Specifications
Movement: Seiko NH35 | 24 Jewel | 21,600 bhp
Power Reserve: 41 Hours
Accuracy: -20~-40 spd
Accuracy ToolWatch.IO: 12 Hour Test | -17.9 spd | More Accurate than 22.30% of all watches Tested
Case Diameter: 47 mm
Lug to Lug: 53.5 mm
Case Thickness: 14.5 mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Silver & White
Crystal: Sapphire
Strap: 30 mm Black Integrated Silicon Strap with Buckle
Water Resistance: 10ATM | 100M | 330 ft.
Functions | Complications: Hours | Minutes | Central Seconds | Hacking | Hand Windable
Movement
The Seiko/TMI/SII Caliber NH35 is a hand-windable, hacking movement that was issued in 2011. The NH35 is currently one of the most popular automatic movements on the market today, it is widely available in many affordable microbrand/boutique/independent/small band watch manufacturers. It is documented to have an accuracy range of -20~-40 second per day(spd) under normal conditions.
Dial & Design
The dial of the Ballast Valiant is protected by a 39 mm flat sapphire crystal, and that is the only standard item on the dial. In the center top of the dial is the Ballast name in a brushed aluminum finish with limbs reaching out from the center diameter to the three and nine o'clock locations, and within a semi-circle cutout you can read the seconds at the twelve o'clock location (with a red triangle as the point). The minutes and hours are encase with a white composite material as the borders of each - and following the design of the seconds, there are red markers at the twelve o'clock location to indicate the point. The luminescence of the Ballast Valiant show more examples of the attention to detail that Ballast has put into the aesthetics of this very nice timepiece.
Case & Details
The Ballast Valiant has impressed me with its machine work and attention to detail by far. The stainless steel case has a unique design and finish, the case itself is shaped to fit the wrist very comfortably with an down angle at the lugs. The case has a brushed finish on the sides and bottom, while the top of the case is finished in a high polish. The case back is convex shape, hosting a very nice exhibition crystal with the Ballast logo. The view of the NH35 shows a rotor with a gloss black finish and Ballast logo - allowing for a high contrast against the movement. The attention to detail is also taken to the stainless steel bezel - following the design of the case - with the edges of the bezel having a very nice brushed finish, and the top of the bezel is finished with a high polish.
On The Wrist Experience
The Ballast Valiant is one of my favorite watches in my collection. I tend to lean towards
timepieces that are designated as "Conversation Starters", and this timepiece is a no holds barred example of this category of timepieces. The case and the dial draw in attention, and with the large 30 mm black silicone strap giving a stark contrast to the timepiece, the conversation regarding the Ballast begins. I have worn this to work, in a business casual environment, and it is a very comfortable wear in the rigors of the office - with the large crown protector I had some concern about the comfort while typing - this became a non-concern as the day went on. The Ballast Valiant does not feel heavy on the wrist, the silicone strap does not slip or change the orientation of the dial, even with continual movement.
Sales & Customer Service Experience
I sent an email to the marketing department to get clarification on the movement type. I received a response in under 12 hours with the information that I requested, the customer service communications were very professional and prompt. I have not had any issues with my Ballast Valiant Automatic, so I have not had any other type of interaction with customer service.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
The Ballast Valiant Guage in white and silver is a great timepiece for any collection, for starting to the avid collector this timepiece will not disappoint. The watch has a very high quality and luxury look and feel, and I will put it up against any of the mainstream luxury brands out there. I will recommend this particular watch to friends and other collectors as a "Have to Have" for their collection, and even to friends that do not collect, as a great timepiece to own. I will wear this more than some of the more expensive pieces in my collection. The color combination of my Ballast Valiant allows for it to be worn with both business casual and date night attire, thus making it a very versatile piece. If you get a chance to own this timepiece, I am sure that you will feel the same.
Scores 4.5 out of 5 Stars
MSRP $450.00
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