The Breitling Watch Source Forums

I keep getting drawn to this model, does anyone own one and if so what do you think about it? I am really tempted to to buy but have no experience of Ball watches. Are they as premium a brand as the prices suggest?

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

There are quite a few threads on Ball. Well made pieces, but you need to negotiate a solid discount to get value.

No experience with this specific model... but the Engineer Hydrocarbon series does have a different case design. I would recommend you trying one on at AD and see how it fits. The EH lugs are quite curved and some models have 'sharp' edges that can be uncomfortable to wear. I know of a few people (including myself) who could not make the EH Ceramic XV work because of this.

Otherwise I would recommend the brand, seem to be made well and have quite a selection in designs. The two I have had experience with ran very accurately (1-2 sec/day fast). It seems they are moving up in price on some of their model lines, notably the Engineer Hydrocarbon series, but some of their other lines are reasonably priced. Wouldn't doubt they come out with an in-house movement in the near future, then watch the prices, ha!

(oh yeah, and great lume!)

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Chrono Jetstream
Montbrilliant 1903
Aerospace E79362

Thanks you guys, will pop into Ernest Jones and have a peep. Will check the other threads too.

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Hello

I have two. They are very well built watches and have very good custmer service, The movements are well made and are made for long lasting use. I had one the world time and the rubber strap started to peel on the side just slightley not much it was only the coating on the side and it was'nt bad but I sent it back trough ernest jones where I got mine and Ball put a brand new strap even though they did'nt have to. I thank ball are top watches swiss made and were made for trains. You should get one never had a problem with mine appart from the strap. Hope this help.

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Rolex GMT 2
Breitling for Bentley GT Racing
Ball World Time Diver
Rolex precision oysterdate
Breitling chronometre bi metal
Omega seamaster professional chronometer
Ball fireman
Rolex datejust diamond bezel
Rolex Explorer 39mm
Omega James bond 50th

That is helpful, many thanks. Starting to get even warmer towards this piece!

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

I had a chance to look over some Ball models at my local AD just before Christmas last year, including the Hydrocarbon. I basically liked them, but wasn't overly moved by any of them. And that was before I moved on over the Panerai display (this AD sold both). It's not a fair comparison, of course, but it was an interesting lesson in discovering the almost gut-level response a WIS can have to certain watches. My reaction to the PAMs was almost chemical - instant and undeniable attraction. I certainly didn't get that feeling from the Ball models, but I still wouldn't hesitate to recommend them if you find yourself liking them.

Before I clicked on the photo I thought it was a CSO. Looks like a nice watch.

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"I don't own any watches, I just lease them"

My thoughts too, but looking at other pics the lugs look hard edged and sharp (see below), not nice and rounded like those on the lings. Will try one at an AD to see how comfy it feels but may just invest in another ling, maybe a steelfish...........

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

Ha! If I had the money to buy a Panerai I don't think I'd even consider the Ball. Those Pans are really growing on me, I never understood what my brother saw in them but now I really do fancy one!

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE

I had a Ball Spacemaster for a very short time and the fit wasn't great, but even worse was the bracelet pinching me within seconds of having it on. As bad as it felt I'm perplexed how anyone could wear it, and I definitely suggest you try before you buy. I actually like some of their watches but that one in particular sure didn't like me. I had a short conversation with the next owner and he said the same thing and he too was getting rid of it.

Thanks for your input, a watch that's uncomfortable is a liability no matter how well it's made or how good it looks! There's no excuse for such a fundamental design flaw. Still gonna try one on when I get to town next week!

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Breitling B-1 1999
Breitling Chrono Superocean 2004
Casio G Shock
Citizen Eco Drive AT4000-02E (for gardening)
Seiko 5 SNZG15J1
Hamilton X Wind LE