September 16, 2006, 17:58
James Greg WooldridgeReproduction Ball Dials?
I just purchased a Ball 18s 21 Jewel 999. I bought it via an ebay auction and noticed when I received it that, although well done, the dial is an enamel reproduction based on the fact that it has a "faux" single sunk seconds bit. I was wondering when these type of reproduction dials were produced. It seems that all of the repro dials I see today are not convincing at all. I couldn't tell this dial was a repro from the auction photos. I am going to keep the watch anyway because the movement is spectacular. Thanks in advance for any info!
September 16, 2006, 20:09
Robert V. JonesHey Jim I did not know they existed can you post a picture.
September 16, 2006, 21:16
James Greg WooldridgeYes Robert, here is photo. You can see the seconds bit is sunk, but it isn't a separate piece...
September 16, 2006, 21:22
Lindell V. Riddle
That looks like one of the dials sold by S. LaRose over the last twenty or so years. They look fairly good and are great for a carry watch, but of course they're not the real thing.
Unfortunately there are more Ball Watches than proper dials. This is particularly true for all the Brotherhoods and for Ball-Hamilton 18-size ORRS movements as well.
Prices for nice original Ball dials have gone up a lot in recent years.
September 17, 2006, 14:16
Robert V. JonesThanks Jim for posting the dial I can see nowit is not original but I must admit it is the first Ball one I have seen or at least noticed. If it was a 16s I could have helped you out with an original. 18S ball dials I rarely ever see.
September 18, 2006, 13:35
Mark CrossThat's exactly the same dial I had Samie install on my 18s 17j 999. You can see it in my 'found a Ball today' post in the Ball section. My original dial had an AWFUL attempt at repair, and it really looked terrible. I still have that dial, and keep it with the 999. As Lindell said, it's fine for a carry situation, but won't fool a collector.
Regards! Mark