BaLL for BMW watch...? What do you think?

[LuminousMaximus]

I am just learning about Ball. I guess they are the Standard for the Railroad.
They are making a BAll for BMW.

I looked on the forum and there wasn't a sub category for them so i figured they were not too collectable....?

Anyway, what do you think about the watch/company...?

[wingku]

I love the brand and the company. Lots of history and the Lume technology is pretty awesome. I own a ball and love the quality. They have some really classic pieces. I am not a big fan of watch company makes watches for automobile however. It's like Panerai was branding with Ferrari once upon a time and it was a colossal fail. Lol

[DoxaDavid]

Great watches. Some of the best lume in the business and excellent fit/finish for the $$$$.

Only way I would own a watch marketed to a particular auto was if I had the car, then I think it's fine otherwise I would stick to non auto models.

[dirnegrey]

is that temperature gauge really working?

[LuminousMaximus]

Originally Posted by dirnegrey

is that temperature gauge really working?

The BALL Caliber 9018 used for the BALL for BMW TMT watch includes the world’s first mechanical thermometer module (“TMT”) developed and patented by BALL Watch Company.

This function measures the outside temperature between -35°C and 45°C or -40°F and 122°F with an accuracy of 97% that only a mechanical thermometer can achieve. The thermometer readings are given in increments of 10°C or 18°F in the half-moon shaped window at six o’clock on the dial.

The TMT module uses bi-metallic materials of the highest quality. Bands are carefully wound, heat treated, cut according to very precise specifications, their ends folded and then laser welded. The plate and bridge are then custom-manufactured. BALL watchmakers place, decorate and then assemble the jewels and pins.

The same procedure also applies to the patented screw adjustment system. This essential component ensures extremely high temperature measurement precision by stabilizing the position of the bi-metallic coil while still allowing it to expand or contract in response to the changing temperature. The outside edge of the spiral is pinned to the frame and a pointer is connected to the center. As the temperature increases the spiral winds up, deflecting the pointer clockwise.

also from Ball.

BMW is the perfect dial visibility even in the complete absence of any light thanks to the use of Micro Gas Lights (H3).

BALL for BMW uses pioneering Swiss technology, consisting in encapsulating H3 gas in glass micro-tubes. Light is emitted when the H3 molecules strike the capsules’ colored inner surface.

This phenomenon can last more than 20 years, without requiring recharge from any outside light source.

The light emitted by BALL for BMW is a hundred times brighter than other light sources commonly used in watch-making and is a distinctive and exclusive mark of BALL Watch company.

[SUBversive]

I've handled their watches and they are impressive. Agree about the Lume. It's like a gas or something. However the price point wasn't for me in terms of what else I could get. Also I don't really have any connection to the railroad to feel the love for the history.

[malarky_hk]

Not a fan of these gimmicky product tie-ins watch manufacturers do with other companies, movies, etc. For this specific tie-in with BMW, it really begs the question "Which BWM do you drive?" Unless you have a BMW and are really passionate about the brand then go for it.

[SUBversive]

Originally Posted by malarky_hk

Not a fan of these gimmicky product tie-ins watch manufacturers do with other companies, movies, etc. For this specific tie-in with BMW, it really begs the question "Which BWM do you drive?" Unless you have a BMW and are really passionate about the brand then go for it.

Buy a car, get a watch?

[cedargrove]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

Buy a car, get a watch?

That's what I'm hoping. I like both Ball and BMW, and am due for a new car this year. I normally expect a discount on a new car, but if forgoing part of that discount gets me a new watch I'd consider it.

[masterserg]

I like it. I have a Bimmer though ... heck, that's all I drove for the last 20+ years ...

[GIS8]

Had a ball moonlight special (profile picture), but was defective. The lume was great. solid watch.

[eric23]

I think they are really cool, I am not into cars and would never but one, But if I had a BMW I would get one.

[mjclark32]

My wife and I each have BMW's and I wouldn't wear a watch with the logo on it, or a hat...

[cedargrove]

I just checked them out on the Ball website. Didn't realize the sub-dial is an actual thermometer. Not sure how useful that is on a watch, especially considering the lower end of the gauge is -40.

[Noonan]

I'm a big fan of Ball watches. Their quality is amazing for the cost.

That mechanical thermometer is crazy. That's a pretty useful complication for a watch to have; unlike some of the other stuff that gets thrown in only because they can.

[LuminousMaximus]

I like the Ball watch history in general and would still consider a Ball Watch however, I don't like that the BMW Marque is on the watch and the other thing that bugs me is that there isn't any lume on the second hand... That may be a deal breaker...

[Lisa]

I've recently become interested in Ball and its tritium tube lume. Ordered this Lady Conductor and expect to have it in the next couple of weeks.

I think no self-respecting lume nut should be without a Ball watch.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I've recently become interested in Ball and its tritium tube lume. Ordered this Lady Conductor and expect to have it in the next couple of weeks.

I think no self-respecting lume nut should be without a Ball watch.

Thats a beautiful Ball.

[DoxaDavid]

One of the few times I have ever sold a watch and miss it.

Had an Alligator and yes, the lume is sick cool with the tritium tubes!

[DoxaDavid]

Originally Posted by Lisa

I've recently become interested in Ball and its tritium tube lume. Ordered this Lady Conductor and expect to have it in the next couple of weeks.

I think no self-respecting lume nut should be without a Ball watch.

Very cool Lisa. Mke sure you post pics when you get it!

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by vintagewaferthin

Thats a beautiful Ball.

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

Very cool Lisa. Mke sure you post pics when you get it!

Thanks, guys. I have to tell you, their customer service people so far have been excellent. You may notice in the second picture the watch has a diamond bezel. I wrote to Ball via their website and asked if they could have the watch available with a plain bezel - currently it was not. A week later I got an email from Switzerland and the rep said, "We will produce the watch you have requested." So I put a deposit down at my AD and we're told production will begin this month. And lo and behold, they've updated their website now to include the very watch I've ordered.

[Passionata]

I m considering the idea very bad.


Best
George

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GIS8]

Found the picture again. Awesome watch overall, too bad it's gone.

[vintagewaferthin]

It's definatly a cool looking watch. I actually like the BMW logo on the dial, and I love the tritium gas tubes.

[FiftyTwoEighty]

I like Ball, and I like my BMWs.

With that said, I don't think I would want a BMW Rondel on my Ball watch. Ball makes some beautiful references, no doubt.

I find it funny when I go to car meets or the track and see guys plastered head to toe in (BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Mercedes, Lambo, etc...) logos.

[Watchmutt]

Ball makes a great watch at a good price point.

[WatchTimes]

Long time Ball owner.
Great watches, the lume is great for camping and traveling!

I have to say I hate to see co branded watches...
If you don't own the car why???

Panerai gave up on Ferrari and now the Ferrari watches are produced
by Movado....

[B@rt]

for watches with car logos...

I'll take my Night Train anyday.

[Gregg236]

Love the watch,just got one. The cars not so much(had three).

[Tudor66]

I like the look of the ball watches, they have some great classic looking models.
The stainless steel bracelet on this model is really comfortable on the wrist. I came close to buying this one new at a mall, but I decided to wait and see if they drop a little in value..., still waiting:

This one, the Eternity is my favorite... Photos are from the internet: