Ball Fireman NightTrain:
Model: NM1092C-L1B-BK
Functions: Hour, Minute, Sweep Second, Date, 24 Hour Military Time
Indicator, Quick-set Date Warning System
Case: Stainless Steel with DLC Coating
Diameter: 43mm Height: 11.1 mm
Bezel: Fixed
Crystal: Sapphire
Crown: Screwed-In
3H Gas Light: 63 Micro gas tubes total
Movement: BALL Calibre 124 (modified ETA 2824-2)
Bracelet: Calf Leather with Pin Buckle (no bracelet option)
Water Resistant: 100m
Shock Resistant: 5000Gs
Dial: Black
Bracelet Variations: Calf Strap, Rubber Strap
Dial Variations: Black, White
This is a review of my Ball NightTrain. This is the original version
(Generation I) of the NightTrain featuring the blue and yellow tritium
tubes.
Case/Bezel/Crown: The NightTrain features a DLC coated case that
measures in at 43mm x 11.1mm.
The relatively thin bezel yields a tremendous amount of dial real
estate, providing a simple and easy to read dial at any angle. The
crystal is flat and has an interior a/r coating. The DLC is very
different from Black IP, as it is closer to gun metal in appearance.
This particular model also features shock resistance of up to 5000 g's.
The fit and finish is near flawless. The crown is steady and winds
smoothly, and screws in and out with ease. The crown also bears the Ball
Railroad Logo.
The case back features a stunning visual of the NightTrain, a term used
to describe trains traveling at night with their opulent sleeper cars.
One conjures up images of the Fireman, hard at work in the engine room,
while the affluent of the time slept comfortably assured that the tracks
of North America were safe thank to the work of Webb C. Ball. (Mr. Ball
was a key proponent of railroad time, and his efforts greatly increased
the safety of railroad travel)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webb_C._BallUnder the hood beats Ball Caliber 124, which is a modified ETA 2824-2.
The modifications include a window that displays military time along
with Ball's date warning signal, a triangle under the military window
that turns to red and back between 9pm -3am to remind one not to set the
date during that time frame. The watch was easily regulated and
consistently keeps time at around +2 a day on my wrist.
The dial is a flat black that works in perfect concert with the DLC,
further enhancing the watches overall legibility. The generously sized
sword hands compliment the watch nicely, and the second hand features
the Ball Railroad logo. In true aviator form, the minute hand stops just
before the minute markers, so as to never obscure them.
Every minute index is generously lumed with T100 H3 vials, as are the
hands.
Featuring 63 tritium tubes, the real show begins when the lights go out.
It's the Fourth of July every night with the Ball NightTrain.
The strap is the one area where I feel Ball can do some improving. Ball
does not offer a DLC or Black IP bracelet for the unorthodox 21mm lugs.
The OEM strap just doesn't seem to suit a timepiece of this quality.
I bought the NightTrain because I wanted a T100 tube watch in my
collection and this one presented itself in one of those "you'll kick
yourself later if you don't get it' deals. I am SO glad I listened to
that little voice. If you get an opportunity to own one of these fine
timepieces I promise you won't be disappointed.
Subject: Ball NightTrain 
Sun Apr 18, 2010 5:11 pm
NICE job !..This Ball looks terrific
To be honest, the entire watch
