Ball watches. Are they worth it?
Discussion
gregs656 said:
Seems to me they make decent watches but don't have the market presence to support prices on the secondary market, so a smart used buy.
Mnnnn, well, Tritium only has a half life of 12 years. Those second hand tubes won't be emitting as many photons as new ones. I'd hope that a main dealer service would include a tube replacement. I'd expect it to be expensive.
Not saying it's a deal breaker, but it's certainly something you should be aware of.
If cost is an issue and Tritium tubes is what's driving you towards the Ball. Take a look at Nite. Last time I looked they were quartz, considerably cheaper than Ball and British.
gregs656 said:
BrokenSkunk said:
Mnnnn, well, Tritium only has a half life of 12 years. Those second hand tubes won't be emitting as many photons as new ones.
Sure, but you can go in with your eyes open on that one. Plus, a new one could be just as old as a ‘lused one. 
I had only good things to say about mine! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd recommend finding one second hand. Ball produce some great watches, but I do feel the constant price increases mean they're not as tempting as before! I paid £1200 for the one in the link above, brand new from an AD.
I'd recommend finding one second hand. Ball produce some great watches, but I do feel the constant price increases mean they're not as tempting as before! I paid £1200 for the one in the link above, brand new from an AD.
I love mine. It's built like an absolute tank and is my most worn watch (out of 10). The dial has some wonderful deep detailing that really pops.
I think they got a less "prestigious" name in the UK after flogging their less loved models on a "secret sales" website at 50% off. These prices don't apply to the majority of their models though - I waited for 18 months to find a 2nd hand one of these at anything less than 80% of RRP.
It got used for actual diving after I failed to check batteries on our actual dive computers too.
I think they got a less "prestigious" name in the UK after flogging their less loved models on a "secret sales" website at 50% off. These prices don't apply to the majority of their models though - I waited for 18 months to find a 2nd hand one of these at anything less than 80% of RRP.
It got used for actual diving after I failed to check batteries on our actual dive computers too.
I used to own one, in fact I bought Ikemi's watch from him that he reviewed in his post above.
I'd happily own another if it was the right model at the right price. As has been said, they're much better value pre-owned (though that goes for 95% of all watches, TBH) and look out for them in sales from the likes of Jura and others.
I'd happily own another if it was the right model at the right price. As has been said, they're much better value pre-owned (though that goes for 95% of all watches, TBH) and look out for them in sales from the likes of Jura and others.
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