Anyone know model # for this Ball diver?

[CalDiver]

I picked up this discontinued Ball diver recently. I believe it dates from 2002 or so. No model number shown on case or docs so wondered if anyone here might know ths model and/or the automatic movement it uses? Thanks for any info! (and yes, it is a real Ball--that much I do know)

[timefinder]

CalDiver: Jeremy from Ball does visit here, and he may know more. Sometimes he is on the road, so it may take a bit to get a response.

BTW, congrats on your purchase!

[CalDiver]

Actually, I showed this watch to Marc Ofte, Ball's National Sales Manager and he was not familiar with it. Marc figured it was a model released in Asia and not the US......maybe Jeff/Jeremy will recognize it?

[foghorn]

I've never seen that one.
Looks very Luminox-ish.

[bullosa]

Jeremy responded to an earlier posting somewhere else regarding this model. Apparently it was an earlier Ball watch sold in Hong Kong. From the looks of it, it is very much a Traser. Well we know that MBM is the manufacturer of H3 tubes and Traser watch. Their association with Ball is therefore not surprising.

[CalDiver]

Yes, that makes sense as I acquired the watch in Hong Kong. The tubes are all glowing nicely including the light tube in the bezel pip. The model/movement specifics are not so important, I was just a little curious. It's a great runner too, keeping excellent time. Hong Kong is a treasure trove for interesting "trade-ins" like this one.

[timefinder]

Traser was associated with Ball at one time? What is the history between the two?

[bullandvodka]

Traser is the inhouse brand of MB-Microtech www.mbmicrotec.com/index_e.html

I believe they might also make at least some of the components of Luminox watches as well. Regardless, this is the little known company behind all the others that makes the various gas tubes that brighten those dials. It look a while to figure out who they where.

Ball almost certainly contracts some portion of each of their design's production to MB-Microtech and others to build. There is an entire supply chain and pecking order in Switzerland that produces these components. You probably want to know all the little guys that make full watches possible, but it does take away some of the magic.

[timefinder]

Thanks Bullandvodka!!!!