For over a century, the Ball watch company has built a reputation for producing timepieces with a singular focus: precision. Founded in 1891 by Webb C. Ball, a man deeply dissatisfied with the inconsistency of railroad pocket watches at the time, the company’s guiding principle has always been to create reliable instruments for the most demanding environments. This dedication to accuracy and ruggedness is particularly evident in their Roadmaster series, a collection of watches designed to withstand the challenges faced by railroad workers, explorers, and anyone who needs a timepiece that won’t let them down.
The Roadmaster series itself has a rich history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, railroads were the backbone of industry and commerce in the United States. Strict timekeeping was essential for safe and efficient operation, and tragically, many accidents occurred due to unreliable pocket watches. Webb C. Ball, a watchmaker from Ohio, was determined to improve the situation. After a series of train crashes attributed to inaccurate timepieces, Ball lobbied the railroad companies to implement stricter standards for watchmakers. He also began producing his own line of watches, rigorously tested for precision and durability. Ball’s timepieces were so successful that by 1910, over half of all railroad conductors in the US were carrying a Ball watch.
Courtesy of Ball
The Roadmaster series was born from this commitment to excellence. These early timepieces were built to endure the harsh conditions faced by railroad workers, with features like robust cases, easy-to-read dials, and movements that could withstand shock and vibration. Over the decades, the Roadmaster collection has evolved, but it has always retained its core identity as a watch built for reliability and performance.
The latest addition to the Roadmaster series is the M Perseverer. This watch takes its name and inspiration from Henry Ford, the iconic American industrialist who revolutionized the automobile industry. Ford, like the early railroad workers who relied on Ball watches, was a man who valued precision and perseverance. The Roadmaster M Perseverer embodies these same qualities, with a design that is both functional and stylish.
Courtesy of Ball
The case of the Roadmaster M Perseverer comes in both a capable 40mm and a commanding 43mm size, sculpted from 904L stainless steel. This isn't your average watchmaking metal; 904L steel boasts superior corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments like salty sea air or sweaty adventures. Not only that, but its tougher composition makes it more resistant to scratches and dings, maintaining a pristine appearance even after years of rugged use. This robust shell houses the watch's beating heart, ensuring safekeeping against impacts and the elements. It's ruggedness you can appreciate.
One of the most striking features of the Roadmaster M Perseverer (and indeed, any Ball watch) is its remarkable luminosity. Forgoing traditional painted luminescent compounds, Ball employs a technology that sets them apart - hermetically sealed micro gas tubes filled with tritium. These tiny glass tubes, forming the hour markers and hands, emit a constant, self-powered glow without relying on any external charging. This means unwavering readability regardless of whether you're stepping out of a brightly lit room or exploring a dimly lit cave. It's the type of illumination that gives you an unwavering sense of clarity and confidence regardless of your environment.
Courtesy of Ball
Inside this robust and luminescent package lies a marvel of Swiss watchmaking, the in-house Ball Manufacture caliber RRM7309-C. This COSC-certified chronometer promises exceptional precision, guaranteeing an accuracy between -2/+4 seconds per day. Such rigor in testing and certification harkens back to the origins of Ball as a purveyor of railroad-grade timekeeping. Beyond mere precision, the RRM7309-C boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, meaning you can take off the watch for a long weekend, and it'll be ready and waiting come Monday morning.
The beauty of this movement isn't confined to its performance specifications. Through a sapphire crystal exhibition case back – a feature watch aficionados adore – keen eyes can witness the intricate dance of its components. Decorations like ribbing, perlage, and spiral patterns showcase the meticulous attention to detail that Ball pours into each timepiece. The marriage of precision and fine craftsmanship speaks volumes about the enduring values that this company upholds.
Courtesy of Ball
Completing this robust watch is a solid link bracelet, also crafted from 904L stainless steel. Its secure construction and screw-in crown offer water resistance to 100 meters, allowing the Roadmaster M Perseverer to shrug off splashes or sudden downpours without breaking stride. Additionally, Ball's patented Amortiser® anti-shock system safeguards the delicate movement, a feature that proves invaluable when life throws unexpected jolts your way.
On the dial, a magnifier hovers over the date window, subtly hinting at the attention put into making everyday life with the M Perseverer a frictionless experience. Each applied index is formed of a tritium gas tube, ensuring precise time reading at a glance, without the need to fumble for a phone or squint under harsh light. The black dial creates a stark background, allowing those luminous elements to truly shine. Every detail whispers deliberate practicality.
Courtesy of Ball
The Roadmaster M Perseverer isn't merely a handsome and well-constructed watch; it embodies a spirit of resilience. Its inspiration comes from Henry Ford, a man whose unwavering grit transformed an entire industry. Just as Ford's assembly lines brought ownership of the personal automobile to the masses, the Ball Roadmaster line brought railroad-standard precision to the wrists of working men and women. With the M Perseverer, Ball carries forward that legacy, creating a timepiece built for those who embrace challenge, defy limitations, and ultimately, shape their own destiny on the road less traveled.