Ball Watch – Trainmaster Standard Time

BALL Watch – Trainmaster Standard Time NEW


To mark the 130th anniversary of the adoption of standard time in the United States, BALL Watch Company unveils a new classic, timeless model: the Trainmaster Standard Time.

Before the adoption of standard time in 1883, time was set depending on the position of the sun. This resulted in every city having its own time zone, making the synchronization of railroad timetables extremely complicated. From 1883 onward, U.S. railroad companies put in place a new system to divide the nation into four time zones. This change led to the disappearance of over 70 official time zones, and has continued as the officially accepted system to the present day.

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In 1883, Webster Clay Ball, was the first jeweler in Cleveland, Ohio, to use the time signals emitted by the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., bringing accurate time to the residents of the “C-Town”. In 1891, Webster Clay Ball was appointed as Chief Time Inspector by the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway Co. The unreliability of the watches used on the railroad networks made traveling by train a perilous business, and the introduction of a system of controls and inspections had become an urgent priority. Webb C. Ball laid down standards of quality, accuracy and design for all the watches used by the railroad. To ensure the greatest possible accuracy of each employee’s watch, a list of approved timepieces was submitted to the workers and compulsory inspections were made once every two weeks for comparison with standard Washington time.

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Inspired by the pocket watches of the 19th century, the retro style of the Trainmaster Standard Time model plunges us into a universe that is immune to the whims of fashion. An updated version of the classic, simple and reliable timepieces of yesteryear, this is a watch that is totally in keeping with the Railroad Standards introduced by Webb C. Ball throughout the United States. The Trainmaster Standard Time model is a subtle combination of a vintage style reminiscent of the 19th century railroads and the cutting-edge technology used in contemporary watchmaking.

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The case in 18k rose gold and the crocodile leather strap highlight the luxury aspect of this timepiece and make it a model that is the epitome of elegance. Although its case is relatively moderate in size, with its 39.5mm diameter, its understated graphic style and materials as well as the wide opening of the dial make it a timepiece of unrivaled legibility. To confirm the accuracy of this timepiece, the official status of “Automatic Chronometer” attributed by the COSC (the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute) has been delicately inscribed on the watch’s dial. The form of the Arabic numerals, the enamel-white dial, the characteristic cut of the hands and the subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock are all features inspired by the brand’s first fob-watch models worn by railroad employees. As a break with the spell of time, the words “BALL & Co.” have been styled to form the number 7 to make this timepiece truly unique.

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In order to ensure perfect time reading even in total darkness, Ball Watch Company’s own revolutionary luminous technology is also found on this model. 14 3H luminous micro gas tubes have been added to the hour and minute hands, and also to the hour-markers on the dial. These micro-tubes do not require any outside source of light or power and are up to 100 times brighter than the use of conventional luminous paint. The watch’s sapphire crystal case back enables the user to admire the BALL RR1105-C Swiss mechanical movement. The hour, minute and seconds at 6 o’clock as well as the date functions found on this model make it a truly indispensable classic timepiece.


Today, more than ever, BALL Watch is continuing its journey and asserting its role as a key protagonist in the exploration of modern time and the evolution of watchmaking history.


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Technical Specifications

    Model Reference: NM3888D-PG-LCJ-WH
     
    Movement:
        Automatic caliber BALL RR1105-C  (based on the ETA 2895-2)
        Chronometer certified COSC
    Functions
        14 micro gas tubes on hour and minute hands and dial for night reading capability
        Shock resistant to 5,000Gs
        Water resistant to 30m/100ft
        Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds and date
    Case
        18k/750 rose gold
        Ø 39.5mm, height 10.5mm
        Anti-reflective convex sapphire crystal
        Convex sapphire crystal case back
        18k/750 rose gold crown
    Band: 
        Crocodile leather strap with standard buckle
    Dial:  
        White enamel

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Antti Rönkkö – Steel LABYRINTH Limited Edition

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Antti Rönkkö – Steel  LABYRINTH Limited Edition



THE WATCHMAKER

Finnish watchmaker Antti Rönkkö wanted to design and manufacture his own timepiece because the mechanics of today did not fit his ideals for sophistication and perfection in watchmaking. He wanted total freedom for designing the complications based on the ideals of centuries old handcrafted watchmaking tradition.

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To truly understand a Finn, one has to first understand silence. The higher state of silence. Aware mental state, where thoughts and ideas form intuitively before creative expression. In communication, Finnish Silence is seen as unpleasant and uncomfortable because it is misunderstood. It's mixed with impoliteness, shyness, pride or arrogance – though it is ethnologically rooted from the appreciation of others and it means the aware creative fermentation of thought. For a Finn, silence means time for thought; creating something out of nothing.

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All insight; design, art and innovation are born in quiet. Realization happens when one has a break from thinking. Centuries of knowledge are woven into revelatory moments in watchmaking. 

When creating a Rönkkö timepiece, the ultimate goal is to measure time without loss. From the watchmakers own unique perspective, to make the most of time, one’s focus on the moment has to be absolute. Utilizing the art of silence magnifies each and every movement. Perfection is hidden in the detail.

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Caught in the moment of pure focus, time and sound cease to exist. Each unique timepiece is born out of Finnish Silence. Watchmaker Rönkkö is totally involved in every minute detail, whether technical or aesthetic. Like a true master, nothing is left to chance.

Each Rönkkö timepiece is a culmination of long horologic tradition combined with passion, endurance and inspired Finnish design. The untiring timekeeper of Rönkkö is based on solid technical foundations incorporating centuries old knowledge and the highly prized tradition of watchmaking by hand.

There is an old Finnish proverb: Hiljaa hyvä tulee – meaning that the secret for greatness is born from silence. A timepiece of Rönkkö is a perfect example of this philosophy of life.

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THE MYTH OF THE LABYRINTH

In Greek mythology the Labyrinth was an elaborate construction designed specifically to contain the Minotaur. The mystic beast, part man and part bull, dwelt at the very center of the Cretan Labyrinth. The story of how the Minotaur came to be captured and contained by Theseus is a story all of its own.

Just like the mythical Labyrinth, each of us has our own beast at the center of the Labyrinth that conjures the illusions with which we have surrounded ourselves. Only by braving the maze and stripping away the illusion we call reality, can we then penetrate the center of our own Labyrinth of life. Like Theseus, finally facing the Minotaur, the myth in symbolic context is about confronting the unconscious dark side of the human ego; with a realization that only when facing all our fears and insecurities, we can find our true Self.

Created from our fears and insecurities, our personal Minotaur is a fearsome beast. It is created from the very things that we fear the most; from the things about ourselves that we do not want to admit exist in the darkest places of our hearts. It is our shadow-self; the part of ourselves that we continually deny. Only when we can find the courage from within to face the things about ourselves that we fear the most, then we can stand eye-to-eye with the beast and accept it as part of who and what we are.

Only when we realize that the beast does not define us, but instead makes us complete, then we can move past the darkness of the heart and emerge into the pure light of awareness.

Labyrinths in sacred sites around the world are used to help to achieve a contemplative state of meditation. Going through the maze; one loses track of direction, time and the outside world, thus quieting the mind.

The Steel Labyrinth can also be used as a tool for contemplation. The practice of meditation is proved to be the best way to gain self-knowledge and insight. Solving the Steel Labyrinth can be thought of as a personal pilgrimage; one can follow the path, ascending toward a quiet mind and deeper inner knowledge.

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By now the spiritual significance of labyrinths has faded, and they serve primarily for entertainment purposes, though recently their spiritual aspect has seen a resurgence.

The journey to the center begins with a single step.

Are you ready to face Your beast?

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STEEL LABYRINTH  MOVEMENT AR 1


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Uncompromising spirit shows up in the number of years of timely design process. It took five years for Rönkkö to realize the design and movement AR1 of the Steel Labyrinth, giving him time to meet all his ideals and requirements; both mechanical and aesthetic.

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Only the quest for true perfection gives him the emotional satisfaction from his work.

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The passion for watchmaking and respect for tradition stands out through Rönkkö’s unique timepieces; design, materials and mechanisms without compromise. The construction of the 'Steel Labyrinth' is designed to stand the test of time and when looked after, will last a lifetime. The German silver used for the bridges is an ideal material because of its endurance and resilience. Due to these factors, the manufacturing and hand finishing is time-consuming and labor-intensive. And for these reasons, the number of unique timepieces remain limited.

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The design is inspired by ancient greek-roman myths, art and architecture; the still lines and steady curves are not there by chance. Fine-tuned mechanics are based on the path of least resistance. The energy has to flow freely through the fine mechanics created by Rönkkö. He has proven that a combination of traditional methods and his own insight work best together.

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Technical Specifications
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MOVEMENT AR 1:
• Manual wind
• Hours, minutes, small second at 7 o'clock
• 36h power reserve
• 18000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz)
• 17 jewels
• Breguet balance spiral
• Movement diameter 35mm and height 3.5mm
• Plates are made of non-plated German silver, except pallet lever bridge and escape wheel bridge made from stainless steel
• Finishing of the movement: bottom side circular graining (perlage), top side straight line grinding, edges are hand bevelled and polished with many interior and exterior angles
• Movement is connected directly to the casing without movement-ring by two screwpins
CASE:
• Dragon foot design - diameter 41mm and height 11.5mm
• Hand finished, Stavax ESR hardened stainless steel case with satin finished surfaces and polished edges, completely nickel free
• Dial side curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating inside, back side flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating inside
• Stainless steel crown with AR logo
• Water-resistant to 3 ATM
DIAL:
• Complex labyrinth textured dial with black DLC coating
• Stainless steel index ring with 4 screws
HANDS:
• Hands made from stainless steel
BUCKLE:
• Hand finished, Stavax ESR hardened stainless steel buckle with satin finished surfaces and polished edges, completely nickel free
STRAP:
• Various types of leather
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In his quest for shapes and angles impossible to achieve with the modern machinery, Rönkkö takes a painstaking and time-consuming route in order to manufacture and finish his timepieces by hand. He follows the same path as the old masters before him and is proud to carry their knowledge with him.

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