If you want to impress someone, wear a Rolex. If you want to impress yourself, wear a Ball. If you want to sell your watch for a profit someday, buy a Rolex. If you want to own a bad-ass tool, buy a Ball.
Except when you’re wearing the real thing you could care less what someone else thinks. I don’t meet many insecure genuine Rolex owners. That seems to be the knockoff owners persona.
What a choice! I'm not completely immune to in house movements. It's very difficult not to appreciate the ETA 2892-3 and it's variants. Robust, accurate and affordably serviced. The Explorer just edges ahead for me, just because of it's iconic heritage. Which I'm uncomfortable saying because the Ball just may be the better watch.
Thanks for the comment - yeah a big part of why Rolex is where they are today is due to how they managed to be at the right places at the right time... hard to compete with some of those historical placements!
@@bruceleroy8063 I was going for the enterprise but I ended up getting a Tudor instead 🤣🤣 it’s still on my radar though. Gnomon has a good price for those
I think I like the ball just for the fact that everybody has a Rolex these days I was looking at the ball conductor chronograph just the other day really nice watch
Thanks for the comments - Rolex is certainly more common. Ball would be something that is perfectly respectable and of excellent quality while not demanding the price premium of Rolex.
I'd take the Ball every time.....a Rolex service would approach a third or more of the total cost of the Ball.... I wore a Submariner for 25 years....watch making has come a long way...they aren't the tech ahead pieces they use to be.....
Happen to be wearing a Ball Fireman Glory right now. Even though it is a low end Ball it still is well constructed with tritium, a good value considering I paid under $600. You can't even get a good micro brand with swiss mvmt sapphire etc for that. Interesting comparison, I guess brand prestige and resale carry Rolex to victory.
Wow haha Fireman Glory! I love the names they come up with, somehow it doesn't come across as pretentious or try-hard, but just saying it as it is. My fav is the Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon SPACEMASTER ORBITAL II! Now there's the most epic name ever :)
One comment...one of the things I like about the ball is that it seems to be combination of explorer and explorer. If you etched 24 hr counter and add gmt hand to explorer it would look like the ball minus the crown guard
OK had a 5513 early off the shelf watch. Worked, and worked well. Service is affordable. Mechanical pieces "may" have been a bit more. "expensive" not to mention time to complete repair/repairs. But honestly sign me up for a Ball, still a classy watch!
Ivan, Any chance you can do a comparison between the Ball M Marvelight with In house movement against Rolex. The M Marvelight ( with In House Caliber ) is one seriously impressive watch. Regards, Steven
Hi there - unfortunately when it comes to watches at these price range and higher, I mostly have to rely on what my contacts have in hand. Presently I do not know anyone who has a Marvelight...
@@PerthWAtch No problem Ivan. Thank you very much for the review. Ball is a company that I've had my eye on for quite some time now. The Ball M Marvelight comes in 40MM & 43MM, and is a COSC certified inhouse caliber with an 80 hour power reserve. Typically, they sell new for around $2,000 USD. That's a heck of a lot of value for the money, and the bracelet is incredible. Excellent quality through and through. I'm definitely picking one up in the future. Regards, Steven
Quarters Eye, I've been wondering for a long time what your gig is. Why do you not want to see through McScamus? I'm not judging you, I'm simply asking.
Cheers Ivan. Interesting comparison. I really don’t think you like the Explorer II haha you make some really good points in the video that make you think. The Rolex styling really appeals to me but bang for buck the Ball is compelling 👍
Thanks Sam - the design is classic Rolex no doubt, but it really does feel they had to hold back on this watch, not put in the best they can, otherwise it would compete with the GMT Master II. Hence we end up with a substandard Rolex!
A really well done video and comparison though I would have determined value by dividing the score by the purchase price, which is much more objective compared with the approach used in the video. This approach would also make the Ball the clear winner. I actually have a Ball Engineer GMT on order and I feel that I definitely made a good choice/decision following your video. Great work.
Thanks for that. However I don’t think that method would really be that objective... doing that way I could score the $20 Tevise Submariner 1’s across the the board and it would still kick the stuffing out of any and all Swiss watches!
I suppose a crappy watch costing a dollar could score really well but you would eliminate these from consideration on the grounds of not being compliant with whatever your minimum standards are, e.g. waterproofness, accuracy, etc., bearing in mind that you are seeking to compare comparable time pieces.
No that’s not what I was primarily seeking to do in this video actually. It’s really to highlight the differences between two ostensibly similar watches but with large difference in price tag.
Great comparison video!! My humble collection of watches is comprised of value brands such as Oris, Ball, Eterna, Tissot, etc. But I have to say that when I wear one of the Balls, I feel like I'm wearing a timepiece of quality comparable to Rolex. I plan to eventually pull the trigger on a Rolex Milgauss, but I wonder if I'll enjoy my Ball and Oris watches just as much. Time will tell. PS. I've bought all my recent watches on the grey market on special limited time discounts which made the value even better.
Thanks for sharing the experience - I think Ball is one of the most underrated watch companies around, they really do some very good work. Hmm Milgauss... would your dealer even give you a chance to pull that trigger? Grey market can be great value - did the dealers remove the serial number on your watches?
@@PerthWAtch Good question regarding being able to get a Milgauss! I've also seen those on grey market in the past, but for over list. I'll have have to see my options when the time comes. Never had any issues with serial numbers. Only Jomashop and WatchMaxx for me so far and they've been great including some issues that they fixed and covered on their warranty/guarantee.
Ball have limited edition pieces of 100 that feature in house movement, mother of pearl dial, ceramic bezel and saphire crystal for $3500! How are they not more popular!
I know it has nothing to do with the subject, but can someone tell me if the Seiko Presage is a good watch, in the case of finishing and financial benefit?
The rolex needs a service.the reason it hasn't had one and the ball probably already has is cuz ball has the easier and more affordable movement to service.the movement should go to ball imo yeah rolex may have a better movement.but you can't see it you can't feel it.it in no way plays a part in your life except you seeing the second hand beat at 4hz which is the same thing that you'll see the ball do so really it all comes down to how much it's gonna cost you to get it serviced which the ball wins
Thanks for the thoughts - the Ball hasn't been serviced. I don't tend to service my watches at all... it is mainly a marketing ploy to get you to take it back to them for "authorized" work. In actual experience, they work fine for many years without needing ever to be opened.
Great comparison. The Rolex is nice but really doesn’t interest me. Too expensive to ever consider. The Ball is very interesting. Personally, this version of the Hydrocarbon is not the most interesting. The Hydrocarbon Aero GMT is a lot more interesting, I believe it has the only GMT Bezel with tritium illumination. I was never crazy about the Hydrocarbon, but after seeing this I’m going to consider the Aero GMT version in the future. I actually have 2 Ball Watches. A Skindiver II, which you actually reviewed and a Fireman NECC. I really like both of them, the quality is great and I like there designs.
Nice comparison and review 👌 BALL watches don't have the recognition of Rolex and aren't well known by the general public as they began their existence in the late 1800's designed specifically for use by the American railroad. Their timekeeping and accuracy was 2nd to none. I had an uncle that was an engineer (driver) for a major railroad well over 30 years (late 1950's - early 80's). He would only wear a BALL when on the job. I completely forgot about BALL 😣 until I decided to enhance the number of brands in my collection 3-4 years ago.
Thanks for a great review. Ball, IMO, does not get the attention they deserve. Also, I never thought I liked the Explorer II, but that is a good-looking watch.
Crown protector ruins it for me. That said, does seemed pretty snazzy and I bet it is way better in person. I find that, as with some Brietling and other full polish pieces, it is hard to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship sometimes on video. Nice video. Different comparison, unique.
Good video, as usual, thank you. 1 question and 1 comment on Ball. Can the Ball's hour hand be set independently? Without stopping the running time like the Rolex. Love the Rolex because of that. Very convenient to a traveller. I had a Ball once. A month after the warranty was over, the hour hand's gas tube started to fade. It became so bad that I decided to send it back for a tube replacement. Seeing that it was always advertised as able to last up to 25 years, I was very disappointed, and hoping Ball would not charge too much for the whole process. It came up to 1/10 the cost of the watch. Agent told me they have to regulate the movement after re-attaching the hands.
Oh how unfortunate! What did you think about the cost in the end? Was it a fair amount? The ETA 2893 hour hand cannot be adjusted independently unlike the Rolex movement. I agree, the way Rolex designed the movement setting is a better solution for GMT style watches.
Another great comparison, I like those. Lets be honest, as a tool watch, no brand comparison, the Ball's the winner. My personal dilemma is my Sub fm 1974, the GMT2 fm 1990. Both grew old on my wrist, I wont sell. Being young again, knowing what I know, for sure the BALL is my choice. My both Rolexes even after expensive services nvr went more accurate than + 3 to 5 s/d. My ETA movements (Sinn) run btr, I even opened the back, adjusted accuracy with a Weishi timegrapher to +1 to 2 s/d... Not a miracle. Cheers fm Singapore+
I agree with you with Rolex accuracy. 3 years ago I bought my dream watch, Rolex President. It was accurate as advertised for a year or so, but now it is running 37 seconds fast a day. I just can not stand it and I do not want to wear it anymore... I need to send it to Rolex repair for service, but not only it will cost me around $800 but they are all closed (due to Covid19), so I have to wait.....until end July. Some days, I prefer well regulated ETA. If something goes wrong, the service will be 1/5 of Rolex...
@@alexsdg3441 37s/d isnt normal for Rolex. Guess it just needs de-magnetized. As most of work with PC + other electronics, they're a source of trouble. Find cheap de-magnetizer via Internet. Good luck.
@@alexsdg3441 Let me know pls. I've read mny times abt it, b4 re-servicing try this. A 37s/d Rolex off pace is not normal. If you're working in electronic areas et cetera, likely a Millgauss is yr saviour.
The Ball would look much better without that crown monstrosity. You are only giving the Rolex calibre 1 rating point above the Ball’s, has to be at the minimum 2.5 points better, Rolex movements are one of the best engineered and robust movements in the industry. Bezel on Rolex looks better with the larger bold numerals, the Ball’s are numerals are too small and thin.
Interesting video, Ivan. thanks! regards to the movement which I value the most, less accurate Rolex in-house movement worth more than more accurate ETA movement? I guess in this case, you are pre-supposing that + - 2 second Rolex movement should be better and worth more than any regulated ETA movement, correct? And as for the clasp (a part of bracelet), it seems like Ball's clasp is very bulky, thick which might be very uncomfortable on your wrist. Specially Ball's logo protruding so much on the clasp might scratch something while you are typing or working on your desk. I do not disagree with you on the total score, but it is completely different level of watches that bit tough to compare this way. No matter what, I thank you for this video and have a great day, Ivan. PS: it seems like it was pouring rain there. is this rainy season now? I am living in Los Angeles (a desert), so I really miss some good rain :+)
I think the movement is also superior just in the way it allows you to independent adjust the hour hand... this is far more desirable than how the ETA 2893 does it. Regarding the clasp - well I haven't had any issues related to bulkiness. Having said that though I would say the Rolex bracelet is definitely more comfortable overall. It usually rains most in Perth during winter... we are now in late Autumn, so I guess we're getting there. The rain here is usually light and drizzles, I was just unlucky to get this brief downpour precisely at the time I was recording this!
I own a Ball Red Label Chronometer. Great Aqua Terra alternative. Like it but don't wear it as much as my Monta. Antimagnetic cage makes it very heavy. I wish the bracelet tapered also.
The Ball is a $1200 watch at best, yet they charge Rolex prices. Ball has been having severe quality control issues for a while now as they are using many Asian outsourced components. I have a Ball Skindiver that the movement disintegrated when the mainspring wheel lost some teeth and all the power reserve released at once. I discovered that they modify the movements with outsourced parts to their specifications so standard parts can't be used in repair.
@@PerthWAtch Back before the Rolex price insanity last year, many Ball models were retailed over $3k+ USD and and the least expensive Rolex was hovering at $4k. That’s with the terrible ETA movements and chinese parts. Heck, Omega is a bargain compared to Ball with everything in house.
I can’t speak for your references, really not sure where you get them - but when this was made (and it was over a year ago) this Ball was less than AUD$2k, while the cheapest Rolex I could buy was an OP for AUD$6.5k. Hardly in the same tier IMO. I don’t know if there are any Omega in the $2k range now but definitely not any model I want…
Ball watches are such sleepers ..yeh Rollie is finessed & refined=no arguments...but for the "coin" of durability of a guilt /worry free "daily" without babying it for scratches or care perhaps if chasing resale later ,& something "other" as alternative with unquie wrist presence & solid specs of a battle tank- its a total bargain option...braclets are beasts (double pronged plus those clasps are gnarly) ....nice vid represent 6000🤙
The rolex is well a rolex enough said. But I really like that ball with the tritium tubes they will be glowing in 25 years I mean that's so cool! Ans rolex prices are so overinflated I'm gonna buy a rolex eventually but come one a plain oyster perpetual 39mm is like 7k American!! Really?? Great video brother
To be fair there are a whole heap of watches out there that you can argue offer close to/just as much/more than an equivalent Rolex at vastly less money. Love them or hate them you are buying in to more than just the watch when you get a Rolex (or indeed any other Luxury watch). Which to some (rightly or wrongly) is more important than any technical element will ever be. Not a fan of either of these but if I had to choose, it would be the Rolex as really don't like that Ball. But as always, only a personal opinion
I have a worltimer with an exhibition caseback. Although Ball gas a nice rotor they added the rest of the movement is full. No perlage or striping. I know it's a minor point but Its a pet peeve of mine. If your going to display the movement, dress it up 😁.
Fantastic review. But, I disagree with you on a few things. I think the Ball wins when it come to reading the dial. And, because of the price difference, Rolex being much more expensive, the fact that they ended with a "tie" this actually makes Ball the winner. If these watches were cars, the Rolex would be a Porsche 911; nice looking, valuable and great performance BUT they're a dime a dozen. It doesn't stand out at all because they're all over the place. The Ball would be an Audi R8. It matches the 911 in almost every respect (Exceeds in some) but because they're not very common it becomes more of an eye catcher. Few people stop to look at a 911 while almost everyone stop to look at an R8. Great review. Personally, I'll take the Ball over the Rolex all day long. I'd take an R8 over a 911 too.
@@PerthWAtch 911 Turbo. Don't ruin the analogy for me. Both nice watches. Great review. How about doing the Ball Engineer III Marvelight against the Rolex Perpetual next time. That would be fun. Very similar watches.
Hi Ivan , it's been a while since I've had time to watch or comment on your videos . Mate great comparison of the ball and Rolex , as much as I love rolex I've never liked the explorer 2 that much i love a Batman gmt over the explorer . Now this ball watch is a beauty mate and yes I agree it kicks the explorer right where it hurts . Great video Ivan thanks for the awesome content. 👍👍👍
What an excellent comparison. Thank you. I do have the Rolex, and I do have three Ball watches. I have not seen this particular Ball watch though. Ball Watch is a very good buy, a very solid, not too well known, product. While the lume on the Ball is undeniably bright and long lasting, I do not find them particularly easy to actually read in the dark. All the numbers are lumed and the (Also lumed) hands do not stand out well. Performance-wise, neither would disappoint. Value wise? Of the different Ball or Rolex watches I've worn, I've never been asked "Is that a Ball Watch?" On another note, what is you recording set up? You shots are so clear and close, and the focus so sharp. The audio is clean, too. Nicely done. I have now subscribed, looking forward to the next video.
Thanks for the thoughts - I have a few Ball watches I have reviewed and honestly have never found them tricky to read in dark, and always appreciated the unfading brightness. My setup is very simple - I generally just use a Sony RX 100 on a mini tripod! Actually I was quite disappointed that it rained heavily during this shoot and there was also demolition noise in background I had no control over... and I didn’t have time to redo it!
Ball Watch uses the same exact 904L Stainless Steel as Rolex. Ball watches are truly underrated and unnoticed for what they give for the price. Ball watches are the "John Wick" of watches.
Yeah that's kinda right... a few companies are now starting to use 904L (e.g. Girard Perregaux), which is why Rolex had to hype it up with the name "Oyster Steel", which they would claim is their own special formulation, but probably just more of the usual marketing BS.
would an automatic watch work in space, doesn't the rotor need gravity to help it rotate?, I realise you could wind it, but would the automatic feature be useless? I notice that some people on the ISS seem to have (what appear to be) G-Shocks. just a random thought
The rotor still has inertia, though - so it might still work effectively enough. A constant & steady rotation of the watch wouldn't wind it, but the chaotic & rapid movements typical of a person's arm likely would, I suspect.
Would not agree about the last one. First of, if you talk about brand being popular, then write brand popularity. Otherwise, ball has a very deep history, while Rolex is more of a well promoted brand. At the time it was promoting many things, which were not even true, like Rolex being the first water resistant brand and stuff like that. So they certainly haven't truly earned all the popularity they have. While ball doesn't have the popularity it deserves. Ball silently does its job. So I was really surprised when you gave such a big edge to Rolex . popularity is also just one aspect of the brand. Anyway, I'm a huge fan of ball here, nice video overall.
I kinda figured that you weren't going to let the Rolex lose and you had to end in a tie. I think Ball wins this time, it's more innovative then the Explorer ll, to each their own.
Rolex quality, mechanism and of course 2nd hand value are great. It took Rolex many years to present a more solid bracelet and clasp along with the ceramic bezel insert. Till early 2004 was the aluminum insert. Ball presents quite accurate mechanism with outstanding materials for their bracelets and clasps which must say are better than Rolex, at least between the 2 models presented here. Not sure about the tritium, I do not own a trtium watch hence can't have an opinion as to it's durability. The Ball has an instrument like appearance which I like, a Ball is certainly on my list.
Thanks for the thoughts. Tritium is excellent and the longevity is well documented - it is after all a decaying isotope, so the scientific properties are not able to be altered by marketing. Half life is 12 years, and typical useful life in this application is over 20 years.
I own both of these watches; I've had the ExpII for 4 years and picked up the Ball a week or so ago. I'm afraid that you're incorrect about them not being GMT movements. Each of the GMT hands are movable independently without hacking the local seconds. That's the definition of a true GMT movement. Both great pieces.
@PerthWAtch You said " it's not really a GMT watch". But whatever. Came here to get information on watches, and instead of explaining what you meant, you seem annoyed. Good luck with your channel.
Exactly - they are not actual GMT watches, but the movement can be used in a GMT watch, it needs the bezel. See Rolex GMT Master II. Not annoyed, just pointing out you heard incorrectly. You can understand and learn, or don’t. “Whatever” mate 😂
I own a Ball Roadmaster M Icebreaker Limited Edition Arabic 40mm. I own many watches including Rolex and my Ball still goes everywhere with me. If funny how this world works. Clearly Ball makes comparable watches to Rolex. I’m just happy Ball watches are more affordable.
Nice one! I think comparable in many respects and perhaps better in some of their tough built characteristics but Rolex of course remain unique in their inimitable ways... hence the relentless efforts to imitate!
Didn’t think I’d ever say this but that Rolex is the clear winner for me, especially if we could swap crystals between the two. The clasp on the Ball looks atrocious, how does it wear with that hernia in the center? Good vid, makes me appreciate the Explorer II. 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing the thoughts - what’s wrong with the crystal on the Rolex? The Ball clasp is solid in a good way IMO, I don’t have any issue wearing this daily, but I do think the Rolex is definitely more comfortable.
Ball makes probably the best watch available, toughest watch you can get. My all time fav watch I want if I hit the lottery, a Grand Seiko... til then, I will keep my Ball and my Omega
I watched your past review of this ball magnate and paid less than 1200 USD for it from jomashop a couple of weeks ago. I don't think a more well built watch exists at that price point. The price did go up a couple hundred again recently. I was wondering how well the quality would compare to something from rolex or omega. Thx for the video.
@@PerthWAtch like Paul, this video got me to subscribe to your channel, although I've watched 1 or 2 of your reviews recently. Also, money not being a issue, which would you purchase, the Ball or the Rolex.
So...a watch thats less accurate, worse lume, less shock and magnetic resistant, more than 3x-4x the price is only equal because of resale and the name.
My £24 Casio ca 53 is a way better dual time than ether watch. And just a better travel watch I don’t want my hotel room getting robbed because I was a gringo. So for me it comes down to looks and the Rolex wins. The crown guard is hideous on the Ball. The normal Ball engineer is an amazing watch and value I’m currently shopping Crono for one.
I wonder if you’re the only person who thinks it’s “way better”. Maybe you can explain why. Doesn’t matter what you wear, it doesn’t change whether you’re a gringo or not 😂😂🤣🤣 The crown guard is gorgeous on the Ball.
The last one yes.but ball has a100 percent in house all Swiss made movement now and is the only entry level Swiss watch you'll find that will have a thermometer in it.i don't think ball makes their watches that have a thermometer built in on China.i could be mistaken.but i really doubt it.i do know you'll never find a rolex with the features that ball will provide.ball has just produced the very first day date gmt diver.something rolex still never ever do
If Rolex truly make everything in-house and 100% in Switzerland, why don't they say so? Most likely they do not, and AFAIK no source claims they are 100% Swiss made. Even IF they are... I am not sure what your point is...
Perth WAtch I think the rules around being able to say something is Swiss made are too relaxed. I personally think ball watches are priced quite high for what they are, especially when you consider they are getting in cheap parts from China and/or having some part of the production there to cut costs. Fair enough if you do and be open about it and price it accordingly. If I’m wrong about any of this, do correct me.
J C84 I get what you’re saying bud but all brands make or have made for them, parts in China these days (disappointingly). Omega is known to have bracelets made there so if they’re doing it you could be sure brands like Oris, Tag, Breitling, Tissot, Certina are all doing it (although I don’t know for sure those brands are). The recent very high quality fake Oris Aquis where the bracelet is indistinguishable from gen makes me think the bracelets are made in China. I guess it’s just economics and what consumers will pay Vs profit margins. Although I believe Ball is owned by a Hong Kong based firm so it really is Chinese but Swiss made. On the micro brand front I think Monta (I’m sure there’s other’s) are majority made Swiss but you never know for sure, which was kinda your original point haha 😆 cheers 🍻
btw...tritium certainly fades over time. It's radioactive and has a half-life of only about 12.5 years. In 25 years it will have only a quarter of its luminosity. So it's factually inaccurate to suggest it just lasts forever, as you seem to say.
Nah, I never said that. Listen again. My point was that over any night (hey even if your night is 3 months long) you have no ability to perceive any fading in its glow.
I appreicate the ball is better value, however the problem with it is the the design. I know it's subjective, but to me it's ugly (particularly the crown & the clasp) & doesn't look much better than some Invictas! I don't think there would be many people who would prefer this to the Rolex if they could eitheir watch.
I totally get what you mean - that crown guard design is divisive to say the least. But there are multiple other Ball models that don't have that and would get the same mark in many of these categories - believe me if I saw one of those lying around the house I would've grabbed it for the comparison, but this was the closest I had ;)
It’s a Rolex ! It’s a tie in your eyes, but not even close in mine. Lots of watches can do what Rolex does, but they’re not a Rolex. Your bias against Rolex is becoming a little too evident.
Good cripes a'mighty that Ball dial is hard on the eyes. And what the hell is the point of a dark green 24 hour hand that you can't even see? That said, the Rolex is, in my opinion, just a boring and grotesquely overpriced exercise in the emperor's new clothes vein. For the money, I'd take neither. Neither of these watches in any way resembles a decent value.
I'm not saying ball make bad watches but in comparison to rolex they are shitters, and to even compare an eta movement to anything rolex or tudor make in house is ridiculous.i can only assume you have a shit load of balls you need to move. Ball is on par with longines oris or bell&Ross
Very silly of you to assume that, just plain wrong. You can and should compare Ball to Rolex - watch the video to understand why Rolex got its Balls kicked here ;)
