Fireman Racer Classic Ref. NM2288C-SJ-SL

The coveted Fireman Racer Classic is here with so much to love. It's the value proposition model from Ball Watch Company. But it does not mean that the quality has been compromised. The finishing of the watch is executed with the high standards one will expect from Ball Watch Co. It’s tough, understated, and has tritium gas tubes in the hands and dial to shine brightly at night.

Ball Fireman Racer Classic Ref. NM2288C-SJ-SL

The Fireman collection from Ball Watch Co. explores a simple, elegant but exceptionally robust series of timepieces that embodies the brand’s honored railroad practicality, crafted with modern watchmaking capabilities. 

The Fireman Racer Classic is powered by the Ball RR1103 automatic movement, based on the ever-reliable ETA 2824-2. Ball puts an emphasis on accuracy under adverse conditions. The Fireman is ISO1413 certified to withstand up to 5,000g of shock resistance.

Applied gold-tone hour markers that vaguely resembles a set of shark teeth

The Fireman Racer Classic showcases a distinct case design now synonymous with other models from the Fireman classic collection (like the Enterprise) that is an evolution of Ball watches from the past. Measuring 42mm diameter, a lug to lug distance of 52mm and a thickness of 11mm, the stainless steel body exhibits a strong robust feel and weight that is meant to make it more of daily wear with some sporty desire, despite its dressier outlooks. The mid case is made of several parts to give it more dimensions. The polished bezel has a bevel with a sapphire crystal attached to it without a magnifier cyclop this time for a cleaner look, finishing with anti-reflective coating underneath.

Paired with a 21mm stainless steel bracelet; fitted with slim and fluid “U-style” links to contour around the wrist comfortably for a fantastic all-day wearing experience. The screw-down crown at 3 is engraved with Ball's “RR” logo. Equipped with a capable 100m of water resistance, having a piece like this as a daily driver is perhaps an obvious choice here. 

15 of Ball’s distinctive tritium gas tubes for a constant glow

The dial of the Fireman Racer Classic 42mm Ref. NM2288C-SJ-SL carries an abundance of classy character with a radial-brushed silver dial and beautiful applied gold-tone hour markers that vaguely resembles a set of shark teeth. Combining the sleek dauphine-style hands with the dressy flair of the piece, Ball certainly got this one right in terms of visual styling and impressive specifications. Just like many of the brand’s other stunning models, the watch houses 15 of Ball’s distinctive tritium gas tubes for a constant glow around the clock. Above all, the dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. 

With the Fireman Racer Classic and its implementation of the stunning dial design, Ball has created a very good everyday watch in a classic size. Thin enough to fit under the sleeves for formal occasions and smart looking when you fold up the sleeves for the weekend.