All aboard the underrated express: Ball Watches!

Many watch enthusiasts know about Omega's Speedmaster, but did you know there's another brand with a history just as impressive, and arguably equal finishing? Buckle up, because we're diving into the world of Ball Watch Company.

Ball's story starts in 1891 with the horrific Kipton Train disaster. A conductor's faulty watch caused a head-on collision, prompting jeweler Webb C. Ball to develop super-strict timekeeping standards for railroads. This "Ball Standard" ensured pinpoint accuracy, literally saving lives.

Fast forward, and Ball watches became renowned for their precision and durability, not just on the rails, but with explorers and adventurers too. They boast features like micro gas tubes for ultimate nighttime legibility, a testament to their commitment to functionality.But here's the kicker: Ball's craftsmanship is phenomenal! Their cases and dials are finished to a level that rivals Omega, with intricate details and high-quality materials. For the price, you're getting incredible value.

So, next time you're looking for a history-rich, feature-packed timepiece with top-notch finishing, don't sleep on Ball! These guys deserve a whole lot more love.

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Reply
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The original Ball company certainly has a legacy. Does it impact your view that the current company has pretty much nothing to do with the original outside of the name? Do not get me wrong, they make nice looking watches and they have a lot of fans, but the current company has no claims to the legacy. Short of the brand staying in the family, I would say the same about most revival brands.

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AllTheWatches

The original Ball company certainly has a legacy. Does it impact your view that the current company has pretty much nothing to do with the original outside of the name? Do not get me wrong, they make nice looking watches and they have a lot of fans, but the current company has no claims to the legacy. Short of the brand staying in the family, I would say the same about most revival brands.

Are you saying that a Hong Kong consortium that makes watches in Switzerland has nothing to do with a defunct Cleveland, OH watch brand? But, Heritage!

I have nothing against the brand, they have their loyal fans, but even the Webb Ball story is bunkum. Ball put their name on others' watches. Their vaunted accuracy did absolutely nothing for railroad safety. It was marketing, 19th Century style.

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Aurelian

Are you saying that a Hong Kong consortium that makes watches in Switzerland has nothing to do with a defunct Cleveland, OH watch brand? But, Heritage!

I have nothing against the brand, they have their loyal fans, but even the Webb Ball story is bunkum. Ball put their name on others' watches. Their vaunted accuracy did absolutely nothing for railroad safety. It was marketing, 19th Century style.

We love to think that was a romantic era for watches, but the less proud heritage of that time is how many watch companies were essentially set up to scam stores into buying them? Sears never exists as a company if he didn’t send out a bunch of Sears labeled Elgin watches to stores along the rail lines that didn’t order them only to sell them “at a discount” if they simply kept them.

It’s a fascinating era and to your point, mostly BS posturing.

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My Ball.

I’m irked by the fact that those stupid tritium tubes just die. I wish they would switch to Superluminova!

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Aurelian

Are you saying that a Hong Kong consortium that makes watches in Switzerland has nothing to do with a defunct Cleveland, OH watch brand? But, Heritage!

I have nothing against the brand, they have their loyal fans, but even the Webb Ball story is bunkum. Ball put their name on others' watches. Their vaunted accuracy did absolutely nothing for railroad safety. It was marketing, 19th Century style.

Interesting. 🤔 Makes sense to me.

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Aurelian

Are you saying that a Hong Kong consortium that makes watches in Switzerland has nothing to do with a defunct Cleveland, OH watch brand? But, Heritage!

I have nothing against the brand, they have their loyal fans, but even the Webb Ball story is bunkum. Ball put their name on others' watches. Their vaunted accuracy did absolutely nothing for railroad safety. It was marketing, 19th Century style.

most marketing is usually a bunch of bullshit. rolex makes it seem the explorer was the first watch worn up Everest even tho it might not have been. most marketing stretches the truth or appeals to sentimentality ( how many people keep saying they want to pass on their watches, its a great marketing trick ) so i hardly think ball should be faulted for that. If they make good quality watches now (don't own any) thats what should matter most imo.

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Balanced

My Ball.

I’m irked by the fact that those stupid tritium tubes just die. I wish they would switch to Superluminova!

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I haven't experienced died tritium tubes, they just not as bright as Superluminova

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Chinshandcraft

I haven't experienced died tritium tubes, they just not as bright as Superluminova

When they’re fresh they’re quite impressive and don’t fade overnight like lume.

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Balanced

My Ball.

I’m irked by the fact that those stupid tritium tubes just die. I wish they would switch to Superluminova!

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What’s funny here? I now have a non-luminous, hard to sell and expensive to rejuvenate watch. 🤔 I don’t think it’s funny.

It’s a serious drag!

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Balanced

What’s funny here? I now have a non-luminous, hard to sell and expensive to rejuvenate watch. 🤔 I don’t think it’s funny.

It’s a serious drag!

How much is Ball going to charge for new tritium tubes? Mine might need some soon.

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Davemcc

How much is Ball going to charge for new tritium tubes? Mine might need some soon.

Frankly, I’ve been nervous about asking.