Ball Fireman Nightbreaker review

I'm going to start with a preface, this is my favorite watch in my collection so I might not be as impartial as I should be. 

Now that I've had this watch for a couple months I feel I can be somewhat objective.  This was my first foray into entry-level luxury watches and it doesn't disappoint.  While I had planned on getting the blue dial version new from an AD I found this used but in great shape for a price I couldn't pass up.

Specs:

Case size: 40mm

Lug to lug: 48.5mm

Lug width: 20mm

Thickness: 11.5mm

Movement: Ball RR103 - ETA 2824.2 base

Features: screw down crown, great AR coating, tritium tubes, and 100m of water resistance.

What originally drew me to the watch is the illusion of depth the tritium tubes give the dial.  The overall design on the dial is clean and easy to read if a bit simplistic. The AR coating on the crystal really cuts the glare outside which is a great improvement over my Hamilton. One thing you'll hear from owners is these watches generally punch above their price in terms of finishing and quality.   This particular model is no exception.

The tritium tubes are a great feature though in dim light they don't help as much as normal lume.  That said checking time in the middle of the night or during a power outage is really where they shine,  so to speak. 

The 40mm case size wears well and the caseback features a locomotive keeping with the railroad heritage.  While a screw down crown isn't strictly necessary it is appreciated.

The bracelet is 20mm without any taper but it is comfortable.  The clasp doesn't feature any release button so you have to pull on the bracelet to take it off.  While you don't have any protrusions poking your wrist it is mildly annoying to take it off. Side bonus the replacement links direct from ball are only $10 each.

While I generally leave the bracelet on I did experiment with other bands while waiting for the extra links I needed.   The watch does look good on a variety of bands giving it the ability to dress up or down if it was your only watch. 

The movement is based on the eta2824-2 and mine has been running +2-4 seconds a day since I've owned it. 

One thing that might turn off and people is the resale isn't as high as you think it should be given how nice Ball watches are.   For me it worked out as I was able to get this for 50% off retail so unless it's a watch you plan on owning for its lifetime I'd consider going used to get a bargain. 

I am planning on buying another Ball in the next year or two so I can stop Lance Armstronging it.