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The old museum ship USS Pampanito, moored in San Francisco harbor, can look back on an eventful history – Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS Review. As a former submarine, it was used during World War II and sank six Imperial Japanese ships, among others. Ballast Watches pays tribute to historic submarines with its watches. With the Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS, the famous World War II submarine has also received a tribute. 

Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS
Photo © 2022 by WATCHDAVID® – All rights reserved

For lovers of great watches

Like all watches from Ballast Watches, the Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS has a design that looks extremely robust as well as functional. It reminds a bit of historical nautical instruments, like the ones used aboard the US submarine in the past. The look is unmistakable. In my opinion, this is always a plus point, even if the Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS will certainly not please everyone. But it doesn’t have to. The design literally sticks out.

With a diameter of a huge 49 millimeters, the timepiece appeals to a special clientele. Certainly, those who already like wristwatches with a disc refill look will have their true joy here! In addition, there is a case thickness of 15 millimeters and a weight of 150 grams. No question – the Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS is one of the most brutal men’s watches, which I have worn on my wrist lately. 

Great quality – Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS Review

Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS
Photo © 2022 by WATCHDAVID® – All rights reserved

Especially with watches of this size, I pay more attention to excellent materials. A compact fashion watch is more likely to forgive quality flaws. A giant like the Valiant Pampanito Automatic less so. But thinking about that is not necessary. Qualitatively, the submarine watch from Ballast presents itself on a premium level. Well-finished stainless steel, sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coatings – what more could you want? However, it must be pointed out that the Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic is not a designated diver’s watch. You could quickly get that idea with the submarine theme. The water resistance to a depth of 100 meters is solid, but it doesn’t make the timepiece a real diver. That’s not a shortcoming, but it should be mentioned. 

READ MORE:  Matterhorn Watches DiveMaster 300 Review
Photo © 2022 by WATCHDAVID® – All rights reserved

Also worth mentioning is the unconventional design of the dial. The hour is read here via a subdial and a hole in the hand. Thus, an hour hand is omitted. For poor lighting conditions, the hand and the minute track are covered with luminous material. The interesting construction is powered by a japanese automatic movement. 

In summary, the Ballast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS convinced me. The quality is right. The design is exceptional, the theme exciting. All in all it is a convincing overall package. The price of the watch is $ 1,500. In the meantime, it can be purchased at a much lower price.

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Technical Details

NameBallast Valiant Pampanito Automatic Black SS Review

Reference numberN/A

BrandBALLAST

Categorydiving watches

Price from$ 1500,-

Warranty2 years

Case Material316L stainless steel

Diameter49.00 mm

High15.00 mm

Watch Glassanti-reflective coating / Sapphire Crystal

Watch TypeAutomatic

Waterproof10 bar (100 m / 330 ft)

Movement NameJapan automatic movement

Power ReserveN/A

Functionshour / Minute

Dialblack, grey

Indicesdashes, arabic numerals

Special Featureshands filled with luminous material / indices filled with luminous material

Bezelgrey / stainless steel

Bracelet Colorgrey

Bracelet Material316L stainless steel

Clasp316L stainless steel / folding clasp

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