"Since 1891, Official Rail Road Standard. Accuracy under adverse conditions."

"BALL Watch Company SA is a Swiss watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. It was founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball in Cleveland, Ohio. His original jewelry business in Cleveland grew into the Ball Watch Company, which used other watch companies' movements, perfecting them and then reselling them. Ball Watch Company also ordered watches complete from other watch companies. He was the first jeweler to use time signals from the United States Naval Observatory, bringing accurate time to Cleveland.

It was only after a railway crash involving two trains between Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway did Webb C. Ball and Ball Watch Company really start to put their name on the map. Trains opened up a whole new world for people who up until now had no reliable and affordable way of reaching other parts of states and the country. Before this date, there was no real need for a standardized time as people very much stayed in the vicinity of their homes. The railway crash (caused by one of the train driver’s watches being off by 4 minutes) symbolized a point of change.

Ball was tasked with becoming the Chief Time Inspector for the railways which essentially meant they were responsible for ensuring universal timekeeping was applied for trains crossing the country to avoid such accidents again. This emphasis on accurate timekeeping is something that has transcended the decades with the RR standard (certain accuracy criteria had to be met before a timepiece could be regarded as RR standard) still gracing the dials of each Ball watch created today.

They were the first wrist watch allowed to be used on the Railroads, (using a Swiss manual-winding movement) followed quickly by the first American made wrist watch on 'the roads', Elgin.

Blending historical design with innovative technology, Ball Watch Company continues to deliver a fresh, dynamic style offering an exceptional and rugged line of luxury timepieces."


BALL Official RR Standard
Fireman II
Automatic Watch
100M/330FT

BALL Official Rail Road Standard Since 1891 – Ball Fireman II automatic wristwatch, reference NM2090C. SUPER CLEAN, SUPER PRESTINE! It is a self-winding watch with a Ball movement caliber ETA 2824-2, 25 jewels, sweep second, date indicator (quickset), also featuring hack mechanism, Swiss made, 40 hours power reserve.

In PERFECT condition, black dial with luminous Arabic Numerals, minute marks and luminous matching hands as well. The dial is signed with "BALL Official RR Standard Trainmaster". Still almost like new, 43.2mm round case, all in stainless steel; case back signed: Ball Watch Co. – Swiss Made – Shock Resistance. Also, it is coming with the original Ball genuine leather black and yellow two-piece leather strap. Additionally, an extra leather strap in black and orange color.

This watch is in LOVELY condition! Runs very well and keep great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
Ball
25 Jewels
Cal. ETA 2824-2
Swiss Made

Case Back Signed:
Ball Watch Co. Since 1891
Swiss Made
Shock Resistance
7902382
NM2090C
mb-microtec H3

Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 43.4
Case Lug to Lug 52
Case Thickness 12
Lug Width 21
Band Width 21

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-2724