The "Roadmaster Marine GMT" equipped with a proprietary module

BALL Watch

A diver's watch with a unique waterproof mechanism, featuring a 60-degree rotating push-button lock.

The "Roadmaster" series from BALL Watch, known for its robust and highly reliable practical mechanical watches, has begun its official distribution in Japan. Making its debut is the "Roadmaster Marine GMT," equipped with a GMT function that allows tracking of up to three time zones via its 24-hour hand and bi-directional rotating 24-hour bezel. Available in three bezel variations – black x blue, black x green, and black x brown – each model is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide and will be offered at authorized retailers across the country.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

The Series Name's Origin: "Track Maintenance Worker"

In the late 19th century, BALL Watch introduced a high-precision watch inspection system to American railways, and today, the brand continues to bestow railway-inspired names such as "Engineer" and "Stoker" upon its series. The "Roadmaster" series, now available in Japan for the first time, is named after the "track maintenance workers" responsible for laying, maintaining, and inspecting railway lines. Within this high-performance series, which discreetly supports its users, the "Roadmaster Marine GMT" features dual-time display capabilities.

The "Roadmaster Marine GMT" Equipped with a Proprietary Module | BALL Watch

Its most distinctive feature is the highly user-friendly GMT function. While typically the 24-hour hand is adjusted using the crown, this model allows for easy setting of the GMT hand via two push-buttons located on the left side of the case. Pressing the push-button at 8 o'clock moves the hand back one hour, while pressing the button at 10 o'clock advances it by one hour. This unique mechanism was developed by Mr. Phi Van Tran, head of BALL Watch's R&D division, "Patrick Lab," and was realized by combining a proprietary module with the SW220-1 caliber.

Furthermore, the push-buttons can be locked and unlocked with a slight rotation (1 click = 60° | 6 clicks for a full rotation), preventing accidental operation and ensuring peace of mind regarding water and dust resistance. The crown features a two-step pull mechanism: the first step adjusts the date and day, while the second step adjusts the time.

Another characteristic is its sharp, integrated design, where the case and bracelet appear as a single unit. The fluid form, with its standard 40mm case and short lugs seamlessly extending into the bracelet, echoes the style of luxury sports watches, which are currently a major trend.

By incorporating the module and a sapphire crystal case back while maintaining a thickness of just 14mm, the watch achieves a comfortable fit that leverages the benefits of an integrated bracelet. The bracelet itself is a combination of titanium and stainless steel, optimized for weight balance.

Additionally, the watch boasts a lightweight yet corrosion-resistant titanium case with a sharp finish, 200-meter water resistance suitable for marine use as its name suggests, exceptional shock resistance (5000Gs) rare for mechanical watches, a Swiss COSC-certified chronometer movement as proof of high precision, day and date displays for business use, a ceramic top bezel with luminous markers that differentiate day and night for the 24-hour display, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal for visibility even under strong sunlight, and self-powered micro gas lights for easy time reading in the dark. These features combine to create a highly functional and satisfying watch that prioritizes practicality.

The color variations include three bezel options: black x blue, black x green, and black x brown.

Roadmaster Marine GMT

Ref. | DG3030B-S1CJ-BK (Black x Blue Bezel), DG3030B-S2CJ-BK (Black x Green Bezel), DG3030B-S3CJ-BK (Black x Brown Bezel)
Movement | Automatic (BALL Caliber RR1203-C, Swiss COSC-certified chronometer)
Power Reserve | Approx. 38 hours
Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT hand, date and day display, 27 micro gas lights on hands and dial, Super-LumiNova® on rotating bezel markers
Case Material | Ti
Case Diameter | 40mm
Water Resistance | 200m
Bracelet Material | Ti and SS
Price | ¥290,000 (excluding tax)
Quantity | Limited to 1000 pieces worldwide