Ball Fireman Enterprise Watch Review NM2188C-S20J-WH
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- My very good friend Tony from the Blue Mountains has spent the better part of 2020 researching and looking for a watch suitable for his work environment and he finally settled on this Ball Fireman Enterprise ref: NM2188C-S20J-WH
He has generously sent it in to the channel for review and I share my thoughts on this lovely timepiece.
Tony purchased it form GNOMON watches : www.gnomonwatc...
I hope you enjoyed the video, feel free to share your thoughts and any comments
Cheers
Peter
#ball watch co #ball watch #watch buying
Ball is seriously under appreciated. They should be much more popular with the general public.
I totally agree
I own this watch. I liked the tritium but really didn't appreciate it until on a night drive on a Moonless night here in Wyoming. Out in the middle of nowhere, I dialed down the lights on my instrument panel. After a few minutes after my eyes adjusted to the black sky and subdued instruments, I noticed this brilliant glow from my left wrist. Amazing! This cheapest Ball model is my favorite and I got it for 22% off the suggested retail price.
Finally a Ball watch review! A very under appreciated watch company producing superb watches for the price range. Cheers!
I agree, this brand needs more love
That is a beautiful watch. I'm not a huge fan of Ball watches, but they absolutely deserve some love. Unique, and I appreciate that. A working man's watch, built for a purpose.
I own the Ball Fireman Victory model. It's a close cousin of this Fireman Enterprise model. With its 100m WR, i would say these 2 models are one of the classiest everyday watch produced by Ball. Great with the office attire and also appropriate with your casual polo shirts. 👍👍
Totally agree !
My Enterprise in on my wrist as I watch the video. Highly underrated watches, very well made and punch well above their weigh.
Great to see a Ball on the channel Pete.
Congrats Tony from the Blue Mountains. Great pick-up.
It's the Engineer III Marvelight that whets my whistle. I think that Ball probably offer more value for money than ᴀɴʏ ᴏᴛʜᴇʀ entry level luxury Swiss brand; full stop. Serious quality - and that modified ETA mov't makes servicing a breeze.
If you have $2K AUD or less to spend they're pretty much a no brainer I reckon.
Absolutely, great value for sure
I would love to see Ball & Hamilton watches being made in the US again just feels strange that there made in Switzerland.
I have 4 Ball watches but not a Fireman, yet😎
Just received my Fireman Enterprise, now I'm set!!!
I have the black dial version of this - and every word you said is spot on- Ball punches above its weight class almost every time- this is a perfect example.
Beautiful photography, relaxing music and a fine timepiece....You Did it ALL! Well done.
Many thanks!
The screw links enhance the ability to precisely adjust the bracelet for a perfect fit. However, the butterfly clasp is a weak point on this bracelet. I have two Ball watches that both started life with this type of clasp and they both had a tendency to release with any sudden impact, like slapping my hand on the top of a table. This would frequently cause the clasp to open unexpectedly. This problem was solved for me by Ball when, in response to correspondence from me, they sent me replacement locking buckles for both watches at no cost to me. They even paid for the shipping. I installed them myself and this problem has never happened again. Ball provided excellent customer support and I really appreciate that.
Great stuff, thank you for sharing 👍
I have no problems with my Ball Fireman Enterprise bracelet or butterfly clasp. Maybe that's because I don't make a practice of impacting my watch on anything. I got 4 links, 2 5mm and 2 10mm shipped overnight from Switzerland at no cost to me.
I said slapped my hand, not my watch. There is a difference.
Probably the most elegant dial I’ve seen that makes use of tritium tubes
It's even better in person.
You are a great presenter and the quality of the video is fantastic. Thank you
cheers
Its also where the expression "on the ball" came from. Great history.
I own this model in black colour and it's just awesome!👍 Versatile, stylish and unique. Gonna get the white one too
i have a couple from the Ball Watch Co and just love them. you can get a classic design like the one reviewed here or something a bit crazier as Ball will over design the hell out of some lines. but pound for pound one of the better and uh funner watch brands. thanks for the review!
Greetings Peter ,
I just subscribed to your channel and I thoroughly enjoy your enthusiasm and wonderful reviews/critiques. With all the watches that you’ve reviewed I was very impressed that you actually liked the ball fireman enterprise. I ended up purchasing almost the same watch, let’s just say it’s the updated brother or sibling called the ball Enterprise glory. The only difference Is 1. they moved the date window to between four and five to allow for all the same size tritium tubes. 2. they went from a ‘T25 ‘to a ‘T ‘ millicuries brighter tube. I must be honest and say that I enjoy this watch more than I do my Rolex explorer II! I find it more functional and the quality is wonderful.
I know you hold ball in high regard to a lot of the other watches that you’ve critiqued and I appreciate that along with your honesty.
Continue to provide us with awesome reviews and thank you very much.
Gig
Welcome aboard
Also that new Ball with the updates is excellent
Having the watch in the hand is when you really appreciate it’s quality and of course VALUE
Well done bro 👍
Thank you so much Peter!
Great review, Peter. I’ve always considered/admired Ball watches, more-so now. Thanks 👍.
Cheers John
A bit out of my price range, but I appreciate the brand for the great classic designs and the even greater puns.
@@tonyxxx9463
Any links?
Hiya Pete! Just another example of amazing macro footage showing the superb finishing and the details of this watch! It hits the sweetspot between utilitarian and elegant! Wouldn't it be even more elegant if the bracelet would taper down a bit towards the clasp? Cheers mate! 👌
Well said Alex. I was thinking the same.
I normally can't stand any high polish on centre -links either, but for some reason I don't mind it on Ball.
Cheers bud.
Hi Anthony, yeah I thought of that. Visually it would work for sure..although being so comfortable and balanced on the wrist, it might alter its feel as well..
Cheers buddy
Love the counter to the seconds hand , not a company i know much about , very interesting to hear about the history , cheers Peter
You're very welcome mate
Cheers
Great review! I have 2 balls, this one you reviewed in black dial and the Road Master Luv them both!
Keep up the good work!
Cheers
I also have this one with black dial. Absolutely love it and looking to get another Ball.
Gee, now that makes me smile. I imagine the history, engineering, and design (dare I say craftsmanship) makes for an enjoyable review subject? I will save this video and look at it again when I feel discouraged about the watchmaking industry.
My favourite 'achievable' luxury brand Chris.
Their quality is insanely good, so with the law of diminishing returns in mind, they're ᴠᴇʀʏ hard to ignore.
Cheers.
A.
@@anthonysmith2982 - I am looking forward to holding a piece in the future to witness this. Projects and plans stretch the watch collecting journey. Cheers.
Thank you for making this video. I own a Ball Fireman Glory (NM-2188C-S2-BK), which looks very similar to Entreprise. The difference is the date window sits between 4 and 5 o’clock. And mine is black dial and yellow second hand. It is my everyday watch now, I think Ball only sell Fireman Glory in some Asian countries, and most people around me don’t recognize this brand, Ball is not as famous as Omega or Seiko, that is true, but this is definitely a very good quality watch for me and with very good price. Also the Tritium tubes are just fabulous. I love it.
Great stuff, enjoy it !!
I just ordered one in white dial. Will be partners with my ball fireman victory in blue dial. Both can be worn great all-rounders as they look dressy but are tough at the same time
A brand I have coveted for some time. Definitely on the bucket list. This model has perfect dimensions too. An engineer's watch. Nice review mate.
Cheers Alex
Have this one in black, and the 39mm Trainmaster Streamliner - I cherish them both!!
Have you noticed that people with Balls usually have more than one!! 😅
I really like the history and the build quality, certainly could be one in my future.
Really great watches. I have two now.❤
You guys who don't know, have to check out ball. Finish and quality is just as good as omega and tudor. Just underappreciated and discounted deeply
Absolutely stunning! And a job well done for the amazing review and editing 👌🏽
I made up my mind watching this review. Have already emailed a few AD's for a discount 😁
Such an underrated brand and only watch enthusiasts will know about this brand. They need to learn how to market and sponsor to get it out there for the non enthusiasts to enjoy!
I'm pretty sure this model has a Cyclops Date magnifier? Great review
@@shah19831983 the old model has the cyclops. This is the latest of the enterprise range without the cyclops. Not sure if the movement has been improved in this?
I love Ball; I'm a train driver here in the UK. Some of their designs are... interesting but the Trainmaster and Engineer collections are lovely. Sadly, you rarely see them in stores here in Wales to try on. Cheers Pete!
Hey Owen, I totally agree, we don't see them here either and they are such a nice unit indeed.
Cheers mate
Hi Peter, great review as always, looks a good watch for the money. I'm leaning too smaller watches now, and just purchased an old tag heuer formula one chronograph with the black plastic bezel. Ca1212-1, with a white carbon dial,And it's only 38mm . I absolutely love it, and to think at the time when these came out in the 90s, I thought they looked cheap. It's quartz it's got a jangly bracelet with pressed clasp, but when it's on the wrist it just looks amazing. Think my days of the 42mm + are gone. Tag heuer get a lot of stick, but they wear and look great. It's thrown all my other watches into serious doubt. It's 22 years old but looks like new, and although I've got better made watches, none of them are as captivating as this little beauty.
Great stuff Martin, I am enjoying smaller offerings as well lately..
Cheers mate
@@PeterKotsa, it might be time to let the 051 go, as it feels a tad big now. The captain cook is 42mm but wears smaller than the 051and lighter, I'm in a bit of a pickle. Oh well back to 4 watches, I can live with that .....maybe , lol.
@@martinharrison4245 hahaha, rollercoaster ride isn't it?..
Amazing watch. Elegant and nice looking. Love the detail in the seconds hand.
Me too, I think it sets the watch off beautifully and adds some elegance and class
Cheers
Great video, sir!! I have my first ball watch coming this week (train master 60 seconds 2 at 41mm). I’m stoked so it’s great to see you doing a ball review!
Hi Peter , Happy new year. I also have a Ball watch and the build quality and aesthetic is second to none. I cannot recommend the brand more highly.
Happy New year Leon, I totally agree..a really solid and beautifully built watch indeed.
Enjoy yours
Cheers
Nice one,38mm probably suites better because looks more like a dress watch in my opinion,but this white dial is stunning, top quality review Peter keep up👍
Cheers
Superb review - Ball make so many high grade luxury tool watches.
Funny I should see this video Peter - a couple of weeks after you posted it!. I saw one of these for around just £700 in a local dealer's sale and was very interested, but couldn't make up my mind ( in part due to a lack of proper photo-images). You made up my mind for me. I'll hold you personally responsible mind, if it and I don't go the distance!.
Cheers!.
lol..Done..
Enjoy it when you get it on the wrist..
Cheers
I’ve got a Hydrocarbon Ceramic XV (too bling”y” diver) and a Trainmaster Eternity (nice dressy ) and as the saying goes I love my Ball’s ! But to your point, they are very very well made and offer great value.
This is the kind of watch I really like, classic, stylish , quality, the biggest problem It's out of my price range but I can dream' keep up the good work stay safe.
Loved the review brother. Keep up the good work!
Cheers Daniel, will do 👍
Great watch, love the dimensions, the style and the tritium indices. Looked through Ball's offerings, and they have a real bunch of cracking watches. I will someday have a few in my collection....er... when I have a proper collection hehe. Excellent review. Just subbed!
Welcome aboard. You really cannot go wrong with a Ball watch, I am sure you will again one one day for the 'future' collection ..lol
Cheers
Beautiful watch
Hello Peter
Great review. I own the Ball fireman racer with silver Dial and the Ball trainmaster cleavland express with silver Dial, both watches are fantastic. 20+ years ago I owned a couple of Rolexes, and let me tell you for what you are paying the Rolexes don't come close to the Ball watches for quality. Highly recommended.
correct, well said Dale
A while ago I saw a UA-cam reviewer with a Ball baseball cap and wondered where I could buy one from so I emailed Ball and got a reply back basically saying they didn't sell clothing, fair enough. About a day later I got another email from a lady who said she had seen the manager and would be more than happy to send me a cap, and they did for. How nice. Top company.
@@dalegamble1173 brilliant
This reminds me the large Ball Engineer watch sitting inside the drawer. Feel sorry for not wearing it for a while.
Give it some TLC and some wrist time..
Most Ball watches are amazingly good. I own the Fireman Victory. I just love this watch.
I can see why, its built superbly and feels great on the wrist too
Enjoy it !!
I have a Ball, too -- not this exact one, but similar. Like you, the bracelet and clasp are the only downsides, but not so badly that it makes it a poor choice. If anything, the clasp is so robust that it's hard to take the watch off -- not that you want to very often, of course.
Hi Randy, yeah that's about the only gripe I have is that clasp...apart form that..stunning watch. Enjoy yours
Cheers
Thanks, Mate for your review, helped me heaps!
you're welcome
As gorgeous piece, PK. I love the blend of classic styling and the tank like build quality. Perfect size too
I agree Peter, solid and stylish..
Cheers mate
@@PeterKotsa love the new intro too! Great work mate
I love Ball watches, & I love the tritium tubes. But the tubes wash out with that white dial. Otherwise a beautiful looking watch Peter.
I do not need more watches, but I really really really want this one😁
Great video, great review 👌🏽 I noticed online the dial is considered “white” though a few videos I’ve seen on this model, including yours, it looks more on the silver side. I wonder How’s it look in person?
Its like a cloud with a 'silver lining' 😊
Very nice review, thank you
Gorgeous!
Cheers Peter and Cheers Tony. I like everything about the watch apart from the counterbalance on the seconds hand. It's a sweet looking piece,. very utilitarian with a touch of class. Like you said the butterfly clasp takes away some adjustability but apart from that it's all good.what grade were the tubes btw? Cheers mate.
Thanks Dave, excellent tool and classy as well. The tubes were T25, not sure how they are rated next to others..
@@PeterKotsa Cheers Peter. Tritium's measured in millicuries. The higher the number the better and longer lasting (in terms of years) it's supposed to be. I think it's a bit subjective myself 🤔. Cheers mate.
@@davemck1887 thanks mate..
Great history and heritage dating back to the start in Ohio. Only better that their watches are built under Swiss guidelines. For me, this would be my next watch tier.
Great review, exquisite timepiece, Is dial silver, white or more like pearly?
Its a cross between white and a slight silvering
Really appealing visually 👍
Great review! I’ve noticed some older reviews had magnified date windows, but this does not. Did they change it?
They add them to certain models, this one did not come with it. Personally I actually like the cyclops on certain watches and this one could have benefited in my opinion.
Cheers
Nice watch Peter, interesting history
Hi Peter, is it safe to wear a watch with tritium tubes, especially on a daily basis?
Apparently yes. The strength of radiation is quite safe and controlled y the casing etc
@Peter Kotsa good to hear. It's weird that only a few brands make use of them though. I've read online that tritium was used for the entire dial in the past but was stopped for safety reasons
Gotta say, this is one of the more interesting timnepieces ive seen, on your channel ! Have a nice day Sir ♥
Cheers you too
Hey Peter. It was sold out at GNOMON watches. I just checked
Yeah it was a popular model
Seems they do this exact model with a cyclops too. Much prefer without though.
Nice review.
Cheers
If I had to pick a fault with mine Pete, it would be the lack of taper in the bracelet. I think it would look more elegant with taper, although funnily enough the lack of one doesn’t appear to affect the comfort with this piece.
Also, it’s perhaps sub 1000 on the Grey with heavy discounts, but I think the MSRP is a lot higher. Especially with the newer Marvelight versions.
You're possibly right about that taper, however it is as you said very comfortable nonetheless..maybe just for aesthetics and a more elegant feel would have been nice to see
I think it's time for a new ball watch review. Maybe the outlier?
I Like it ! A dress watch for me 👌
Didn't these used to have a cyclops? Anyway I owned a Ball Fireman Glory which is a very similar watch in black and I considered to be great quality for the price (I bought it for $600)
Yes they released this one without the cyclops..more streamlined
Are Ball still an American company that manufacture their watches in Switzerland or like Hamilton...a company that was once American but is now completely Swiss?
A bit like Rolex where they started in London, England, United Kingdom but they moved their operations to Switzerland after the First World War.
Hello! I see that you are reviewing a watch which is with product code NM2188C-S20J-WH.
In Europe and UK I see that Ball are selling a watch with product code NM2098C-S20J-WH. I am wondering if these are exactly the same watches? Do you know?
Not sure, they might be
Excellent review of a class item
Cheers
What colour is this dial? Silver or white? Thanks
A cross between both
@@PeterKotsa cheers!
Yep, I really like Ball designs. They have so many interesting and unique designs... all using Tritium. Even the more "outlandish" designs have a dressy side to them.
My favorite is the Engineer M Marvelight in 40mm. Maybe someday... it is kind of my "grail" watch if that's a thing.. or if I really had to say what watch I'd like if I could only have 1.
Glad to see you cover this one!
I agree, I had to get this one on the channel, I don't think you tubers give Ball enough love...its such a great value watch and built to last the test of time for sure
I hope you one day get the Engineer M Marvelight, I am sure you won't be disappointed
Cheers bro
@@PeterKotsa I've never handled or personally seen a tritium tube watch.. I know there are cheap alternatives out there.. but I don't feel like buying a watch just for the sake of seeing tritium tubes.
What are they like? I'm used to beign able to kind of make out the time on a Seiko 6 hours after pitch black, but I do have to kind of force my eyes a little bit.
How do tritium tubes on this model you reviewed compare to that?
@@GODSPEEDseven To put it plain, if you are outside in the sunlight and then walk into a dim room with a standard luted watch..then the watch glows like a flashlight as we all know. With Tritium, if you do the same, then you cannot see the markers until your eye acclimatise to the inside environment. And then it's really legible but not as bright as a lumed watch.
Personally I don't mind tritium..I think it has its advantages and disadvantages..
Unfortunately the green tint of the tritium tubes as well as the lack of an adjustment clasp or trapper on the bracelet kills the watch in my opinion. Blue tritium would have made this really beautiful, instead of this radioactive green. :) hope they work in their 904l watches to redesign their rather blocky bracelets and give them a proper robust clasp with proper adjustability since these are rather considered as tool watches. For eg. The new engineer III marvel light is nice but needs those changes..
Everytime i watch one of ur video i just wanna buy something😩
Hahahaha
Self control, discipline 🙏
❤
Hey Pete another great video.nice watch.off to the web site. Then the bank. 😭
I think these offer great value for money and top grade finishing. Spend wisely my friend lol
Its white or metalic white?
I think a cross between the two..
I hope this comment finds you well, would you know the size of the screwdriver needed to adjust the bracelet?
Unfortunately no, I gave the watch back to its owner a long time ago
Cheers
I miss the old intro, bring it back 🙏
My wife said the same thing
If I had 1k to spend on a watch, this would be it. An affordable Rolex OP alternative too.
I love ball watch, just can't afford it.
The accuracy of my fireman is around plus 7 seconds per day out of the box. For me this was a little disappointing after all I’ve heard about it’s accuracy importance. My Tag Heuer Carrera is within plus 1 second per day. Maybe I was just lucky with that one.
Same. Though I noticed it is slowly falling. From 8 secs to 7 to around 6 now. Still tracking to see where it maintains at.
Since you're into accuracy, it's = it is. Its is possessive. COSC chronometer certification is an a average daily rate −4/+6 seconds per day. You're disappointed with +7 seconds per day for a $1,000 watch??? How about the street price of just under $800 which is what I paid. Jesus F. Christ .
@@larrysmith6797 predictive text entered it’s instead of its. Big deal. My comment remains 7 seconds a day is fair but not astounding. I just stated I had better accuracy from watches less than 1000 🇬🇧 pounds. I love the watch however, it’s build quality for that price point is amazing.
so the question is - Black or Silver dial?
I liked this version of silver..quite an appealing look...
@@PeterKotsa i think you might be right, Peter. So I'm 50 next month and Mrs wants to buy me an 'expensive watch' (if only she knew😋). I am lacking a sport/dress/Explorer type since I flipped my ghost Alpinist last year. So the shortlist is:
Ball Fireman Enterprise in black
Ball Fireman Enterprise in Silver/white
Seiko Alpinist in Black
Timefactors Speedbird III
Timefactors Smiths Evrest Expedition
Hamilton Khaki King 38mm with the 100m WR.
Requirements are:
Under 40mm
Under £800
100m WR
Lume
20mm lugs
Bracelet or access to a good quality after market.
So the obvious answer is a SARB033
But this is a 50th so want something I wont Flip, also dont want a diver .. needs to be an Explorer type.
@@HarryFlashmanVC hmm difficult decision..have you considered a Christopher Ward, they have some beautiful 38mm that fit your specs..
@@PeterKotsa well theres the C65 Vintage 38mm..its discontinued but theres a geezer selling one in Italy on Chrono24.... always loved the look of it and missed out in the past.
Am also considering the..Sarx069
You have one? Is it multi application enough? My only downside on it is the push pull but love the champagne dial
@@HarryFlashmanVC I don't have the sarx069 myself..as for me, I also prefer a screw down crown in todays modern watches...especially with our lifestyles..
I’ve been collecting watches for 20 years and never heard of this brand.
Ball doesn't get much love as it deserves in the watch community
Have just purchased the exact same model in black, and unfortunately I have to report that the screw down crown is not tight. Rubbing gainst my skin while I work at my desk, it comes a bit loose quite quickly.
Theres something a miss. I would contact the seller asap and get it rectified..the screw down crown should be very firm on this model and no room for accidental loosening. Get it checked out
Sounds like a qc issue to me, that should never happen
Exact isn't the black variant.
Looks like a good quality watch but I’m always sceptical of watch names / brands being rejuvenated.
According to Wikipedia Ball Watch Company is owned by a Hong Kong based investment company.
Owned by, but still made in Switzerland.
4800 A/m is roughtly 60 Gauss, a bit misleading the change of units
possibly marketing..
That is the minimum ISO requirement for diving watches. In fact most bare movements meet this standard nowadays.
@@Bob.martens I think Omega has raised the bar significantly in this area as of recent times
This watch is now priced at US$1500.
Still in today's market it is an extremely attractive purchase.
$890 on sale at Gnomen.
I think it would have been better to use stickhands in this case. As the tritium tubes makes these hands looks a bit like an afterthought. Also it makes the hand look a bit short in the dark. Tritium will degrade over time. In 12 years it may be half as bright. Ball could score point by a replacement service after that time. That would give them an edge over Luminox who doesn't offer that service.
Realistically for anyone bothering after 10-15 years it is far easier and cheaper to just replace the hands and dial.
@@Bob.martens If the same hands and dial would still be easy to get after 12 or more years, that would be fine with me.
Wouldn't that be nice, a tritium replacement service after 10 years or so...a definite selling point and comforting to know
@@PeterKotsa Ball mention they offer tube replacement as part of their normal service schedule. Give it a 5 year service at a regular horologist and send it back to the States once a decade for tubes.
@@HarryFlashmanVC Thats comforting to know
Cheers
Of the few video's on Ball watches, not one have anything bad to say. Not one.
That's saying a lot about the watch...excellent value for money and totally under appreciated in the watch community
@@PeterKotsa I have an Engineer III Legend II on pre-order. I just might be the last watch I ever purchase. For real this time. The last watch. Last time I was this excited about something is when I bought my dream car. What a great feeling to know a watch is going to be made specifically for me. It's going to have my name engraved on the back and I was able to choose the limited edition number which will be my birthday. Beyond cool. Great review and beautiful watch.
Brilliant
This watch is so sexy.
The little, or well-known fact about Ball is they never made their own watches in the US, and there was no "official" railroad watch company. These Swiss watches, while mostly very nice, have very little to do with the original pocket watches which were made by a variety of companies, but not Ball. Like most American outfits, Ball switched to Swiss movements and manufacturing to save money.
Webster C. Ball's claim to fame was never manufacturing watches. It was developing the RR standard for performance and testing watches for compliance.
First!
9:30
BALL discovered in Ohio,
but it says
swiss Made...???
why
Swiss movements assembled in Switzerland and American owned
The embodiment of a toolwatch.
solid and versatile
Plz, no loud ads. Annoying as shit.
Christ, use an ad-blocker. I haven't seen an ad on UA-cam in over 15 years.