The new Ball Storm Chaser DLC Glow does exactly what the name suggests, glows bright and is designed with storm chasers in mind. There are an astonishing 66 tubes that glow all night long, helping the fearless chasers. One of the unique features of the Storm Chaser is the telemeter chapter ring. The telemeter can be used by the wearer to judge distances, for example where lightning has struck. Simply start the chronograph function when lightning is seen and stop the function when the thunder is heard. Based off of the speed of sound through air, the wearer can now estimate how far away the lightning struck via the telemeter. The storm chaser concept is continued onto the case back where there is a Doppler truck depicted and the words “Doppler Radar on Wheels”.

  Different from the standard Storm Chaser this one has a DLC (diamond like carbon) finish. DLC is superior for scratch resistance and gives the watch it’s gray-black appearance throughout, even the pushers and crown. The chronograph functions represent elapsed hours, minutes, and seconds. Like many Ball watches there is a day/date window at the 3 o’clock position. Rounding out the overall appearance is a red stitched rubber strap, highlighting the subtle red touches found throughout the dial. If you are a “lumaholic”, then definitely look into the Storm Chaser DLC Glow. Watch is limited to 1999 of each dial version, black or white/gray.

Pros - Limited Edition, 66 micro gas tubes, telemeter

Consideration - How will the DLC hold up over time

Ball Storm Chaser DLC Glow Watch Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 41.5mm

Dial: Black

Crystal: Sapphire

Bezel: Unidirectional

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Movmt: ETA 2836-2

Power Reserve: 38 hrs

Water Resistant: 333M

Lug Width: 21mm

Ball Fireman II (2) Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43mm

Dial: Black

Crystal: Sapphire

Bezel: Fixed

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Movmt: ETA 2824-2

Power Reserve: 40 hrs

Water Resistant: 100M

Lug Width: 21mm

  Ball brings a new version of the Fireman, the Fireman II. It has long been said that Ball offers an incredible value with their watches. The watch starts at $999 at the time of this review and is worth every penny. The watch is offered on a leather strap or on a bracelet. The versatility of the Fireman II makes it a dress watch you can swim with at 100m water resistance or on a strap for a more casual look.

  Ball offers the Fireman II in four different colored index variations, red, green, yellow, and brown. The straps are accented with different stitch colors depending on the version chosen. Using Ball’s signature tritium gas tubes, there are 14 tubes illuminating the watch. Noticeably, there is not a tube located on the seconds hand. I actually like this better for this watch. This keeps the hand seconds hand more symmetrical and flows with the design nicely. A larger section would be needed on the hand to make room for a tube, lume is not necessary on a non-dive watch. It is powered by the very reliable ETA 2824, with an estimated 40 hour power reserve.

Pros - Large legible design, very versatile, price

Consideration - 43mm is on the larger side as a dress watch.

  Ball watch company has a great history and have been making quality time pieces since 1891. Many watch companies anymore seem to “invent” history, Ball helped create history. There is a very interesting story behind Ball and the American railroads, worth reading on their website.

  The Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster has some new design enhancements from previous Hydrocarbon’s, along with Ball’s expected fine craftsmanship. First, of course there are generous proportions of micro gas lights, which are tubes filled with tritium. These tubes are self powered and do not require light to be activated. They will shine bright and continuous for more than 25 years! The bezel has been redesigned from previous versions to a more flat and wider design. Visually, I think it balances the watch out better, while making it easier to grip. The other big change change involves the bracelet clasp. It is a triple folding clasp with double diver extensions at either end. It is a work of art in design and construction.

  The Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster has the highly recognizable Ball crown guard and is made of stainless steel. The day/date function is powered by an ETA 2836-2 automatic movement, with an estimated 38 hour power reserve. The movement is a COSC certified chronometer, always a nice bonus. Technically, the Spacemaster has a water resistance of 333m, magnetic resistance to 12,000 A/m, shock resistant of 7,500 G’s, and has anti-reflected coated sapphire crystal. What else is there?!

Pros - New design, COSC movmt, Day/Date function, well constructed

Consideration - On the higher side of Ball watches for price point.

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43mm

Dial: Black

Crystal: Sapphire

Bezel: Fixed Tachymeter

Strap: Rubber

Movmt: Valjoux 7750

Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Water Resistant: 100M

Lug Width: 21mm

Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster Review