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The Ball Watch Company was founded by Webb C. Ball, who established the specifications for railroad grade movements. The Ball Watch Company purchased movements from top pocket watch brands and further worked on the watches to perfect them.
One of the rarest Ball pieces we have ever had the privilege to restore for our 36 mm case, this Ball Watch Company timpiece was produced in partnership with the Waltham Watch Company. Only 3,000 were ever made, split across a brief three-year window from 1901 to 1904. This example is even more remarkable—it comes from the first run in 1901, one of just 500 produced that year. Powered by the Model 1900 movement, a Waltham caliber perfected and overhauled by Ball, this piece has been fully restored with each component carefully refinished. Screws and steel hardware were thermally colored by hand, creating vivid blue accents that enhance both durability and visual contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually polished to restore their original golden tone. The Ball railroad dial is exceptional, featuring bold Arabic numerals and an outer minute track with bold indices at five-minute intervals. The original spade hands remain untouched, preserved in their original heat-blued condition, providing striking contrast against the white enamel dial. Its early-production origin, limited manufacturing run, and preserved original hands make it a true showpiece—one of those watches that stops you in your tracks.
This extraordinary timepiece is housed in our 36 mm conversion case designed to preserve the elegance of its vintage aesthetic while offering the refined proportions of a modern dress watch. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). At just 36 mm across with a slim profile, the case wears compact, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and built for reliable everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Ball Watch Company
Partnership: Waltham Watch Company
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Year Manufactured: 1901
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Height: 10 mm
Serial Number: B056540
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.