When one thinks about tool watches, the most prominent would probably be diver’s or chronographs watches. In the wide world of watches, there lies an understated category of tool watch that strongly emphasises the value of high precision timekeeping - Railroad watches. Railroad watches hold notable horological significance, especially American watchmaking history. It was on April 19, 1891 when an unfortunate incident of a train collision in Kipton, or dubbed the ‘Great Kipton Train Disaster’ that occurred due to a misjudge of time.
This sparked the advent of a system for all railroad workers to wear watches strictly approved by watchmakers to forbid variations of more than 30 seconds to ensure utmost safety and precision in American railroad operations. These watches were produced by none other than the Ball watch company, founded by Mr Webster C. Ball. Today, the Ball Watch Company is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, manufacturing accurate and functional timepieces that faithfully upholds the founding spirit of the brand.
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Ball Fireman Night Train III Black 40mm Ref. NM2188C-S21-BK2
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Ball dropped a new addition to their Fireman line up, comprising watches that integrate a simple, robust design with contemporary watchmaking - Introducing the Ball Fireman Night Train III Black Ref. MN2188C-S21-BK2. The stainless steel case has a versatile 40mm diameter with a thickness of 11.3mm, hitting the sweet spots for many wrist sizes.
Throughout the Fireman series, the case construction and finishes has been consistently well executed with multiple detailed finishings. The watch displays a double polished bezel that contrasts with the satin brushed finish on the top of the lugs. At the side of the case, the polished surface transitions smoothly with a polished bevelled edge. In addition, the arched lugs that curve downwards allow the piece to conform around the wrist nicely for a comfortable fit. The watch is held securely with the supplied stainless steel bracelet that locks in place with a sturdy push-button butterfly deployant clasp mechanism.
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| Automatic caliber BALL RR1103 |
The dial truly brings the Ball Fireman Night Train III Black Ref. MN2188C-S21-BK2 alive, featuring a deep black dial with a slight sunburst that exhibits a luscious sheen when light hits the dial from various angles. The signature “RR” inscription is boldly emblazoned on the dial reflects the ‘RailRoad Standard’, representing strict accuracy standards for Ball Watches, a nod to their heritage of timing trains in American railroads. Each color variant of the watch is limited to 1000 pieces, reflected on the case back together with Ball’s iconic train engraving.
Ball Watch Co. is undoubtedly one of the best known for their use of tritium luminescence. Through advanced technology, tritium gas is safely enclosed in mineral glass tubes that hold a constant subtle glow even without a charge from an external source of light. In dark lighting conditions, a party kicks off on the dial with a beautiful display of multi-colored tritium tubes. The Ball Fireman Night Train III Black Ref. MN2188C-S21-BK2 houses an astonishing 61 micro tritium tubes with 4 different palettes of colours.
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40mm case with multiple parts and case finishing. "RR" logo crown
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Thick vibrant orange tritium tubes for the hour markers and sleek green tubes for minute markers. Yellow tritium tubes to identify the paddle minute and hour hands, as well as the seconds hand. Lastly, a bright blue triangle luminous marker at the 12 o’clock position allows for easy orientation when reading the time. The dial is protected by a flat piece of sapphire crystal with a date cyclop magnifier treated with anti-reflective coating.
Accuracy has been one of the key emphasis for Ball watches, the Ball Fireman Night Train III Black Ref. MN2188C-S21-BK2 is powered by the Ball Cal. RR1103 Swiss automatic movement, a movement based on the ever-reliant ETA 2824-2 movement. This movement has a beat rate of 28,800 beats per hour and a power reserve of 38 hours. The Cal. RR1103 is protected by Ball’s Amortiser® Patented Anti-Shock System, a proprietary shock system protecting the movement from external shocks that may cause damage.
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| 61 micro gas tubes on hour, minute and second hands |
Once again, Ball brought us an incredible offering that does not disappoint, ticking all the right boxes for a rugged and dependable everyday companion. The Ball Fireman Night Train III Black Ref. MN2188C-S21-BK2 incorporates fine Swiss watchmaking and cutting-edge technology to result in a watch of impeccable standards, or more accurately, the RailRoad Standard.
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