In the Flesh: BALL Cannonball

BALL Watches represent some of the best combination of value and, more importantly, quality in the Swiss watch world. Sure, there are other brands that compete within their segment of the market, but you’d be hard-pressed to find the same fit and finish from one of those brands. The BALL Cannonball from their Trainmaster collection is a slight departure from what I’m used to but that’s a good thing. The Cannonball is classy looking, and expanded my mostly tool watch repertoire.

It’s the details that really make the Cannonball stand out. The dial, hands, numerals, and subdials of the Cannonball all harken back to the railroad watches of the previous century, and are befitting a watch like this from BALL. Adding to the vintage feel are the pump pushers and large onion style crown. The poire squelette hands are elegant and are easily legible under the slightly domed AR coated crystal. One nice touch is the “BALL and Co.” logo at 7; it is very well done and doesn’t distract from the flow of the dial. In fact, it is easily missed if one is not paying attention, which is a compliment. The subdials with concentric circles are stunning with their detail, overlayed with the deep blue seconds and minute counter hands, all of which make for a fantastic combination against the charcoal grey dial. One aspect I really enjoy is that the luminous material is tritium as opposed to the more contemporary luminova, giving the Cannonball a much warmer feel and aiding in the vintage appeal. I wish more companies would use tritium today.

On the wrist, the Cannonball has stout presence, but not to the point of being oversized. It is 43mm wide and 14.8mm tall, but wears well and sits low on wrist. I think 40mm would be perfect for this vintage-inspired piece, but we say that about a lot of watches. The Cannonball’s quality continues with the bracelet. It locks securely with double folding clasp and looks sharp with its polished center links and “RR” logo on the clasp. I think the Cannonball looks sharpest on the brown crocodile strap, which compliments the subtle colors of the dial nicely.

Featured in the Cannonball is BALL’s new SpringLOCK technology. SpringLOCK is their patented shock protection which goes above and beyond to protect the balance, one of the most vulnerable parts of the movement. BALL created a protective cage surrounding the balance spring that absorbs as much shock as possible. KISS’ drummer, Eric Singer, has played concerts with a SpringLOCK-outfitted BALL, and it actually seems to work quite well at maintaining accurate timekeeping, despite the tremendous shock during a set. Aside from their proprietary technology, the rest of the movement is based on the ETA 7750 (BALL RR1401-SL), and displayed through an exhibition caseback. The one aspect I would have rather seen left out from the 7750 was the date at 12:00. It just seems a little out of place, but it’s a small gripe. Regardless, it’s a quality, robust, and accurate chronograph movement made even more reliable with the SpringLOCK protection.

The BALL Cannonball is an outstanding watch, both visually and functionally. It looks great and has the details, fit, and finish comparable to a watch twice as expensive or more. Combining a tried and true movement with above-and-beyond proprietary protection, the Cannonball will provide years of reliability and accuracy. I really enjoyed wearing it throughout this review. The Cannonball is an amazing tool chronograph that is sure to please any wearer and is suitable in any situation. This watch exemplifies BALL’s commitment to making quality timepieces at reasonable prices ($3,700 MSRP), as well as seeking to constantly improve their collection. The Cannonball is just one reason why BALL is one of our favorite brands.

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