[MrBadExample]

Hello everyone,

I just recently "discovered" the Ball watches and have visited a couple of my local AD's to get a look at what they had in stock. I am very interested in three models and am having a very difficult time selecting one (yes, unfortunately finances dictate only one now :001_rolleyes My choices are the Trainmaster tmt, Hydrocarbon Titanium tmt, and Diver II tmt. I have seen and tried on the Diver II in black dlc and love it but really do prefer a metal bracelet, not that I am opposed to the rubber one provided, I would just prefer to have the option to put the rubber bracelet on also. I have a very small wrist and the mad cow version I tried on was very large for me but I think the tmt is a bit lower in overall height. As for the Trainmaster tmt, I think it's perfect except I need cold weather ability as I plan to wear it while snowmobiling and ice fishing and I am not sure the trainmaster can handle this as well as the hydrocarbon and diver models. Finally, I like the illumination of the temperature that the trainmaster and hydrocarbon provide which is lacking on the diver tmt. So as you can see I need some input, thoughts and experience from owners to set me straight as to which of these models would be my best bet.

Thanks everyone, in advance, for taking the time to voice your opinions on this.

Brian

 

[bullosa]

Hello Brian, and welcome to WTF! Of the 3 models you, the Engineer Hydrocarbon Titanium TMT and the DiverII TMT would be ideal as they are a class more robust.

Personally I would go for the DiverII TMT. The DiverII TMT is a Limited Edition watch and is available in Stainless Steel with SS Bracelet as well. Your AD should be able to help you or you could contact Jeff Hess at Ball USA. They have been extremely helpful with customer purchase and after sales support.

The DLC DiverII TMT with rubber straps may actually be more comfortable in the extreme cold weather. I have read reports from other forums where s/s bracelet becomes unbearable at temperatures of -20C. All the best. And post some wrist shots whe you get your Ball.

 

[timefinder]

MBE:

Do you have an idea of a price range, or features you can and can not live without?

 

[jeremyfromball]

Hello everyone,

I just recently "discovered" the Ball watches and have visited a couple of my local AD's to get a look at what they had in stock. I am very interested in three models and am having a very difficult time selecting one (yes, unfortunately finances dictate only one now :001_rolleyes My choices are the Trainmaster tmt, Hydrocarbon Titanium tmt, and Diver II tmt. I have seen and tried on the Diver II in black dlc and love it but really do prefer a metal bracelet, not that I am opposed to the rubber one provided, I would just prefer to have the option to put the rubber bracelet on also. I have a very small wrist and the mad cow version I tried on was very large for me but I think the tmt is a bit lower in overall height. As for the Trainmaster tmt, I think it's perfect except I need cold weather ability as I plan to wear it while snowmobiling and ice fishing and I am not sure the trainmaster can handle this as well as the hydrocarbon and diver models. Finally, I like the illumination of the temperature that the trainmaster and hydrocarbon provide which is lacking on the diver tmt. So as you can see I need some input, thoughts and experience from owners to set me straight as to which of these models would be my best bet.

Thanks everyone, in advance, for taking the time to voice your opinions on this.

Brian

For snowmobiling and other winter activities, the Engineer Hydrocarbon versions of the TMT would probably be best. Both feature a micro-adjustment bracelet that allow the watch to be worn over a parka without adding links.

The limited edition TMT Titanium would be my choice because I find the weight ratio of the titanium and stainless steel case and bracelet to be a perfect fit. However, I know that many customers prefer the heft of a full steel watch.

Also worth noting is that the Diver TMT is available in a steel case steel bracelet version as well.

Finally, all TMT models will have cold temperature endurance to -40°. The Trainmaster version will not have the same antimagnetic or water resistance as the Engineer Hydrocarbon or Divers because of the sapphire caseback.

Welcome to the Ball Forum!

Regards,
Jeremy Hogan
Ball Watch Company

 

[sys12345]

Hi Jeremy,

Speaking of cold weather endurance, just wondering what happens to a non-cold weather Ball watch when its worn in a cold climate, say at -10C? Will the movement stop? Will there be any permanent damage done?

Thanks!

For snowmobiling and other winter activities, the Engineer Hydrocarbon versions of the TMT would probably be best. Both feature a micro-adjustment bracelet that allow the watch to be worn over a parka without adding links.

The limited edition TMT Titanium would be my choice because I find the weight ratio of the titanium and stainless steel case and bracelet to be a perfect fit. However, I know that many customers prefer the heft of a full steel watch.

Also worth noting is that the Diver TMT is available in a steel case steel bracelet version as well.

Finally, all TMT models will have cold temperature endurance to -40°. The Trainmaster version will not have the same antimagnetic or water resistance as the Engineer Hydrocarbon or Divers because of the sapphire caseback.

Welcome to the Ball Forum!

Regards,
Jeremy Hogan
Ball Watch Company

 

[MrBadExample]

Thanks for the input guys. :001_smile: I guess the Trainmaster is off my list. I have always wanted a watch with an exhibition back but that will have to wait.....:001_rolleyes:

Jeremy, I have to agree I think I am leaning heavily towards the Ti tmt hydrocarbon for the expandible bracelet and illuminated temp., my only remaining concern is the height of the watch. I tried on a mad cow version and for my 6 3/4" wrist it just seems massive at 16.3 mm in height. The Diver tmt at a height of 14.9 mm seemed about perfect but lacks the illuminated temp. and expandible bracelet. The Ball website lists the tmt hydrocarbon at 15.8 mm in height so it is somewhat in between. Also, from the pictures I have seen it seems the silver hands on the stainless version of the diver lack the contrast that they have on the dlc coated diver and would make it more difficult to read at a glance than the dlc version or the ti hydrocarbon. I really wish my local ADs had one I could try on. :sad: I guess I will call some other AD in my area to see if I could try one on my wrist.

Or..... :drool:.... maybe....Ball can make me a dlc tmt ti diver in farenheit with a dlc titanium bracelet that has the expandible links like the hydrocarbon and illuminated temp............:w00t:.......didn't think so.......:001_unsure:
:T

 

[bullosa]

Thanks for the input guys. :001_smile: I guess the Trainmaster is off my list. I have always wanted a watch with an exhibition back but that will have to wait.....:001_rolleyes:

Jeremy, I have to agree I think I am leaning heavily towards the Ti tmt hydrocarbon for the expandible bracelet and illuminated temp., my only remaining concern is the height of the watch. I tried on a mad cow version and for my 6 3/4" wrist it just seems massive at 16.3 mm in height. The Diver tmt at a height of 14.9 mm seemed about perfect but lacks the illuminated temp. and expandible bracelet. The Ball website lists the tmt hydrocarbon at 15.8 mm in height so it is somewhat in between. Also, from the pictures I have seen it seems the silver hands on the stainless version of the diver lack the contrast that they have on the dlc coated diver and would make it more difficult to read at a glance than the dlc version or the ti hydrocarbon. I really wish my local ADs had one I could try on. :sad: I guess I will call some other AD in my area to see if I could try one on my wrist.

Or..... :drool:.... maybe....Ball can make me a dlc tmt ti diver in farenheit with a dlc titanium bracelet that has the expandible links like the hydrocarbon and illuminated temp............:w00t:.......didn't think so.......:001_unsure:
:T

Mr BadExample, see through caseback watches sacrifice some added toughness compared to full metal encasement.

The EH TMT Ti is a serious explorer watch and at it's size you wont be intimidated by your pal's Panerais, Anonimos or Shaumburg.

 

[Island Time]

hi brian,

i am close to nh and was looking for ad's in nh but could not find any on the ball site.... which ad's are you looking at in nh?


thanks

tony

 

[timefinder]

I can not find any in New Hampshire either. Perhaps he went over the border in Maine or Massachusetts.

 

[foghorn]

I can not find any in New Hampshire either. Perhaps he went over the border in Maine or Massachusetts.

I know of one in Mass.
I have left a lot of $$ there over the years:crying:

 

[MrBadExample]

Yes I did go to MA to the AD's. There is one in Peabody and one in Stoneham. From where I am these are the closest.

Peabody Estate Buyers: 978-531-3393
The Watchmaker: http://www.thewatchmaker.com

They are within about 30 min. of one another so if you make a trip down it would be worth your while to visit both.

 

[MrBadExample]

Just updating my old thread to let everyone know which direction I took on my first....and second Ball watches!

After much deliberation I purchased my first in July, an EH Ti "Mad Cow". I spent the next month away on a vacation where I was able to really put this watch through it's paces. Using it day and night for everything from casual dress to hiking and spear fishing this watch was perfect and endured the usual knockabout stresses that one would encounter from such use and performed flawlessly. I was especially impressed by the expandible bracelet to wear the watch over a wetsuit, it secured the watch very well and allowed me to be able to view the watch during multiple spear fishing excursions. Except for a few of my own custom modifications... i.e. scratches :001_rolleyes:, this is my favorite daily use/casual watch. It's a little too big for suit/tie dress IMHO, but otherwise perfect. Additionally, this watch has also garnered more compliments than I ever expected.

More recently in October I purchased a Engineer Master II diver TMT, the black version with a Farenheit temperature reading. Yes, I am a heathen and refuse to learn the Celcius scale! :biggrin: Again, I am extremely fond of this watch. To nitpick only a few things I find the squared off buckle on the strap a little to sharp and wish it was rounded and I am not a fan of the rubber bracelet. Sure it's great if your going to get wet, but I prefer metal or leather. I may look into a replacement.

So there you have it, my two recent purchases, hopefully with more to follow in the future. I apologise for the lack of photos but my wife fails to heed my words of caution when I tell her that a 2 1/2 year old and a digital camera should be kept apart...hmy:

Thanks everyone for your previous input as it was helpful in making this decision.

 

[scottw44]

congrats on Ball#1 and #2. I know I share your feelings on the rubber strap. A carbon strap looks great on the TMT.

Much good luck and thanx for keeping us posted!!!

 

[MrBadExample]

Don would be perfect. The TMT takes a 20mm strap. My buddy has a Hirsch Carbon on his, wish I had a pic. Keep us posted.


Who carries those?
I looked at leather straps here: http://rlx.homestead.com/DON.html

As I had read good reviews of his products somewhere on WTF, but I am not sure which width is appropriate for the EM Diver.

 

[ulackfocus]

MAD COW ALERT!!!! We need some pictures when you get a new camera.

 

[bullosa]

Congrats MrBadExample, the Mad Cow is a great watch from Ball.

Cheers!