Ballast Jolly Roger Hands On Review

by Don Evans

The case measures a total of 46.5mm, and has a large canteen style crown, which reminds me of a TW Steel, or some Russian diver style watches. Though the canteen screws down and protects the crown, with a water resistance of 100m, lack of a timing bezel or minute markers and a leather strap, I would not suggest using this model for diving or water activity.

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The case is done in 3 finishes. The main case, crown and crown protector in PVD, the case back in a brushed/polished, and the fixed bezel in what I call a stonewash finish. If anyone reading collects or buys pocketknives, you are probably familiar with this style of finish. This finish not only gives a distinct look, but also hides most scratches one can acquire, especially nice with a watch this large.

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The dial is a solid metal dial with the skull and cross bones stamped from the inside, or at least that is how it appears to me. So, instead of getting a dial with a sticker or light engraving, you get a 3D textured dial that also has some aging done to it, almost a gunmetal finish in certain light, giving it that โ€œpatinaโ€ look, and adding to the pirate theme. Sometimes the dial color looks silver, sometimes a gunmetal, and other times it gives off an aged bronze hue. It uses large applied dot markers that are filled with superluminova paint. A very large sapphire crystal is used for the Jolly Roger. The crystal does sit quite high above the bezel of the watch, but with it being sapphire, should prevent it from getting chipped or scratched easily.

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Turning around to the case back, it is highly ornate with a fleur de lis cross as a main focus. The case back impressed me almost more than the dial only because at this price point, you normally do not come across a case back with this much attention to detail. This is yet another aspect in where the Jolly Roger sets its self apart from fashion skull themed watches.

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The 22mm black calf leather strap is beautifully crafted, thick and pliable, soft to the touch, and uses quick change spring pins for easy removal. On the back side of the strap you will find a skull logo stamped into leather, which is the only other skull on the watch. The strap also measures in at 140/85mm, which is much longer than most straps come these days. It was actually a little too long for my 7.5 inch wrist, but still wearable. And being honest, I prefer the strap be a little too long vs. being too short. Since this is a large watch, it makes sense to have a longer strap, as a big wristed gentleman will probably be a main demographic.

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1 comment

Abdullah Masede June 20, 2014 - 12:42 pm

Interesting watch. Looks like this watch was made for you Don lol.

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