"Since 1891, Official Rail Road Standard. Accuracy under adverse conditions."

"BALL Watch Company SA is a Swiss watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It was founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball in Cleveland, Ohio. His original jewelry business in Cleveland grew into the Ball Watch Company, which used other watch companies' movements, perfecting them and then reselling them. Ball Watch Company also ordered watches complete from other watch companies. He was the first jeweler to use time signals from the United States Naval Observatory, bringing accurate time to Cleveland.

It was only after a railway crash involving two trains between Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway did Webb C. Ball and Ball Watch Company really start to put their name on the map. Trains opened up a whole new world for people who up until now had no reliable and affordable way of reaching other parts of states and the country. Before this date, there was no real need for a standardized time as people very much stayed in the vicinity of their homes. The railway crash (caused by one of the train driver’s watches being off by 4 minutes) symbolized a point of change.

Ball was tasked with becoming the Chief Time Inspector for the railways which essentially meant they were responsible for ensuring universal timekeeping was applied for trains crossing the country to avoid such accidents again. This emphasis on accurate timekeeping is something that has transcended the decades with the RR standard (certain accuracy criteria had to be met before a timepiece could be regarded as RR standard) still gracing the dials of each Ball watch created today.

They were the first wrist watch allowed to be used on the Railroads, (using a Swiss manual-winding movement) followed quickly by the first American made wrist watch on 'the roads', Elgin.

Blending historical design with innovative technology, Ball Watch Company continues to deliver a fresh, dynamic style offering an exceptional and rugged line of luxury timepieces."

BALL Watch Company
Official RR Standard
Trainmaster
25 Jewels
Auto-Wind

This timepiece is a very UNIQUE Ball Company wristwatch, a rare vintage automatic watch date from 1970.

It is an self-wind movement adjusted to 5 positions, caliber ETA 2632, 25 jewels, sweep second, Swiss made.

Stunning 10K gold filled round case and lugs design.

It still has a perfect white dial with black Arabic Numerals, bold minute marks and matching hands. Also, the beautiful central-second hand is red. The dial is signed with "BALL Official RR Standard Trainmaster" on top and "Automatic" on the bottom.

This wristwatch is coming with a brand new black "Genuine Lizard" and "Made in Italy" textured two-piece strap.

After 50 years, it is in good condition and a very attractive looking watch! Runs very well, keeps great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.

Movement:
Ball Company
25 Jewels
Cal. 2632
Adjusted 5 Positions
Swiss Made

Case Back Signed:
10KT G.F.
17587

Swiss

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter: 34.8
Case Diameter w/Crown: 37.7
Case Lug to Lug: 41.2
Case Thickness: 11.7
Lug Width: 18
Band Width: 18

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
 
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.

The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.

Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!

WA-3300