Ball...what's the score?

[Macros]

Hi,

I was smudging the windows of a few AD's the other day and I noticed that "Ernest Jones" (UK) are now dealers for Hamilton and Ball.

This interested me and I went in for a looksey.
I asked the sales assistant if I could handle his Balls and after a small scuffle we established that I referred to the watches!

They didn't really know much as they had yet to be fully trained on them but they did have a few models on display which I had a look at.

The two I tried were the (I think, sorry but I'm up on Ball) the Hydro Carbons
One was a large (44-45mm?) chrono diver and the other a smaller (and better for me) 40mm non chrono diver.

I must confess that I was quiet impressed! They felt solid and very well made and although the larger one did fit (ish) it was a fear a little too large on my 6.25" wrists.
The 40mm however fit very well and I particularly liked the way the base and lugs curved around the wrist to create a great fit!

I understand that they use ETA movements although I'm not sure if they are modified and in what way etc?

Can you guys educate me on these watches as I know very little about them but am interested in knowing more.

They were priced (and I'm going from memory) at around £930-980 for the 40mm non chrono and about £1,500 for the larger 44-45mm chrono. of course the prices vary with certain model variations but that's as specific as I recall.

This sort of puts them in the TAG / Omega / Longines etc... turf so another question is are they worth it? Are they as well made, accurate, reliable as these more universally respected brands?

Thanks in advance

Mac. (UK)

[Archer]

I have no personal experience with these watches just so you know....but here are my thoughts.

I can't say that I am a fan of their styles really. The crown locking system is a bit goofy IMO.

Movements - seems that they use pretty much stock ETA's (nothing wrong with that but nothing too special either) as they don't really claim any modifications that I've seen on their web site other then "special" lubricants for cold weather.

I see 2836 (I'm very familiar with those) and well as 2892's and 7750's. All good movements but they don't specify the quality level they are using so hard to tell if they are putting the top grade ETA's in there or not. I didn't see any movement shots on their web site (not a good sign for me), so hard to tell from that what grades and finishing the movements have...

The prices seem like a lot to me.

You mention 3 other brands - all three of those are "better" brands generally than Ball in my mind. I doubt very much that resale on a Ball model would be as good as the others - I only mention this because you do seem to move watches in and out so it might be a consideration.

Cheers, Al

[Macros]

Thanks Al,

I do like the look and feel of them but I am a traditionalist with regard to brands.

I've always been into Omega and Rolex, although I'm fully aware that they may not be the "best" or even the best bang for buck.

I'm in no hurry so I'll see.

How much I spend epends on what I buy as a "Best" watch.

Cheers.

Mac.

[aerome]

Ball, another resurrection of a trusty old brand. They seem to be okay, but if you look at the price, there may be other things attractive. If you're fickle like me, you'll lose money every time you want a change. Some do look pretty cool, but the discount rack at Walmart has some cool lookers too!

They come up on the TZ marketplace, so if you want to try one out, let someone else take the hit and buy used.

I ain't gonna disagree with Al on the ETA's, he's the list movement Czar.

Al II

[Ben]

I don't know. Just something about Ball watches makes me turn my nose up. Not sure why as I understand that the quality is pretty good. I don't like the big font that they use on many of their models, but I give them points for really trying to come up with some designs that don't look like everything else.

But, depending on the deal one could cut with an AD, I think that they seem a bit pricey for watches with stock ETA movements (if they are indeed stock movements). I just think that I'm at the point that if you're looking at stuff over $2k to $2.5k, then I think that one of the "big" name brands is the way to go.

As an example, the Ball Hydrocarbon chronograph models are in the $2,800 range, and to me, if one is looking for a watch with a Valjoux 7750 movement then one should just get the Omega Speedmaster and be done with it. Better quality, better name, better history, better resale etc.

But, you know, I've had my eye on the Longines "Spirit." I think it's a stunning watch that hits my sensibilities and I'm sure that it sports a relatively unmodified ETA movement. So, the bottom line is......buy what speaks to you.

-Ben