must buy.
Nice review of your Ball watches. Just received my Ball Trainmaster Standard Time 135th anniversary watch. Will have my video up on my channel this coming Saturday. I got it through their pre-order back in March. Today is the first day on the wrist. I got lucky in that the bracelet fits perfectly. Had to figure the best way to open the hidden claps. Thinking of getting a black leather strap. I think that would look great with a suit. Any suggestions? So far my only compliant is the low level illumination of the gas tubes. Not sure why.
Miguel-Ball only has one in-house movement, the 7309. It was first produces in Jan. 2018 and is only in the Engineer M Challenger. The others are modified ETA movements that just about any watchmaker can service pretty cheap.
Great watches, all have Self-Powered Micro Gas Tubes (H₃) but after 24 minutes of video no lume shots with them?! I BET that everyone wanted to see that at the end of this video... THAT being the main interest for this brand. IMHO
Sophisticated Neanderthal You should delete this & start again plain and simple. I scrolled through the video so didn’t waste that much time but how anyone could be some dumb is just beyond me.
Just to correct you - Indices show how many times a number or letter has been multiplied by itself, It has nothing to do with a watch, as the correct term is 'watch marker'. That Ball collection is nice though.
He was perfectly correct to use the word indices. This word is commonly used in the watch industry to describe the markings on the dial. It is the plural of index. Index has many meanings, one of which is a marker of measurement of anything, such as the hours and minutes on a watch.
I would love to own a Ball watch one day. I'm sure the quality and craftsmanship really appeal to collectors like yourself. I love the idea and concept of tritium. I was however able to pick up an Aragon Charger. The trtium flat tubes combined with the lumed bezel give the watch an eerie, beautiful 3 dimensional glow at night. Do you know of a flat tube Ball watch with lumed bezel?
mike barela mike-that Cannonball is probably the most classically dressy Ball around. At 43mm x 15mm its a bit on the large size for a dress watch, but it’s a beauty! As with the others, it’s built like a tank. 5atm wr, 5000 anti gs and a 38hr power reserve.
@@MichaelPhelpsMedia I recently ordered this watch from eBay. Unfortunately the seller had posted the wrong photo, and I was greatly disappointed when I opened the package. The watch is currently on its way back to the seller. :(
@@MichaelPhelpsMedia It really does. But we worked out a deal. He was fair in offering a $100 rebate if I kept the watch, a full refund if I decided to return it, or a deal of my choice. I traded him for a Junghans Max Bill he had in stock, and a refund of the difference. The Ball is still one I will try to purchase as funds allow.
Good call. The main differences I see are the date window and the thickness of the case on the Ball. By the way, that Oyster Perpetual 39 is a good value.
