Most of us are familiar with BALL as a brand, might even know of some of their collections, such as the ‘Engineer’. Even though BALL does not exactly fly under the radar, I believe their history deserves some time in the spotlight, as this is a brand synonymous with precision, durability, and innovation. Since its inception in 1891, BALL has been at the forefront of watchmaking, delivering timepieces that withstand the test of time and environment.
The History of BALL Watches
Around 40 miles west of Cleveland, on April 18 1891, the momentous event known as the Great Kipton Train Wreck unfolded. It involved a fast mail train traveling east and a passenger train heading west colliding head-on. The cause of the collision was traced back to the conductor of the passenger train, who neglected to halt at the Kipton depot and let the mail train pass. This oversight occurred because his watch had ceased functioning for four minutes before eventually restarting.
The Kipton accident holds a significance far beyond being a mere footnote in American railroad history. It stands as a pivotal moment that ignited revolutionary changes in watchmaking and timekeeping practices. Following the collision, the esteemed jeweler, Webb C. Ball, was appointed as Chief Time Inspector to thoroughly investigate the timekeeping problems surrounding the incident. His diligent efforts resulted in elevated performance and inspection standards for railroad watches, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. In the course of his investigation, Webb C. Ball observed that timekeeping exhibited inconsistencies from city to city, underscoring the imperative need for standardizing railroad time. According to his system, every passenger and freight train was mandated to employ four Ball-certified watches, which were carried by the conductor, engineer, fireman, and rear brakeman.
Webb Ball passed away on March 6, 1922, in Cleveland, survived by a son and three daughters, along with the Ball Company. Ownership of the company stayed within his family until the 1990s when the rights to the Ball name were sold. Currently, the Ball Company is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, a well-known Swiss watchmaking town, and is under the ownership of Asia Commercial Holdings Ltd., a company based in Hong Kong.
Mission and Philosophy
BALL’s mission is to build watches that are exceptionally accurate and resilient. It’s inspiring to see the brand’s dedication to independence, innovation, and how BALL’s relentless pursuit of excellence shapes its business objectives. I love how the brand’s new watches stay true to its unique history, but they never shy away from creating new designs.
What's Unique About BALL Waches?
While most brands have a statement around their uniqueness, what I find really impressive with the BALL brand is actual, specific features they’ve developed over time: the use of self-powered micro gas tubes for unparalleled night reading. This innovative approach eliminates the need for an external charging source, as the watch utilizes glass microcapsules filled with gas. Compared to the commonly used Super LumiNova paint in the watchmaking industry, these gas-filled tubes can be up to 100 times brighter, dramatically enhancing the watch’s visibility in the dark.
The incorporation of robust materials for anti-magnetic and shock-resistant properties is a touch I personally appreciate, as it becomes clear BALL is not trying to cut corners, and the main goal is to produce truly remarkable watches.
Movements Used by BALL Watches
BALL is using Swiss automatic movements. Meticulously crafted and rigorously tested, these movements are designed to deliver utmost precision. The movements themselves are not manufactured by BALL, they are based on either ETA, or Sellita movements – both of them offer one of the highest quality available in the market for Swiss watch movements.
Takeaway: Are BALL Watches Good Watches?
The reality is that BALL is a brand that is often overlooked, and I believe they deserve more recognition. It doesn’t belong to the typical group of mainstream watchmakers promoted by the bigger publications. Instead, people often discover Ball by going through research for uniquely designed pieces that maintain great craftsmanship and impressive historical heritage.
I personally love the brand, and will highlight some of my favorites below. In my opinion, it’s hard to find an owner of a BALL timepiece who’s not entirely in love with their watch.
Buyer’s Guide: BALL Collections
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Engineer Hydrocarbon
The BALL Engineer Hydrocarbon is the Ultimate Explorer’s Watch benefiting from exceptional resistance and exclusive patented innovations such as the triple folding buckle and the crown protection. The Engineer Hydrocarbon collection by BALL is probably the most representative of what the brand stands for: innovation and exceptional quality. These are robust timepieces, built to handle the pressure of the deep sea.
Specs:
- Ref#: DM2218B-S2CJ-GR
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: RR1102-CSL
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 54 mm
- Price: Around $3,000
Official Railroad Watch
A watchmaking tribute to railroad history, the Official Railroad Watches are perpetuating the timeless attributes of elegance, lightness and simplicity of the early BALL timekeepers. A classical railroad heritage, the “Trainmaster” timepieces are made in the absolute respect for the values of precision, reliability and tradition of the BALL legacy. They feature a sapphire crystal case back.
Specs:
- Ref#: CM1052D-S3J-BK
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: BALL RR1401-SL
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Price: Under $1,500
Engineer II
With classic design and natural elegance, the “Engineer II” models are sport-elegant watches that feature shock resistance, and anti-magnetic protection. From a more casual point of view, the Engineer II watches are great GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) watches: they’re sporty enough for most activities, but their understated elegance makes them perfect for more elegant occasions as well.
Specs:
- Ref #: NM2026C-S6J-BE
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: BALL RR1103
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Price: Around $1,000
Engineer III
A re-imagination of the celebrated Engineer series, the “Engineer III” models feature various technological advancements in a streamlined watch case, bringing sport-elegance to the next level. My favorite is ref # DG9000B-S1C-BK, and the name of the watch is “Outlier”. It’s a very classic design, but the stainless steel bezel and cool orange secondary color gives a proud edge to the whole look.
Specs:
- Ref #: DG9000B-S1C-BK
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: RRM7337-C
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 46.6 mm
- Price: Around $3,500
Engineer M
The Engineer M is a collection that everyone should take a look at in my opinion. Featuring BALL Watch manufacture movement exclusively, this collection represents the culmination of the brand’s heritage and pioneering spirit. Very classic designs with a modern touch to create a truly timeless look. Here’s my favorite from this collection: ref # DD3100A-S2C-BE, an absolute badass skindiver.
Specs:
- Ref #: DD3100A-S2C-BE
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: RRM7309-C
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Case Width: 41.5 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 52 mm
- Price: Around $3,600
Engineer Master II
The “Engineer Master II” is the ultimate diving and sport watch with exceptional water resistance and exclusive inner rotating diving bezel fitted with luminous micro gas tubes. The model (ref # DM2280A-S1C-BKR) I’ve picked to feature here is a super compressor-style dive watch, a classy nod to this popular design from the 1950s.
Specs:
- Ref #: DM2280A-S1C-BKR
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: BALL RR1101-C
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 42 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 50 mm
- Price: Around $2,500
Fireman
The “Fireman” collection brings together robust timepieces with simple design that embodies the railroad practicality in contemporary watchmaking. I’d say this collection is probably the most elegant collection, a touch of sportiness is still visible, but the focus is definitely on refined elegance. They make for great everyday go-to watches, and the one I picked as a favorite is the Victory (ref # NM2098C-S5J-BK). The eye-catching textured dial is something I’m always drawn to, and when done right, it creates the perfect refined touch: a subtle, unexpected dynamism to the overall classic look.
Specs:
- Ref #: NM2098C-S5J-BK
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: BALL RR1103
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 48.5 mm
- Price: Around $1,500
Roadmaster
Named for those who are in charge of guiding railroad infrastructure, the Roadmaster series is a diverse collection of timepieces that combines unique materials, robust resistance technology and distinct designs. All Roadmaster watches are equipped with the signature micro gas tube luminosity. These tool watches are not for the faint of heart: sturdy, rugged models, ready for anything and everything.
Specs:
- Ref #: DG3030B-S7CJ-BK
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: BALL RR1203-C
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug to Lug Distance: 47.8 mm
- Price: Under $3,500
WRITTEN BY
Maté D
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