Ball watch, should I?

[TeamD]

Was looking at this the other day and would welcome some input from folk who have previous experience of Ball watches. I'm one of those folk that buy watches because I like the look of them as opposed to investing in stuff so what do folk reckon, decent kit or not?

Ta

[T6 vanman]

Owned several, All good quality - just moved them on due to downsizing,

Price seams OK for a COSC GMT but you'll note Ball watches are perpetuity in some form of sales so be prepared to see it cheaper in the sales after launch,

My last remaining one (not GMT or COSC) really struggles to keep more than 30~36 hours reserve but is very accurate

[seefarr]

I've got a Diver and love it. The wave pattern on the dial is lovely, it feels super solid and the bracelet is really chunky. And the tritium is cool! I first heard of them from a WatchFinder vid:

https://youtu.be/iMc8USvO2cI?t=49

They don't seem to get much love on here some reason. I had read that they're always on sale somewhere so waited around 18 months for this one to be on sale - never happened so I don't know that all of their models do that. And you're already looking at a discount for pre-ordering!

[hilly10]

I got this Firman Racer off TZ for £600 RRP is around a grand. It’s brand new and all stickered up purchased last month. It’s my first Ball watch and I have to say it’s good quality, running +4 secs a day, the rubber strap is exceptional quality and has a lovely vanilla smell.

[robwilk]

I have a Ball Engineer Master II Diver. one of the problems i found with it it would alway set off the metal detectors in the airport, I own several watches and this is the only one that does it 100% of the time , not that it bothers me now. the other thing is its lume due to the tubes is incredibly bright and when i was offshore it would light up the bunk in the dark. not watch to sleep in.

[Jayho]

They used to be on certain "Secret Sales" websites quite often. Been keeping an eye out myself to see what the offerings are, but haven't seen them on for a long while.

[alfaman]

The design just looks clunky and garish to me...just not that appealing...and the watches are a bit large

[Ikemi]

A review of one I owned: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Nice watches! A bit expensive now, imho. The one above was £1115 brand new in 2010. Prices have increased as expected, but push for discount where you can! I believe Jura Watches are offering discount on the majority of Ball watches at the moment.

[reapercushions]

I've considered a few as I really like how they look. I do agree though, they seem expensive for the level of the brand.

[NDA]

alfaman said:

The design just looks clunky and garish to me...just not that appealing...and the watches are a bit large

And yours, from another thread, doesn't?

alfaman said:

Sorry, not stalking... just bored.

[catso]

TeamD said:

Ball watch, should I?

Personally, I prefer a wristwatch but each to their own I suppose...

[alfaman]

NDA said:

alfaman said:

The design just looks clunky and garish to me...just not that appealing...and the watches are a bit large

And yours, from another thread, doesn't?

alfaman said:

Sorry, not stalking... just bored.

Nice...

The Zelos is 40mm diameter and 46 L2L ...way smaller than the ball

also sell on 2nd hand market at a premium.

Ball watches sell at a huge discount to list. For a reason.

[MarkJS]

Never had a Ball watch but I’ve had a proper look at a couple and the quality/detail seems excellent. Go for it - just don’t pay anywhere near RRP as (& as previously mentioned), they are often very heavily discounted.

It’s also something different in a sea of Rolex/Tudor.

[VR99]

I really like Ball watches, always had a soft spot for them but wow the prices have creeped up a bit over the years! To be fair I think it's the same for all the decent watch brands whether mainstream or micro brands.

OP - I would go for it personally, never owned bur have seen/felt them in the flesh and I was impressed for the price point. I have a feeling their prices will firm up/appreciate though seems like they already have!

[NDA]

alfaman said:

Nice...

The Zelos is 40mm diameter and 46 L2L ...way smaller than the ball

Looks massive on you. I can see why you wouldn't like a bigger watch.

[Dr.Seuss]

NDA said:

alfaman said:

Nice...

The Zelos is 40mm diameter and 46 L2L ...way smaller than the ball

Looks massive on you. I can see why you wouldn't like a bigger watch.

Hahaha the claws are out, on a bloody watch forum of all places. It does look a bit big in that picture, but I also note that several of my watches look big when photographed up close, when in fact they are not too big for me.

[NDA]

Dr.Seuss said:

Hahaha the claws are out, on a bloody watch forum of all places. It does look a bit big in that picture, but I also note that several of my watches look big when photographed up close, when in fact they are not too big for me.

Hahaha! No claws. I just thought it was funny that someone would say someone's watch looks garish, big and clunky - when in fact they own a watch which is even more garish, big and clunky!

[alfaman]

NDA said:

alfaman said:

Nice...

The Zelos is 40mm diameter and 46 L2L ...way smaller than the ball

Looks massive on you. I can see why you wouldn't like a bigger watch.

It isn't massive on me.

What's your issue ...you seem to be stalking me round the watch threads and making disparaging comments. 'kin weird.

[alfaman]

Dr.Seuss said:

Hahaha the claws are out, on a bloody watch forum of all places. It does look a bit big in that picture, but I also note that several of my watches look big when photographed up close, when in fact they are not too big for me.

Exactly

[alfaman]

Whereas this is large