Ball Watches

Before looking at Ball watches, let have a short look at their history. Webster Clay Ball (Oct 6 1847 - 1922), founder of Ball Watch Co., was born and raised in Fredericktown, Ohio. His life's passion of watch manufacturing started with a two-year apprenticeship to the town's watchmaker and jeweler, George Lewin, before Ball moved on to selling watch cases made by John Dueber. He later settled in Cleveland, Ohio, to establish the Webb C. Ball Company.

The development of the watch industry in America can be largely attributed to the need for precise timekeeping during the early advancement of the railroad system. In 1883, the railroad industry had adopted Standard Time, effectively dividing the nation into 4 time zones. Ball brought precise time to Cleveland by being the first jeweler to use time signals from the United States Naval Observatory in Washington.

Months after a head-on railway collision (the Kipton disaster) as a result of differing timekeeping between the engineers of the two trains , Ball was made Chief Inspector by the General Superintendent of the Lake Shore Lines in July 1891. In charge of governing 75% of railroads throughout the country and at least 175,000 miles, Ball set stringent fortnightly checks on all watches worn by railroad workers. His strict standards meant that variations of more than 30 seconds were forbidden amongst watches, and at least 4 standard watches on every train were possessed by the conductor, engineer, fireman, and rear brakeman, incidentally the inspiration behind the names of Ball's modern watch lines.

Ball's system resulted in railroad time and railroad watches being recognised as Standard, and it was generally known that when the average person needed to know the correct time, he would only need to approach a railroad worker.

The founding spirit of Ball Watch, industrial functionality, remains true to this day. As one of the most respected watch brands in the United States, one is assured of the durability and preciseness synonymous with Ball timepieces. Accuracy under adverse conditions, since 1891.

Here are some of the great series from the company:

Trainmaster Secometer

Trainmaster Cannonball

Trainmaster Pulsemeter

Trainmaster Doctor Chronograph

Engineer Master II Aviator

Engineer Master II Moon Phase

Engineer Master II Diver GMT

Engineer Master II Officer

Engineer Hydrocarbon Trieste Chronograph

Engineer Hydrocarbon Mad Cow

Engineer Hydrocarbon Classic III

Fireman Storm Chaser

Fireman Night Train

Conductor Chronograph

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