The Outlier has only recently hit retail, so there won’t be any long term reviews. The movement was also put in the Endurance 1917 model that has been out a few years. However… that watch, like the Outlier, is a limited edition. So long term reviews will be scarce.

I have had the Outlier for a whole 2 weeks. I would say the dial and hands are very well finished. The case is a little simple, in that it is fully polished. With the oversized bezel, you don’t really see it anyway. The bracelet isn’t as comfortable as my Grand Seiko, but not bad.

The movement seems to work very well. It functions properly and smoothly. Winding is a little weird. It almost feels like nothing is happening. I believe it is geared very low (high gear ratio). That would explain the light feedback, lack of discernible ratcheting, and perhaps this next anomaly. I measured a 0.0ms beat error, which means it should start up right away after a few winds. It takes 13 to 15 winds before it starts up. Not a complaint, just an observation and difference from other watches I’ve owned. And would also be completely normal if my theory of the keyless works being geared really low with regards to the barrel.

There is one other thing. I think. Take it with a grain of salt. I haven’t formally measured it. More of a, I think I observed it. But I swear it lost 5s/day the first day after winding it from unwound, but only 1s/day each day after and I swear it happened twice. IF that actually happened, my guess would be that due to the low gearing of the keyless works means I am not winding it as much as I think I am and isochronism isn’t much of a priority on automatic watches. Or in other words, maybe I am only getting a 25-50% initial manual wind. It wouldn’t be out of line for a watch to run a few seconds slower in the bottom half of its power reserve. Then it self winds to 100% and runs as expected.

I hesitated sharing that last part because I am not yet 100% certain I observed it and even if I did, I believe there is a perfectly acceptable reason for it. Which would really be just learning the peculiarities of this unique movement.

 

Thank you @TimelessEpoch , this is what I'm looking for! Your limited time of only 2 weeks notwithstanding, would love to follow along your experience with this watch, so please feel free to provide updates as you discover new and interesting things about the Outlier.

The movement seems to work very well. It functions properly and smoothly. Winding is a little weird. It almost feels like nothing is happening. I believe it is geared very low (high gear ratio). That would explain the light feedback, lack of discernible ratcheting, and perhaps this next anomaly. I measured a 0.0ms beat error, which means it should start up right away after a few winds. It takes 13 to 15 winds before it starts up. Not a complaint, just an observation and difference from other watches I’ve owned. And would also be completely normal if my theory of the keyless works being geared really low with regards to the barrel.

There is one other thing. I think. Take it with a grain of salt. I haven’t formally measured it. More of a, I think I observed it. But I swear it lost 5s/day the first day after winding it from unwound, but only 1s/day each day after and I swear it happened twice. IF that actually happened, my guess would be that due to the low gearing of the keyless works means I am not winding it as much as I think I am and isochronism isn’t much of a priority on automatic watches. Or in other words, maybe I am only getting a 25-50% initial manual wind. It wouldn’t be out of line for a watch to run a few seconds slower in the bottom half of its power reserve. Then it self winds to 100% and runs as expected.

I hesitated sharing that last part because I am not yet 100% certain I observed it and even if I did, I believe there is a perfectly acceptable reason for it. Which would really be just learning the peculiarities of this unique movement.

You clearly know more about watch movements than I, and on top you own a timegrapher! Don't mind your suspicions and conjectures at all, since you are upfront about them, and I do believe they are oftentimes prescient coming from educated enthusiasts. If I can try to summarize what you discovered in layman's terms, you are saying that the first day's wearing (when the watch transitions from a period of inactivity) tends to be more inaccurate than subsequent days of continuous wearing? And you are not saying that this movement winds less efficiently in automatic? (I do know from experience that watches low on power tends to run slower)

The Outlier has only recently hit retail, so there won’t be any long term reviews. The movement was also put in the Endurance 1917 model that has been out a few years. However… that watch, like the Outlier, is a limited edition. So long term reviews will be scarce.

I think Ball rolled this watch out 9-12 months ago? Maybe only recently brick and mortars have begun stocking

Regarding "limited editions" I feel like most of their current catalog models are structured as "limited to 1000 pieces". Perhaps it's indicative of anemic demand, or the fact that Ball has too many models and configurations within models, I don't feel the 1000 limit drives any scarcity

Last question: before I go to a local seller who luckily happens to have one in stock, what's the wearing experience of the watch itself: wears larger/smaller, too thick or actually thinner than specs indicate, balance, etc.?

 

If I can try to summarize what you discovered in layman's terms, you are saying that the first day's wearing (when the watch transitions from a period of inactivity) tends to be more inaccurate than subsequent days of continuous wearing? And you are not saying that this movement winds less efficiently in automatic? (I do know from experience that watches low on power tends to run slower)

I believe we are on the same page. If you have a local AD with one in stock, wind it. You'll see what I am saying. When I got the watch out Monday, I wound it 35-40 times, which should be about a full wind for most automatics with a 42hr power reserve. But the winding is so light, that it may be winding as little as 1/4 of the speed of most other watches. The next time I let it wind down, I'll test it. I can wind it in 10 wind increments, put it on the timegrapher, let it settle out and get a reading. When the amplitude stops increasing, we'll know it reached a full wind. If it takes significantly more than 40 winds, then my theory will be confirmed.

I think Ball rolled this watch out 9-12 months ago? Maybe only recently brick and mortars have begun stocking

I think they took pre-orders then(fall of 2022 I think) and Ball is notorious for taking considerable time in actually delivering them. My dealer didn't have one in stock yet, but had an order in shipping from the factory. So I got it about a week after I purchased it. Even then, it was close to only 200 of 1000. So not many in the wild yet.

Regarding "limited editions" I feel like most of their current catalog models are structured as "limited to 1000 pieces". Perhaps it's indicative of anemic demand, or the fact that Ball has too many models and configurations within models, I don't feel the 1000 limit drives any scarcity

I only mentioned it, as this movement is only in 2 models that I am aware of and regardless if the limited edition thing is just a gimmick or other reasons, the likelihood of you finding a long term review of the 7337 is the scarce part.

what's the wearing experience of the watch itself: wears larger/smaller, too thick or actually thinner than specs indicate, balance, etc.?

Visually it looks a little bigger than its 40mm case spec. This is because bezels tend to make watches look bigger and in this case the bezel is also a little bigger than the case at 41.5mm. I find these "how it wears" ratings to be a bit subjective (not completely), but I would say it wears a little smaller than the 40mm would suggest. The lug to lug is only 46.6mm. The height is 13.8, but about 1.5mm of that is a proud crystal. (https://www.horologii.com/wp-conten...m/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ball-Engineer-iii-Outlier_DESKTOP_05-754x680-1.jpg)

Balance is an interesting question. My Ball Storm Chaser on a leather strap, really wants to turn on my wrist. Its heavier than my Outlier and I was able to adjust the bracelet to a better fit than I could get with the leather strap of the Storm Chaser (I am ideally between holes with it). TLDR; I think the Outlier has great balance.

As an aside, I want to mention that almost all (all?) reviews on this watch are fake. Fake in the sense, that you how can you ethically call something a review for a watch that never touched your hands or you put physical eyeballs on. You'll note they all use renderings of the watch and/or Ball stock photos. So at best they are merely musings based off factory specs. For not having to put much brain power into their articles, they still manage to get some basics wrong. Most notably, many of them state the 7337 has an 80hr power reserve. Its 42hr. Ball states it is 42hr, my experience is its 42hr, its 42hr. 🤷‍♂️

 

I would ignore the limited edition craze. Ball operates in batches of 1000, that means nothing except that it is what makes sense for their production/demand.

As for the outlier i too perceive it as well-received and the facts on paper are rocksolid. Go for it, be a little adventurous

 

Makes sense. I'm careful not to acquire more watches than I need, and I don't need more than one of the same type of watch. Much prefer to research and take my time, rather than making a mistake purchase and having the hassle of selling it on.

This watch on paper is an ideal GMT/dive hybrid for me; I like the tritium for all night legibility. Of course I prefer modest sizes so things could always be smaller and thinner. But I don't mind kicking the tires and over-analyzing things since I only plan on getting one of the type

 

I believe we are on the same page. If you have a local AD with one in stock, wind it. You'll see what I am saying. When I got the watch out Monday, I wound it 35-40 times, which should be about a full wind for most automatics with a 42hr power reserve. But the winding is so light, that it may be winding as little as 1/4 of the speed of most other watches. The next time I let it wind down, I'll test it. I can wind it in 10 wind increments, put it on the timegrapher, let it settle out and get a reading. When the amplitude stops increasing, we'll know it reached a full wind. If it takes significantly more than 40 winds, then my theory will be confirmed.

Sure I can check for delayed start after manual wind.

I think they took pre-orders then(fall of 2022 I think) and Ball is notorious for taking considerable time in actually delivering them. My dealer didn't have one in stock yet, but had an order in shipping from the factory. So I got it about a week after I purchased it. Even then, it was close to only 200 of 1000. So not many in the wild yet.

This is very interesting, and contrary to my earlier assumptions. I thought (feared) that most of the 1000 have been sold, hence pressure to snap one up before availability becomes an issue. I found one or two used Outliers on eBay selling at or above new prices which confirmed my initial FOMO.

So did your AD tell you that we are still in the early part of the Outlier GMT release cycle, with most units still unproduced or unallocated? I see you got the one with the ceramic bezel, which is a bit more, but would you mind telling me how much you paid for yours and how much % off the MRSP?

Obviously Ball like most brands not Rolex, not Patek, needs to expect depreciation buying new. Unless I fall in love with the watch, I have patience and am willing to time my purchase to minimize if not eliminate the depreciation factor

As an aside, I want to mention that almost all (all?) reviews on this watch are fake. Fake in the sense, that you how can you ethically call something a review for a watch that never touched your hands or you put physical eyeballs on. You'll note they all use renderings of the watch and/or Ball stock photos. So at best they are merely musings based off factory specs. For not having to put much brain power into their articles, they still manage to get some basics wrong. Most notably, many of them state the 7337 has an 80hr power reserve. Its 42hr. Ball states it is 42hr, my experience is its 42hr, its 42hr. 🤷‍♂️

Right, there are only like 3 YouTube channels where they have the Outlier in hand. And I also put little stock in reviews where the reviewer was sent/lent the watch, and it's fairly obvious he wants to stay in the good graces of the brand and AD. I treat those as little more than glorified videography and reading out spec sheets (which as you point out they get wrong sometimes!) Hence my soliciting longer-term ownership points of view

 

Sure I can check for delayed start after manual wind.

Just to feel the wind compared to your other experiences. Curious to see if it feels exceptionally light to you as well.

 

I hope the negotiations go well.

I'm technically "negotiating" with the market, betting prices will move favorably in my direction. Time will tell. (I remember something like Balls being dumped for over 50% off couple years ago, but I don't know if more current models will witness shrink like that, or Ball company adjusted by tightening supply)

I mean, if you can get a new Omega or Rolex GMT for under $3500, run don’t walk. 😁

On this topic, I think Grand Seiko is the current king of mass produced mechanical movements for a price less than Omega or Rolex.

ETA (Longines) is going to be on the bottom (but not bad). I am not a fan of their current free sprung variants, only because its not an elegant solution like the free sprung movements of Omega and Rolex that you mentioned. Then again a Zulu Time can be had for for less than the others. Just depends on what is important to each of us.

Other issue with Longines and Omega is they make them too thick. I think the Longines Zulu Time is about as thick as the Ball, which quite frankly is a bit ridiculous for a watch that doesn't have tritium tubes. Tudor's GMT is even thicker right? at 14mm or something. And Omega's co-axial movements are also thick as hell. Grand Seiko: they're either too big, or too thick, or the watch lacks turning bezel ... you can probably tell I'm a picky b*****d!

So at $3500 I wouldn't buy a watch to wear with such chunky dimensions ("chunky" = unrefined and poorly designed to me). Maybe to flip it? (of course this is just my cheapness coming out, not judging anyone for being more logical with their money and buying Omega or Tudor etc.)

 

I'm technically "negotiating" with the market, betting prices will move favorably in my direction. Time will tell. (I remember something like Balls being dumped for over 50% off couple years ago, but I don't know if more current models will witness shrink like that, or Ball company adjusted by tightening supply)



Other issue with Longines and Omega is they make them too thick. I think the Longines Zulu Time is about as thick as the Ball, which quite frankly is a bit ridiculous for a watch that doesn't have tritium tubes. Tudor's GMT is even thicker right? at 14mm or something. And Omega's co-axial movements are also thick as hell. Grand Seiko: they're either too big, or too thick, or the watch lacks turning bezel ... you can probably tell I'm a picky b*****d!

So at $3500 I wouldn't buy a watch to wear with such chunky dimensions ("chunky" = unrefined and poorly designed to me). Maybe to flip it? (of course this is just my cheapness coming out, not judging anyone for being more logical with their money and buying Omega or Tudor etc.)

Can’t argue on the thickness and I agree. I’m nearly certain my next watch will be a Nomos just to scratch that itch.

They do make an interesting automatic GMT if you can live without the bezel at a svelte 10.9mm thick.

The Oris Aquis GMT is only 13.1mm thick, but is 43.5mm wide. Its also a caller’s GMT if that is a concern.

 

 

I received my watch about 8 months ago. The workmanship is top notch I dare say better than Tudor even closer to Rolex. The case material is same as the Rolex Oyster steel which is the 904L stainless. Spec wise it is close or same as Rolex.
Mine is the steel bezel which is practically covering the case. The grooves to help grip it to turn is on the under side edge of the bezel. Kind of awkward to catch as the access space is at about 2 and 4 o’clock.
It is keeping time. I compare it to my cell phone clock. Feels solid. The back is flat so it settles on my small wrist nicely minimally allowing it to rotate away from the desired wearing position.
in spite of my observations on nuances I like it. Again my biggest issues are the oversized bezel this hiding the shape of the beautiful “oyster like” shape and the lack of fine bracelet adjustments. The second hand’s movement not as a smooth as say Rolex’s. No instructions manual included. I was told to goggle it.
Good Luck

 

@tommymcdowland

"Ball in-house traveller GMT movement, their caliber RRM7337-C"

The movement is a Soprod C125- very little to none "in-house" there.

https://calibercorner.com/soprod-caliber-c125/