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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, this Ball Commercial Standard was produced in partnership with the Waltham Watch Company. Only 2,000 were ever made, split across a brief two-year window from 1910 to 1911. This example is even more remarkable—it comes from the final run in 1911, one of just 1,000 produced that year. Powered by the Commercial Standard grade 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 strong indices at five-minute intervals. The original Breguet hands remain untouched, preserved in their original heat-blued condition, providing striking contrast against the white enamel dial. Its late-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 44 mm 316L stainless steel wristwatch conversion case—a modern frame that highlights its rare character and craftsmanship. The case features adjustable lugs for a tailored fit and easy winding and setting, ensuring comfortable wear on wrists of various sizes. Engineered with front, back, and crown gaskets, it offers water resistance up to 50 meters, though we recommend removing the watch before water activities. Fully serviced and restored, this timepiece is ready to accompany you on your next adventure.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 300 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: 1911
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: Approximately 52 mm (adjusts to wrist size)
Height: 13 mm
Serial Number: B254423
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.