[scottw44]

specs from Ball USA
pic from watchesnsuch.net

Inspector II Automatic
World's First Night-Readable Mechanical Calendar Watch

Model: DM1018B-S2-BE, DM1028B-S2-BK, DM1028B-S2-WH
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Date
Case: Stainless Steel, 38.5 x 46.5 mm, Height: 13.5 mm
Bezel: Uni-Directional Rotating Bezel
Glass: Anti-Glare Domed Sapphire Crystal
Crown: Screwed Type
3H Gas Light: "Moonglow" Illuminating Calendar, 26 Micro Gas Tubes on Hour, Minute, Second Hands and Dial for Night Reading Capability. Click Here To See
Movement: Automatic Caliber ETA 2824-2
Band: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Water Resistant: 200 m / 660 ft.
Shock Resistant: Withstand 5,000Gs Shock Test and Functionality is Unaffected When Exposed to a Magnetic Field of 4,800A/m
Dial: Black and White

 

[cubicsquare]

where is this from_ :confused1:

Can't find it on the Ball web site.

 

[scottw44]

from Ball USA...quite a piece of steel...

gotta fly for meetings...back after dinner. have fun guyz.

 

[timefinder]

Not for me. To square.

 

[cubicsquare]

yup, don't quite like this as well. I have always browse only www.ballwatch.com, this model is not in there! I didn't know there are models available only in www.ballwatchusa.com...

 

[HockeyBrand]

Hmmm, being too square is alright. And I understand it may be due to some tastes.

But the B&R Instrument is a masculine watch in large, medium and lady sizes

Photo from About Time


I'm just thinking that the design doesn't work. What if....(be right back)

 

[HockeyBrand]

I looked up the design/shape. It's called a Square Octagon. So unlike the B&R instrument with the curved corners. This one wraps down to join the bracelet.

Maybe the dial is too small? Or the Bezel is an unecessary part of this design. Closest thing I've seen to this watch is the STORM series watches.

Take away the chopped Octagon corners perhaps? But definitely remove the bezel and increase the dial size.

 

[cubicsquare]

yup, the bezel looks pretty redundant on the watch. To me there seems to be a lot of unused blank space around the bezel. At least for the B&R you have the 4 screws :biggrin:

nah, I can't appreciate a square watch case. Wrist presence, yes. Special, yes. Interesting, yes. But just not to my taste

 

[HockeyBrand]

yup, the bezel looks pretty redundant on the watch. To me there seems to be a lot of unused blank space around the bezel. At least for the B&R you have the 4 screws :biggrin:

nah, I can't appreciate a square watch case. Wrist presence, yes. Special, yes. Interesting, yes. But just not to my taste

Right! That's what I was noticing as well when I was playing with the corners. Eight sided Octogan works well with the Hublot, Audemars Royal Oaks. But this shape, although original just doesn't appeal to me either. Seems more like a stylized/fashion watch versus an Instrument/function watch?

 

[scottw44]

not my cop of tea either guyz...trying to slowly post through the whole line.

I posted a second feature watch today...I know that will be a winner!!!

 

[Frontierman63]

Interesting but not my style.

I do like the dial tho:001_smile:

 

[iceheller]

Brandon,
Your B&R looking BALL inspector looks nice but it direct copying. Maybe an addition of BALL EHC similar looking bezel would make it look totally oustanding. I hear inspector is still available other than US but it something like order to make...

 

[Sukispop]

I got to see one in person. While attending the Ball Museum Tour in San Francisco, I met a friend who's a member of the other Ball forum, and who owns an Inspector II.

It's far better looking in the flesh...heavy, robust, and really exudes the top notch quality that we've all come to know and love about Ball watches. As some of you have already alluded to, it's a very unique looking piece. But I'm not so sure that Ball borrowed styling cues from other very well known makes. I could be wrong, but doesn't the Inspector styling kind of remind you of the "face" of a train engine? The shape, the angles, the old school look...? Perhaps Jeremy could drop in and give us the skinny on the Inspector's styling inspiration.

While I wouldn't necessarily pick it as my favorite Ball model, I really think it's a cool piece. I like it! And, imho, it should be a desired piece for any true Ball collector(I'm not a collector; I just love Ball watches and like to wear them! ).

:thumbup1:

 

[topcat30093]

Not my cup of tea,to square, I'm afraid

 

[jeremyfromball]

Wow! I'm surprised you found this one. It's one of the original models from around 2003.

The case & dial were indeed inspired by the shape of locomotive headlights. As part of the original Ball automatic collection after the relaunch, the Inspector follows railroad cues.