Ball Watch | BASELWORLD 2015 Baselworld Report | BALL WATCH

BALL WATCH

A Watch Brand Renowned for High Performance

Exploring the Potential of Tough Mechanical Wristwatches (1)

With a concept of "Tough and Dependable," BALL Watch combines high visibility using micro gas lights with the robustness inherited from American railroad watches. Magnetic resistance is also a major theme, with many watches boasting a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, equivalent to JIS Class 1. In 2014, the "Engineer II Magneto S" was introduced, featuring a shutter on the case back that, when closed, provides magnetic resistance of 80,000 A/m. This year, the "Engineer II Volcano" debuts, utilizing "Mu-metal carbide," a new material with inherent magnetic resistance properties for the case. This new material, capable of strong magnetic resistance exceeding 80,000 A/m, garnered significant attention.

Text by KAWADA Akinori

A Tough Aviation Watch with Multi-Time Zone Display

Both the central time display and the GMT hand feature a 24-hour display for clear day-night distinction. They indicate local time and home time respectively. By adjusting the rotating bezel, which has a 24-hour index, according to the time difference, the time in a third country can also be grasped. This new aviation-oriented model, added to the already highly water-resistant and tough "Engineer Hydrocarbon" series, expands the range of choices.

Not only is the dial equipped with micro gas lights, but the ceramic bidirectional rotating bezel, which has a substantial presence, is also engraved and fitted with micro gas lights. Furthermore, it is coated with sapphire crystal, ensuring exceptional strength. The shock resistance reaches 7,500 Gs, significantly exceeding ISO standards, thanks to BALL's unique anti-shock system that protects the balance wheel, responsible for accuracy, from impacts. If you're looking for a tough travel watch, this is undoubtedly the one.

BALL WATCH

A Watch Brand Renowned for High Performance

Exploring the Potential of Tough Mechanical Wristwatches (2)

Design Inspired by BMW Dashboards

The shock resistance and high visibility cultivated by BALL Watch, inheriting the tradition of railroad watches, are also valuable in motorsports, and the collection based on the partnership with BMW in recent years has been well-received.

This new Time Trecker is a sports model with 200m water resistance, adhering to BALL Watch's signature tough specifications. The indices and hands, utilizing 14 self-powered micro gas lights, offer outstanding visibility. With 5,000 Gs of shock resistance and the "Amortiser" system, which absorbs shocks by placing rubber blocks around the movement, you can enjoy golf while wearing the watch.

Designed with BMW's dashboard meters in mind, the dial features a delicate textured pattern. The crown is inspired by the iDrive controller used in BMWs. This model, which allows you to feel the shared worldview of BMW and BALL Watch, is a refined, simple sports watch.

BALL WATCH

A Watch Brand Renowned for High Performance

Exploring the Potential of Tough Mechanical Wristwatches (3)

Fusion of Special Alloy and Carbon Fiber

This new Engineer II Volcano uses a new material called Mu-metal. Specifically, layers of strong carbon fiber and Mu-metal are repeatedly stacked and molded into a case under high pressure.

The resulting Mu-metal carbide case combines the toughness of carbon fiber with the magnetic resistance of Mu-metal. Its magnetic resistance exceeds 80,000 A/m, the previous measurement limit of the testing equipment (the exact figure is currently being verified by research institutions).

Of course, it also possesses BALL Watch's signature 5,000 Gs shock resistance and visibility provided by 15 micro gas lights, making it a truly tough and dependable wristwatch.