Congratulations on the purchase! A great looking watch that has it's own identity with some cool and unique design features 👍

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - wholeheartedly agreed :)

I have a couple of Ball watches and I think they are worth every penny of the asking price. I have owned a couple of Rolex watches many years ago, and the Ball watches come out well. Buy with confidence.

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed - Ball rocks!

Beautiful classic piece! This aligns more to my style of watches.Thanks for reviewing it!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Most welcome Andy - would you consider getting one?

@Andrew-J316

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I would! However I need to save up for my grail watches (either BB58 or Rolex Explorer or Omega Aqua Terra) first! ;) did you get your Panerai yet? Looking forward to that review!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Nice choices! Finalising the decision on the Panerai, deposit down already :)

Realized that the Ball Fireman bezel reminds me of a locomotive wheel. Love my Fireman Glory! Congrats and enjoy!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - locomotive wheel? Interesting!

Hallo Ivan, congratulations on the purchase of an iconic timepiece! It is absolutely stunning, I love the tritium tubes and the classical layout of the dial. Good choice my friend!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Joop... not sure it’s “iconic” but it sure is one I like :)

Absolutely lovely time piece. If the date window was integrated at 6 o'clock it would be near perfect!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - yeah a 6 o'clock would preserve symmetry, although would also obliterate the index at that position...

This watch ticks all but one of the boxes I look for in a do-it-all timepiece: Swiss made, 316, sapphire, 40mm, tritium lume, well regulated to less than 5 sec per day. I love the big crown by the way. I want a longer 70 hour power reserve though but I love the piece as it is. Agree on the "Officer" nomenclature being better suited to this rather than fireman. Congratulations on your splendid purchase .

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment Rob - yeah wouldn’t be cool if they managed to get the Powermatic 80 movements in here (but I think swatch keep that for their own brands only) or the in house with higher reserve... it then that would bump up the pricing for sure!

Congratulation Ivan. That's a wonderful watch. You must have really liked it considering a box spinability rating of only 2. FYI, box spinability is now one of my main criterion for a watch purchase. I appreciate you bringing that important factor to my attention!!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah I’m loving this! To be fair though this came from overseas and I didn’t know what type of box it was gonna come in ;)

You basically covered all the #aspects and #specs ❤ of a #beautiful #BallWatchCompany watch! Thank you! 🎉❤

@PerthWAtch

9 ай бұрын

#thankyou

Extremely comprehensive review mate, I’ve just liked and subscribed. I bought the silver sunburst dual version of his watch a year or so ago. I’d recently let go of a Ball Spacemaster Glow as I already had a lot of large black divers. I really missed having a Ball in my collection and also needed a silver dial, so went with the FiremanVictory. Ball really do make some quality watches and their bracelets and clasps are right up there with Rolex and Omega. I think that a little taper in this bracelet would have made it a little more elegant, though it hasn’t affected the comfort for me. Strange because I usually find a bracelet without taper a little uncomfortable after extended use. The silver dial on mine is spectacular in the sun. Once again, great review, however I think you’ll find that this model has been discontinued for a while now, though readily available from grey dealers or on the used market.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the thoughts - I agree regarding the bracelet, somehow they’ve managed to make this quite comfortable despite the non tapering design. With regards to availability, I make no claims about whether it’s still in production, and the link I provided was still active at time of publication of the review.

Great review ! Yes in the days of steam locomotives 🚂 the Fireman worked with the Engineer to keep up the steam pressure in the boiler, and was also an apprentice Engineer.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that’s what I heard... would you picture a fireman wearing a watch like this?

@alexsandovallapostol9998

3 жыл бұрын

Only the president of the Railroad Workers Union

Great review brother and congratulations on the new piece, it's superb....The fireman is a railroad reference for the guy who shoveled coal for the boiler....the date is slightly of centre because it's a 31 day wheel, apparently it's not easy to adjust it perfectly....for myself only three minor improvements needed, not deal breakers at all....1. colour coded date wheel....2. quick release spring bars.... & 3. Push button on the clasp....very minor....have a great day....⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⌚🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - I agree with your suggestions for improvements actually! A tapering bracelet would also be ideal. Re: date position, yeah I thought that might've been the reason behind it.

i have one, those colour at night is mesmerising! People complains about the date window but I appreciate the indices is all available here. Ball watch is really underrated, kinda Oris.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man - totally agree with your comment!

My achievable grail watch is a Ball Roadmaster World Timer/Diver. Just introduced this year. The only company I know of that has these two complications which are perfect for me, a diver who dives all over the world and needs to keep track of three times zones.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great watch - I like it!

It is a beautiful and functional piece. I am considering the purchase of a Fireman with the "Clos de Paris" treatment on the dial. Legibility is king for me and I think that might help. Also considering the Engineer Master III Marvelight... but only because I am such a sucker for the big tritium tubes. :)

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Good choices both, all the best with your hunt!

Last year i bought a fireman victory with silver dial. I love that watch.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Nice one!

@jimmymack1079

3 жыл бұрын

Me too, mate. The silver is a stunning piece.

Nice Review. Fireman is a reference to railroading , as most Ball Lines are. steam locomotives has 2 people on them. I was the engineer, the other was the fireman, The Fireman was the person in charge of maintaining the heat box for the boiler on steam locomotives. In many cases they were the ones shoveling coal. The much larger 20th century steam locomotives were machine feed, or were oil fired, but still needed the fireman to maintain proper operation. The modern term would be fireperson, but that would not make a good name. It has nothing to do with firefighting, and as steam trains are used very limited now, not very common anymore. This is a very nice watch. The issue with the date is they would not want to remove the tritium tube at 3 or 6, so this will allow all hour markers to be full size. On some of there larger watches they can put the date to the left of the 3 tube. I have 3 Ball watches, one is the Engineer M Marvelite, which is similar to this, but with the in-house 80-hour chronometer Movement. It has pushers for the butterfly clasp. I would imagine they didn’t use it here just to save some money, the Fireman line a believe is the entry level line.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment! Yes, I understand about the date position not cutting into the indices, but what I was asking about is why it’s not exactly between 4 and 5, but rather closer to 5. Regarding “fireman” - thanks for clarifying, but actually I never said it had anything to do with firefighting. Regardless of all that, does this call out “fireman” to you?? The Marvelight is a great piece... I was tossing up whether to get that instead but in the end chose the Fireman as I liked the design better. Cheers!

@surfitli

3 жыл бұрын

Perth WAtch I don’t think Fireman when I see this watch. It does fall into using railroad names for there watches. Enginneer, conductor, fireman, Hydrocarbon, engineer master. They are all railroad related, even though the watches really have nothing to do with trains at this point. It just something they do. I can understand these names not making sense.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Ah yes, good point made!

A Ball is on my purchase list for 2021. Videos like this help me decide which one to get. Thank you. I'm sure your question has already been answered, but Fireman is one of the jobs on a train engine.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - my question is really: do you really see a fireman wearing a watch like this?

@mdunawaym

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch Not to work! LOL! Maybe to church.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Hah... so nothing at all to do with being a fireman then, which is kinda my point ;)

Hi Ivan, The name fireman comes from a position in a traditional train. The fireman was in charge of propulsion...keeping the fire properly attended for steam. Important task that requires reliability and durability....like the watch. Congrats on the piece. Well done video!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. Regardless... does this watch call out “fireman” to you??

@ExpeditedProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Mebbe not but I would definitely call it a Victory for you!.....see what I did there

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Very nice ;)

I love the crown. I love the simplicity of the watch. I am a fan of the 4 o'clock date. Having lumen is nice, but really not needed on a dress watch.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - I actually consider this more of a go anywhere watch. It’s got certain features that separate it from standard dress design: screw crown with 100m WR, lume as you say, and a solid bracelet (strict dress should be leather strap).

Beautiful! Clean design. Ticks all of my boxes but date. It may have a date, I'm in bright sunlight but looks good. Out of my budget but I'd love one.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike - do you mean you don’t like the position of the date window?

@MikeAustin2012

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch i was saying, I was watching my son race his Mazda, Miata. I bright sunlight I could not see the date window. I like a date and it's good any where from 3 to 6 o'clock. So I give it 100% thumbs up. Love it. Oh! Besides the sun, I didn't see the date window because it was mostly behind the minute hand. Just beyond my budget. Cheers!

Very handsome classic watch I love it 👍 thanks Ivan good review

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you James :)

Great review...I love the tritium tubes and that it is a highly versatile piece.

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Just bought a Fireman Enterprise - silver dial. Very pleased, very nice piece indeed. I think an underestimated company, perhaps because they use Tritium, which I suspect some watch lovers consider a bit naff, a bit lacking in class. Nice review.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. Most people I know and who comment seem to indicate that Tritium is a nice point of difference. I suspect they’re not great at marketing.

Lovely watch Ivan and a great video. 👍

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

I like the Ball watches, especially the tritium models. That is a nice alternative to the Omega Railmaster. I really like the solid end links and the screw links with the half links. I don't love the 4:30 date; it could have been done at 6:00, and it would be perfect (for me).

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you - yeah some sort of solution for the date without obliterating one of the tritium tubes would do nicely for me! PS. I think they pretty much use tritium on all their models these days...

@Dave062YT

3 жыл бұрын

Every model has tritium doesn't it ?

Proper watch good choice. Love the bracelet.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks :)

A beauty ! A company that make great timepieces that gets minimal exposure on channels( apart from yr good self) i think its as good as anything else in the price range & suits you well sir,it'd be nice if the date wheel was negative colour matched & providing the friction clasp is a solid fit it pretty much ticks all boxes,i love it & a great review of this dame that doesn't usually get a dance at the ball.😉

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - love your analogies there :) The friction is indeed very solid, as one might expect from Ball.

I own my fathers 1972 Ball Trainmaster. Still runs 51 years later! But now it only runs on special occasions.

@PerthWAtch

9 ай бұрын

51 years!? Wow!!!

The name could be in keeping with the railway connection, in the UK the fireman is the crew member that looks after the fire on a steam train. Fabulous watch perfect proportions, crown looks spot on for size. I could see anyone who would like an explorer but didn't want to spend the uncalled for (servicing and purchase) prices asked would be very happy to own one of these (and you get a date function thrown in).

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I’m pretty sure it’s to do with train firemen... regardless of firemen or firefighter, do you think this watch calls those professions out to you?

@philspencelayh5464

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch I couldn't honestly see a fireman shovelling coal into a furnce whilst wearing any wristwatch. In my head he has a pocketwatch on an Albert chain. It does call out to anyone who likes a nice watch.

@willardhooton920

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent Explorer alternative 👌

Love it. Was looking at getting a Ball watch for my birthday (50 😱) but found a Hamilton Khaki X Wind automatic at in irresistible price so got that instead (should turn up by next weekend 👏🏻) Cheers 👍🏻

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Nice choice I must say!! How much?

@stevefox8605

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch thanks 🤗 been eyeing them up for months... £600, from eBay, coming from Belgium...a risk I know, but seller (dealer) has 100% positive feed back, & even if (😱) , it needs a £3-400 service at least the total cost is spread over a couple of pay packets 😅. I was in "birthday spirits" (I'd received 8 different bottles of Single Malt) so have fingers crossed for whatever turns up. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

@michaelriera6277

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck and enjoy. Happy Birthday!

@stevefox8605

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelriera6277 thank you 👍🏻

Hi Ivan That's a really classy looking watch, a little out of my price range I'm afraid and I would prefer the date at 3 or 6 and a slightly smaller crown, but a very nice watch all the same. thanks and stay safe.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that John! :)

Классные часы! Спасибо за обзор 👍👍👍👍

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

What?

hello Ivan. how are you, mate? very nice looking watch you got there... I am bit surprised that you have chosen that one as your "go-to" watch. well, nothing wrong with it and actually it is quite normal & pleasant looking watch with some different quirks. Love the dial, specially casing and tritium lume (of course). As soon as I saw this watch, this reminded me of Seiko SZSB012 (made in Japan with 1/3 of price) which is even more normal looking dress watch, but IMO, much more refined as a dress watch (in terms of general "look", not the quality or fit/finish). There are few things that I question on this Ball. the location and finishing of the date / date window. (personally, I wouldn't choose this, without the date window looks much better in that dial). slightly too big crown (IMO, how about Onion crown?), not a big fan of the bracelet which does not taper nor the limited clasp. however, I believe that you LIKE BALL WATCHES :+) As I always say, it is totally personal when it comes to choosing a watch. What you got there is a super fine dress watch and I actually put BALL over Seiko (Specially the movement & regulation of the movement). So, I think that you made a fine choice. Thank you Ivan and wonderful day to you.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Why surprised? I think for Swiss Made quality with good finish, original design aspects, and solid overall piece... hard to go pass this for value. Not to mention Tritium tubes which are few and far between in use. The Seiko is fine for what it is, if you want mineral glass, the average 4R35 movement, shoddy Seiko bracelet with push pins, etc. I think it is very clear to me where the value is in Ball, no marketing fuss or markup, that's part of why I like them so much. Oh and definitely no one has to pay the full $1500 MSRP either. But yeah agreed the date window can be a deal breaker for some, I would've like it on a black disc for sure... and the crown can be smaller too. The bracelet and 100m WR with screw crown puts this above simple dress for me, which is exactly what I was looking for. Cheers :)

Ball is a fabulous brand. Class

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Not that famous. But classy.

@mattys1467

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch fabulous not famous 😅

Very nice watch. Compliments for your choice. I think that Ball delivers great quality for the price. The only thing I don't like of this specific model is the date window.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - yeah the 4:30 date is a deal breaker for some.

This in fact looks nice!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I think so too!

Great review and subscribed. Think your about to cost me 1110 gbp very soon although I will opt for the silver face.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, and my commiserations to your wallet ;)

Congrats Ivan. Nice watch. Not a fan of the 4:30 date window. I own a Red Label Cosc from around 2014. Truly my favorite watch. Runs about zero seconds per day plus or minus.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - that’s a nice watch :)

Just purchased the Blue dial after months of looking at many watches. It was pleasantly painful as I love watches. I also learnt a bit more about watches in my indevor to find the right one.

@PerthWAtch

Жыл бұрын

Excellent choice! I didn’t realise there was a blue dial actually haha

Hi Ivan. Great vid as always. A lot to like here, but the one thing that bugs me is the second hand. It seems a bit short... Congrats on the new addition! Wear it in good health...

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ralph - interesting pickup on the second hand length... can't say it bothered me actually.

@ralphus555

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch Would not be a deal breaker for me - beautiful, well made piece. For some reason I just honed in on that...

Nice choice! I don’t like everything Ball puts out but I like this one! In recently reviewed the new Ball Roadmaster Vanguard which I really enjoyed!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that - I do like some of the Trainmaster and Roadmaster models.

@TheTownWatch

3 жыл бұрын

Perth WAtch Yeah! I’ve got my eye on the Roadmaster Marine GMT with green dial!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a nice watch!

@TheTownWatch

3 жыл бұрын

Perth WAtch 💯

Hi Ivan, I am late to your preview party. Nice looking Ball watch. I like the case and bracelet design with its different profiles, contours and applied finishes. Clasp is decent and to me, simple deploying system design works well. The dial design is nicely stylized and some details like the indices somewhat reminds me of Omega's Seamaster. However, I do share and agree with your critique of the dial layout. Thanks for the watch review. Best regards Ivan.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for that - glad you enjoyed the video. I think this watch will remain one of my regular wears for some time :)

@thomasont

3 жыл бұрын

Please do enjoy spending time wearing it while you can, Ivan. While your at it, I am contemplating between a Rolex datejust, oyster perpetual and a Omega seamaster. I went to an AD clearence sale event at a hotel and I am shocked that they are offering 30% discount on their brand new 40mm Omega seamaster models. So there goes the residual rentention value idea out the window. As usual, Rolex is not part of the AD sale event. The AD is also offering more or less the same discount amounts across their other brands from Tissot, Frederique Constant, Longines, Girard Perregaux, Mont Blanc to Panerai and Tudor, even Jaeger le Coutre is not spared, besides Omega. Spoilt for choices, yet I am considering between Rolex and Omega. Kind to think of it, I might just decide on a Rolex datejust or oyster perpetual instead.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Darn, 30% off Panerai and GP?? I would be so tempted!! I had my name down for an Oyster Perpetual 39mm, so quite annoyed that they have now discontinued that size... and I really have doubts about going for a 41mm!!

@thomasont

3 жыл бұрын

Yeap Ivan, this is their confirmed discount sale on GP and Panerai models which is still negotiatable !!! I was tempted too as well and I was surprised to know that Cartier and Bulgari watches are also offering sale discounts as much as 35% !!! Too bad the latest Santos models are offered a mere 5 - 10 % off MSRP. It is sad that Rolex have discountinued their OP 39 models. However, I have seen some decent preowned OP 39 models up for sale. So you might want to start looking into that direction instead. Apart from datejust, I am considering their OP 36 with Explorer dial layout in silver or blue as I have quite a slender wrist. It conforms and looked well proportioned while having quite beefy profile on my wrist. I am just unsure about its maxi styled lugs. Not much to be said about datejust qualities apart from its lugs like OP 36.

I have the fireman glory and love it

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a nice one too!

Very classic looking watch. I do like it for that. Wondering if they should not have made the crown a little less big? The embellishment on the seconds hand is a nice touch, but to me a bit distracting. But yeah, this is definitely a nice piece!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - yeah I think crown could really have been a bit smaller. Re: seconds hand, do you mean the RR counterbalance? They have that on almost all their pieces I think...

@HVG67

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch yeah the RR indeed. Is different but somehow to me a bit distracting..

You're right. Ball Officer is a far more suitable name for that watch.

@PerthWAtch

Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks!

Very well done!! My only gripe about this watch is the crown is huge. Otherwise, masterpiece!

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

I didn’t think it’s *that* huge…

Nice watch Ivan, looks a beauty. Its not a lot of high polish on the bracelet (eg won't be a scratch fest)? Looks like the high polish centre links are set lower than the brushed, so it should hold up well. Just curious what's your top 3 versatile sports/dress watches (39-40mm) on bracelet around that AU800-1800 range? (eg the ones you considered)

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - yes you’re right, the bracelet sections are mostly brushed and the polished centre bits are slightly recessed, so it works well. I guess I was looking in 39-40mm range and was homing in on Ball very quickly. Others I considered rather briefly were Longines Conquest and TAG Heuer (yes...) Carrera Cal 5. Did you have any thoughts on others?

@garyk8285

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch Its a tough question, that's why I asked the expert! I still have my Sarb035, and I'm debating whether to sell and try something else a little higher up in the range. I love my Sarb but I have a wide wrist, and the case sort of pops up from the bracelet on my wrist. I think 47mm lug to lug would sit better on my wrist, not the 44mm. I'm really not sure in that range, I'm surprised there isn't more offerings in this space on bracelet that is. Ball definitely in the equation around this range I think. I mean to get better than a Sarb in the current Seiko range imho, you kind of have to go to Grand Seiko, and that's out of the price range in question.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I think you’re right... SARB in the Presage range is kinda where it’s at for this style of Seiko quality. It’s funny when you mention it - there is indeed little else in terms of next step up apart from GS!

Do you ever have problems distinguishing the hour and minute hands? It looks like when they don’t catch the light you can only see the tritium bars sometimes, which are pretty similar lengths.

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

I get what you mean but can’t say I’ve had any struggles telling the time…

@lewisham

2 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch thanks!

Super one..........thanks...........

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome!

Nice watch ... more plain like a Grand Seiko .... though the date at 6 O'clock would of been nice

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you - yeah some sort of solution for the date without obliterating one of the tritium tubes would do nicely for me!

The Fireman bracelet is ripping up my fingertips with no push button release. Do you experience this? I may need to change the clasp.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Not at all actually... you can see me take the watch off in the video, no trouble at all. Maybe the fastening point can be loosened.

A great value watch

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is!

Slightly odd packaging, but you definitely couldn't accuse the watch of being an "oddball". Very nice classic looking watch. I have to admit I personally don't have a burning desire to own a Swiss made watch myself, and have never been amazed by the companies offering. However definitely a nice looking casual/dressy casual watch. Enjoy in good health 👍

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Chris. What did you think was odd about the packaging?

@77cjam

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch The manual on CD. As you already commented not many people have a CD/DVD port on their laptops. As has been said many times the manual is pretty irrelevant when it comes to being read. But id still rather have a paper or just a card with an internet link. The CD makes me think it's a 90s pc program that's been bought rather than a beautiful time piece. Just seems to cheapen it for me. Ultimately packaging isn't that important but first impressions are and as said just seems odd to go down that route to me

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yes fair enough, yeah the choice to go with a CD-ROM is just odd!

I have this exact watch! I wanted a Ball for ages and at the time I was looking very hard at getting a Seiko SARB. I swallowed hard and opened my wallet a bit further and I have been nothing but happy with it. It went against my natural preference for day-dates over date-onlys and I'm generally not a fan of dates between 4 and 5, but the whole character of the piece won me over. It's exceedingly comfortable to wear when properly fitted (and that took awhile to work out as I'm very finicky about where butterfly clasps rest against the inside of my wrist). I don't wear it all the time, but when I want to wear something slightly more dressy and understated, it's just the right thing. As for "fireman", well, I'm not sure why it got assigned to this model, but it's a very old model in the Ball lineup and I think they were just running through all the railway occupations. I would have gone for "conductor", personally, but hey, it's a heritage brand with a lot of appeal so they can do what they will. It doesn't affect how I feel about the timepiece. Good on ye!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thank for sharing that Randy, I appreciate the time you took to put down your thoughts and experiences! You make a good point about finding the right comfortable spot for the butterfly clasp to rest, it can certainly be uncomfortable if it is not quite in the right spot! Yes agreed, "conductor" would have been more appropriate IMO, but like you it doesn't affect my enjoyment of the piece. Cheers!

It's gorgeous and as good if not better than watches costing twice as much but don't think I'd wear it to shovel coal .

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Haha yeah I wouldn’t do that either!

Hello my friend, I hope this comment finds you well, can you tell me the size of the screwdriver needed to adjust the bracelet?

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

I think a 1.5mm will do it.

I rather enjoy the idea of owning a Ball one day but could never bring my self to commit. Not sure if it’s the price point (affordable yet not) or other aspects. The fireman models seem to standout in a good way.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment - well, it’s never too late! :)

@stevedeeznutz8432

Жыл бұрын

Never let the price stop u. The price of Ball watches in general are a steal for the quality yr getting 🤩

Great review. I would consider buying a Ball watch after seeing your review. I noticed that on the Gnomon website the Fireman Enterprise Black Ref. NM2188C-S20J-BK and Fireman Glory Black Ref. NM2188C-S3-BK have tritium on the seconds hand. Looks like the Victory misses out. Also the Gnomon Watches link that you posted didn't work for me (Sorry the page you requested cannot be found).

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah you’re right about that... but I don’t mind not having seconds hand lume on this watch. Hmm, looks like I bought the last one of this watch!

Called the fireman in reference to the guy who shovels the coal into the train boiler. The engineer series is a nod to the driver of the train. HTH

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Correct - the point was, do you really see a fireman wearing a watch like this?

During the era of coal fired trains, the fireman was the guy that shoveled the coal into the burner. I have the Fireman Glory, and its a great watch - but with a flat crystal and a tritium second hand.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that’s right. The question is: do you envisage a fireman wearing a watch like this??

5k G shock rating? Surly that’s enough to crush the entire case flat, let alone the balance staff. And how do they test for that? Shoot it out of a cannon into a steel plate? Seems incredibly high.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Not so simple as that... there are plenty of sources where this is discussed in detail. Check them out if interested.

Hiya again. Good looker no critism . I do find it amusing however that Ball use a CD disc to run to read the gumph for a mechanical watch? Ironic clash? Quartz for me any day.Cheers as per.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah good point there!!

Because this is a go anywhere do anything watch, do you consider this to be an affordable alternative to the Rolex Explorer ?

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I would say so!

I'm still waiting for the top 10 best watch box list...

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Well I can tell that POS Kimsdun watch will be in the top 3 ;)

good day my friend@

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

G’day mate

👍

@PerthWAtch

Жыл бұрын

👌

How big is your wrist?

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

Please check it the video for the answers to this and many other mysteries :)

I think I could live with a ball watch like that that one is elegant the nice thing about ball but I like you have to be a watch guy to realize that that is a cool watch. Everybody knows Rolex. I don’t have a ball I want one from what I understand and I’m guessing they might be calling it a fireman because of the heritage they have with the railroad industry I don’t know but I believe the firemen was the one that shoveled coal I would assume it’s a nod to their heritage as a A railroad standard which was a very big deal

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. Yeah I’m pretty sure it’s reference to train firemen, but regardless, does this call out “fireman” to you??

@dude28405

3 жыл бұрын

Perth WAtch Not really It’s a nice watch though

Fireman is used in the context of a railroad train fireman and his duties with the engine and engineer

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yep. So do you envision a fireman wearing a watch like this?

@showmetimefelix7500

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch yes, as i have a brother in an occupation similar to a railroad fireman, i feel a railroad fireman would wear such a watch with so much railroad history. This is a working man's watch and a nice style for after work Social events too. From coveralls to formalwear

Nice SARB033 homage, Ivan.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

This SARB is an homage to this watch ;)

Nice quality watch for a decent price. It looks fine, except the size, which is a little too small. I hate the date, and especially between 4 and 5. Horrible, I have one Victorinox which I bought last year just beause of the beautiful blue guilloché dial, but every time I look at it, I am unhappy because of the same date position.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Why unhappy because of the position?

@loganmarquiz9346

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch Because the date has to be on 3 or 6 position, that makes the dial with nice proportions and look.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

3 o’clock would stuff up the symmetry of the indices

One day 👻

@PerthWAtch

Жыл бұрын

Today!

A fireman was a worker for a steam engine locomotive.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes that right - do you envision a fireman wearing such a watch on the job??

Oooooh you don’t need to tell me about wood ...

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

What?

the date ruins it my pet hate is 4 oclock position dates

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

You are not alone

I'm amazed that you'd do so.much research into the piece but wouldn't get the fireman reference. Fireman. Its a railway watch. On a steam train you have two blokes in the engine. The driver and the fireman. otherwise great review!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you missed my point. Let me rephrase: does this watch look to you like something a fireman would wear?

@pmewUK

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch I did miss that point. My apologies.

If it ain’t got good spinability, I ain’t buying it!

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

A very wise and fair point!

@toucancant5354

3 жыл бұрын

What do you mean haha

Please drop the spinnability.. :)

@michaelriera6277

3 жыл бұрын

Never!

@kiwimark3875

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelriera6277 c'mon, it is a little silly

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Never! The spinability is here to stay - you are welcome to skip past it if you wish ;)

@stevenrobertson6656

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch 👍

Fireman refers to steam trains not fire fighters.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Makes sense... but still, does it say "fireman" to you??

@jeb-zf4un

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch No not really firemen shovelled coal all day and kept the boilers and engines running. I guess it ought to be black or brass/bronze or called The Conductor?

@jeb-zf4un

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch a bronze version would patina superbly into the case shape. It would look like a porthole.

FUN FACT: The term "Get on the Ball" refers to being on time as a railroad engineer.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed!!

@Starstreak170

3 жыл бұрын

The phrase actually comes from sport: www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/on-the-ball.html

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed!!

@michaelriera6277

3 жыл бұрын

Another fun fact is Ball is made in Asia not Swiss.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

That’s incorrect... it’s currently owned by a group in HK but the watches remained Swiss made. Did you not see that on the dial?

Awe man had me till the clasp . No go for me. Too bad

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

You don’t like butterfly clasps?

@brandinpaling9441

2 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch unfortunately friction butterfly without a pusher and as far as I could see no micro adjusts make it a pass for me anyway. Not throwing shade at Ball however would have chosen differently myself in clasp options.

@PerthWAtch

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah fair enough mate!

Not paying 900 for a quartz unless it's from omega or Rolex

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Did somebody suggest that this watch is a quartz? Who was that!? PS. $900 quartz from Rolex?? You need to come back from dreamland mate...

$1500?!? Get yourself a SARB033 instead.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Sure, if you want mineral crystal, an NH35 movement (with lottery regulation), push pin average bracelet etc etc. IMO this is head and shoulders above, and Ball is a brand where you pay fair prices. PS. BTW no one has to pay $1500 for this... that’s just the MSRP.

@PT111111

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch SARB033 $500 USD, replacement sapphire crystal $50 + gasket $10, replacement bracelet $120. Still way cheaper even if you can get 30% off that Ball watch. I never heard anyone complaining about the 6R15 movement either. Pretty sure your Seiko Shogun also has the same 6R15.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

Still doesn’t add up man... nothing wrong with the Seiko movement as such, but it’s still a LONG way off Top Grade ETA. As you know third party replacements don’t always work out well, and don’t forget to factor in your time in sourcing and sorting all that. And would you trust a gasket on a push crown to take the watch swimming? And also the etc I put in there... haven’t even gotten to the fact that Ball has Tritium. The SARB is a fine watch, and I would happily recommend it for what it is. Just saying it is very apparent to me where the value is in the Ball - there is no marketing fuss and markup here, that’s part of what I like about Ball.

@PT111111

3 жыл бұрын

@@PerthWAtch I'm just saying for the look, you can get something similar for a lot less, and it's not like the average person would be left wanting with the SARB. It will last as long as the Ball. Personally I only buy a watch for one or two reasons, either I really like the design and/or it has the brand value. Top grade movement means nothing to me, and I'd imagine to most watch buyers.

@PerthWAtch

3 жыл бұрын

I’m just saying that there’s definite value to be had here, and that paying less gets you less in this case. You can surely get a similar look for a lot less - that goes for the SARB too. But it’s not just about looks, as is evident in the discussion above. I wouldn’t claim to know whether the movement matters to “most” buyers or not. However, it *should* matter, and it sure does to me.