My Ball Experience - Fireman 2 - Green - with Lume Shot

[heresiarh]

I did this review on the watchuseekforums. Thought I'd share it on the rolexforums also. Enjoy!



Before I get into my 'first impressions' review, I promise I will be posting lume shots before the end of this week. The darn thing lights up like Times Square at night.

Anyways, getting into the review now.

I have a history of collecting watches and I've owned, through my grandfather, a number of brilliant vintage pieces from Pateks to Breguets to Hamiltons.

My current lineup has completely changed because all the vintage pieces have gone back into the family safe.

I'll be frank. My everday watch is a Rolex Explorer 2 with 3186 movement, recently purchase at a decent price. I enjoy it like no other watch. However, a couple of weeks ago I came across a Ball sighting on one of my friends. He was sporting one of the Conductor series and I took some interest, asked him mad questions and finally decided I HAD to own one. I began my usual quest and landed on this wonderful Ball forum. The three watches that caught my immediate attention were, Hydrocarbon, Night Train, and Fireman. I was looking for something clean and robust at the same time. I was close to pulling the trigger on the Hydrocarbon, then decided to go for the Night Train instead, but ended with a green Fireman.

So what is my first impression? Well, Ball is a watch company under appreciated by the mass public. I actually like that cause I have hardly seen a Ball watch in the flesh on anyone but my friend, therefore its unique. I'm pretty sure there aren't any fakes available in the market, where as my EXP II has been replicated millions of times.

Going in order, I'll start with the strap. Its a nice hefty strap, durable, 21mm thick, but I wish it was a little bit more comfortable, however at that price range I'm not complaining much. I have easily gotten use to it.

Buckle, I just love it, there is nothing else to say about it. I love how its screwed in and BALL is engraved on it.

*Correction on the buckle, thanks to timefleas*
(the "screws" on the Ball buckle are not real screws, they are part of single steel buckle unit. The buckle is actually attached to the strap using the usual retracting pin that you commonly see used to attach the strap to the lugs).

The casing is smooth, robust, and expensive looking. Brush finish looks superb and the overall quality feels SOLID. I mean for a watch that cost me $780, its as good as my $2000 Tag if not better.

Caseback is the best I've ever owned. I personally prefer exhibition backs but the engraving and the design of this one is exquisite. Different than others and the attention to detail is top notch. Let me post a picture of it again because I enjoy it every time I take off my watch before bedtime.



Now we come to the lugs. I wish the band fitting was a bit more close to the lugs. I feel there is a bit too much space between the band and the lug, its something that one has to get used to, and I'm getting used to it pretty fast. Believe it or not, thats the only one complain I have about the watch.

The dial of the watch is silky black, super clean, hour markers are clearly marked. Everything about the dial screams out LOOK AT ME. I'm obsessed with green accents in a watch and this particular Ball has done it just right.

The hour, minute, and seconds hand couldn't have been done better. They've hit the mark on this one and the hint of green accent on the seconds hand is an absolute killer. I actually prefer the Fireman 2 version since the older Fireman had a gaslight on the seconds hand, given it a square like shape.

Date window is placed on the traditional 3 '0' clock position, nice and clean, with absolute readability in my case.

*ADDED*
I forgot to talk about the gaslights. So, just like any other Ball watch, this one also lights up like Times Square. I've personally never owned a watch that is this readable in the dark. I'm really enjoying it since its so different from the rest of my collection.

The overall watch feels and looks gorgeous. If this was a Tag, it would've cost $2000, Omega $3000, Rolex $4500. Ball gives you top of the line product at a reasonable price. I won't be surprised that 5 years from now, this same watch will cost $3500 brand new.

I honestly wish I could buy another Ball watch but I have to stick to my philosophy. One watch per brand.

I will be spending more time on this forum, talking more and more about my Ball experience. I'm a young Ball owner, I've got a lot to learn.

Hope you enjoyed the review.

OVERALL WATCH RATING - 9/10.

PS. Now I alternate between my Rolex and Ball throughout the week, and loving it, I even wear it with suits.

Additional Info: I have not been able to check the accuracy of the watch as of yet. Will give it a months before writing about it.


AND HERE IS THE LUME SHOT: