@@willardhooton920 The best part of owning a pair of Balls is that I get to tell people I have a nice set of balls. In all seriousness, they are my favorite watches. I own a chrono red label and an enterprise.
Update: I ended up finding an awesome deal on an Oris Big Crown ProPilot, so I went with that. I Really appreciate all the feedback and viewpoints in the comments. I got into watches only a few years ago, and am glad there are so many outlets for advice regarding any piece.
Ohh boo... lol. Was rooting for Ball. My first automatic watch was a 1999 era Ball purchased in Hong Kong. Such an amazing and solid watch! God that thing was a beauty. The first Rolex I bought was a HUGE disappointment because it felt so flimsy and feminine compared to the Ball and side by side the Ball looked more expensive.
Ball > Sinn > Oris. All are good, but the anti-magnetism and chronometer grade movements often found in Ball watches gives it the advantage most of the time. Plus, Ball has U.S. railroad history “on the Ball”
Shipmate Gotta say, in house movements generally are more expensive to maintain. I’d prefer a Sinn over a Ball anytime. Additionally, I’ve heard of quality issues with Ball watches. Yes, it’s anecdotal, but it’s negative information nonetheless. You can get anti-magnetism/ anti-shock features from Sinn and Damasko for probably less money with a lower maintenance cost. As for chronometer-grade, if that’s important, there’s plenty of chronometer-grade (COSC certified) watches out there that aren’t that expensive to repair. The one that comes to mind is Formex...
I agree with your advice. In fact, the Tudor 1926 in that exact colorway was my first “major” watch spend. Oh how that $1700 is a far cry from what’s on my purchase agenda today lol.
Buy them both. Both are nice. The ball is a very impressive machine. I am about to buy the Hydrocarbon AERO GMT. Very excited about the watch. I think Oris is a stellar brand as well. You cannot go wrong. I would not buy them thinking about how to then sell them later. Buy the timepiece because it fits who you are and your interests.
Yes Yes Yes, the ball's ETA movement is by far better than the Chinese built Sellita with Swiss parts. By far!!! Infact Bruce, I agree with the Tudor 1926 or even the Ranger are much better value pieces for the $$$ and name. Great content
I am glad you brought up the movement. Everyone is so enticed by an in house movement, but personally, I just find it more practical to have a watch that can be serviced easily and fairly cheaply. That said, I am going to have to check out the 1926 now hahhaha thanks!
I own both a Ball Trainmaster Cannonball 2 (2021) and an Oris Aquis 400 (2023). I have had zero issues with the Ball... the build/polish quality is on par with my Explorer 2. Can't say the same for Oris, I know its a new in-house movement but had an issue where it wouldnt wind after 3 weeks from purchase and a replacement was sent... but the build/polish quality is very nice... though 4 of the bracelet screws like to unwind every 3-6 momths.
Tudor, Ball, Oris.....Oh, man! They are all very cool watches. I lean towards Tudor and, yet, I really like the look of Ball watches. Certain Oris models really appeal to my taste in watches. Perhaps Zach might want to flip a coin to help with his decision making.
This Tudor 1926 was my first important purchase. I bought a 39 mm for me and a 36 mm for my wife. We really enjoy them! A great watch, very versatile and extremely accurate (+1 sec per day).
Ball will be my first larger watch purchase. I bought one off of eBay, but the seller posted the wrong photo. He refunded my money, but I was still bummed.
I don't understand the Ball dilemma, I have the same watch the Engineer and you have in the video. It's really a tank. It's accurate, lights up beautifully, finish is great, and no one wants them. Buy it used though, they dont hold value . You can gets a great deal on one
Awesome. I actually started with Invicta and Swiss Legends, as well. When I was looking to get a better watch I almost bought a Tag Regatta Quartz watch, but ended up on the Omega Seamaster bond (auto) too! Similar beginnings. Good advice... My advice to the question would be: take A LOT of time to make a decision. Look at reviews, try on different case sizes, forum pictures, etc. take the time to figure it out, don’t rush. Your first big spend should be sure of a) the size/shape works for you, b) the look and style is to your liking c) it’s not a dated style or look for you...like say, Skeleton watches....they look cool, but later on you may not like them d) the movement type... then finally e) the price you spend. You want to be sure. I still have my Seamaster...I know now that I wouldn’t have been happy with the Tag Quartz. In case the person who asked reads the comments.
Tom The Fish. I still like a lot of them - I can’t wear the really chunky ones, but I like them when I see them. Some people knock the designs but I’m a fan of creativity so I get a kick out of a lot of the outside the box styling I see with them. Incidentally, I still kept one Invicta...it’s beat up because I wore it all the time, but I still wear it.
Don’t feel bad , I have an uglier first buy story. Purchased a BWC that I couldn’t take my eyes off. Wore it constantly, wanted to send it in for a refurbishment and found out it was a fake! 😔 Still have it as a reminder! Thanks for your great perspective!
My Fireman Enterprise is a stunning watch, in terms of finish, performance and quality. It's great it doesn't have a huge following, it's a closely guarded secret.
I had my ball for 6 months now. My friend offered me $200 more than what I paid, and my heart sank. I didn't want to sell. We literally talked about the watch for two hours. It's the best to look at.
Bruce, nice video. Keep them coming brother. I own Rolex, Sinn, Omega, Breitling and Ball. Recently bought a Ball and love it. Your points are well taken on the resale potential and servicing of a brand that is using in house and does not have great name recognition. I think the key is to buy low on the Ball. Find an AD willing to deal, buy low and you won't take a massive hit(if at all) when you decide to flip it. There are plenty of AD's out there willing to sell at 30-45% off list on the Ball watches.
I agree. It’s a bit unsettling, however, it left room for the watch photos on n the right. Perhaps he could be centre of frame next time, then fade out, for a centralised watch photo, and fade back in on himself, centre frame.
Be patient and buy the Ball Used with Box and Papers. But first try it on, and make sure you like it. Use WatchPatrol. For that money, I'd probably go the Oris Diver 65 in a colour of your choice, it retains good value on Used market.
I've owned a few Balls. Loved the tritium but the screws always work their way out and need to be Loc Tited. My friends did it too. Want tritium? Get a Marathon. Cheaper and mil spec quality. Additionally Ball are just modified ETA's if I'm not mistaken
I would tend to agree with you Bruce on this one and I would go with the Oris in SS with the blue dial. I just can't describe that blue other than WOW, but of course my favorite color is blue so go figure. Thanks, Brian.
Nobody has mentioned yet the expense to replace the MB-Microtec-supplied tritium light tubes on a Ball watch at some point in the future if you want to continue to enjoy that all-night luminescence. In addition, I find that using the TTLs in a watch requires compromises in the design of the hands and indices that aren't all that appealing. To my eye, the Oris is much more elegant overall. Don't get me wrong -- I like the benefits of TTLs in watches very much and have one (a Traser) on my bedside table every night. But I consider it ultimately disposable as it will become steadily dimmer over the years as the tritium decays. Add in the fact that a Ball in-house movement will most likely need to be serviced by Ball themselves, it could make for a more expensive long-term proposition than the Oris or the Tudor that Bruce recommends.
can totally relate. My first real watch was a omega seamaster 2531.80 and I was so over the moon with it and still am!! I have much more expensive pieces today, rolex, patek and others and it is still in my rotation and would never part with it!
What about the longines hydroconquest with a ceramic bezel insert you mentioned in a previous video? Did you come around to trying one on in person? Retail is around $1600 about the same bracket as the watches you talked about here.
I haven't seen one in person yet. A couple out of state guys I know have said they think it is disappointing in person so I probably will wait for a borrowed example and won't be spending my own money on one
Bruce Williams hopefully you can get your hands on the Longines Hydroconquest with ceramic bezel, I would be very interested in what you think about it. I actually own it and love it but like they say to each it’s own. If I had to point out a negative it would be the clasps, but it’s similar to many of the Breitling claps but at a cheaper price point. But great review I have a Ball Trainmaster First Flight Limited Edition and I love the detail and heft to that watch. Ball is very underrated they pinch above their price point in my opinion!
Redentor Roque I actually own the Longines and love it, I’ve had it now for about 4 months and I have no complaints, great watch in my opinion, especially for the price
I started with ball (not an in house, mine was an engineer ohio 2 in black). I wasnt impressed with the design of the case, and how it wore. the movement was not well finished (very hard to wind, crown was difficult to grip and screw in) all in all, not great quality. I currently have two oris' (pointer date and aquis gmt) and since sold my ball. in my experience, oris had better designed and proportioned cases, better finishing all around. but again, thats just my experience.
Frankly, I think people are idiots for worrying about "in-house" movements unless they're movement freaks. That said, I have to say that the Ball Marvelight has quite the attractively decorated movement that can be appreciated from the display caseback and it's tasteful execution makes Omega decorated movements look downright gaudy. Also, both of my Balls (Ha!) are comparable in fit and finish to my luxury brands I've owned with an even more interesting history while being off the beaten path as I like things; my Oris Diver 65 is really nice, but, it's no Ball. Now, I understand that some of Oris' other models are nicer, and the 65 is the only Oris I've ever had, so......
Great video! Bruce, would you consider centering your face for future videos...I know it seems insignificant but the current view is a bit odd. Regarding the video I'm totally considering the ball watch! Cheers!
In my opinion Oris is extremely over hyped. To me their bracelets and connection from the movement to the crow feels cheap. I can't speak for Ball but from what I've seen between the two on quality and construction Ball all the way. I will say Bruce brings up some real good points though. The issue on brand recognition and with Balls repair availibilty is a real problem. I'm in Dallas Fort Worth and only one location services Ball and when I called them they informed me that all they do is ship it out for you. These are things to definetly consider.
Ball is hands down better. I never had those models, but have owned enough of both brands to see why Ball is the clear winner. That said, both suffer in re sale value, so going used is the way to a real bargain
Used is absolutely the best way to go. Just purchased a used Ball in like new condition for less than half of the MSRP. Research and patience is the key. It took me about a month before settling on a model I wanted at an acceptable price.
I would also double check if that is an in house movement or whether it is an ETA movement bought in by the company with the modification being the engraving on the rotor. Finally, check all parts of the watch are from Switzerland and not sourced from abroad, if that’s important to you.
Leya Y they shouldn’t be telling people it’s an in-house movement and people should be aware not all parts come from Switzerland. I’d take the Oris in a heart beat. A true 100% Swiss made product at a much lower price.
Leya Y you can’t buy in a movement, modify it and call it an in house movement. In house is when you create a movement of your own from scratch, not buy in from elsewhere. I don’t understand why their watches are twice the price (in this example) but yet parts are bought in from China as a cost cutting exercise.
I’m sure Oris is fully produced and assembled in Switzerland. I would double check if that is the case with ball first before I made the purchase. Definitely do your homework first.
