The Daniel Dubai Ball Roadmaster First Responder is designed to save lives on the wrist of emergency responders and paramedics. The inner bezel can be rotated by twisting the outer bezel, eliminating the need to manipulate other timekeeping devices. Scales on the chapter ring allow you to calculate pulse and respiratory rates per minute.
Tough situations call for tough personnel – true heroes willing to risk their lives for others. After an accident, time is of the essence, which is why a watch is a must-have for emergency workers. In today’s technology-filled world, most people opt for digital devices, but it’s still nice to have an analog watch. The Ball Roadmaster First Responder is a rugged timepiece packed with life-saving features, proving that mechanical watches are still useful today, and not just for watch enthusiasts.
In an emergency, the gold hours and platinum minutes are the most important. For emergency personnel, the first hour after a call is crucial. That’s why the black ceramic insert on the rotating bezel has a 60-minute countdown scale printed on it. Micro gas tube pips and a SuperLumi-Nova coating make the functions easily accessible even in total darkness. The platinum minutes marked on the inner bezel are the first 10 minutes after a trauma, when first aid is crucial. Usually, the inner bezel is operated with a crown, which can be tricky to use with gloves, but the Ball Roadmaster First Responder uses a special mechanism that makes the inner bezel easy to use. Turning the outer bezel counterclockwise starts the countdown, and turning it clockwise sets the inner ring.
The chapter ring has two scales printed on it for quick calculations. The first is for a quick reading of the approximate value of the pulse, and the other is for counting the number of breaths per minute. Of course, a heart rate monitor will give you a more accurate reading, but it takes longer. The Ball Roadmaster First Responder allows you to see a person’s heart rate at a glance by counting 15 pulse beats after the second hand passes the 12 o’clock position, then reading the scale. The central second hand is open at both ends, so you don’t have to wait a minute to start taking a measurement. On the other side of the chapter ring is a respiration scale that allows you to measure the number of breaths per minute. When one end of the red hand passes the 6 o’clock mark, count 5 breaths and read the corresponding number on the ring. Like many other Ball watches, the Roadmaster First Responder also offers perfect visibility at night: during the day, the black and white contrast helps you navigate faster, and at night, it features both Superluminova and Microgas tubes, the latter of which doesn’t even require UV light to charge and will continue to glow in any condition.
The 41mm wide titanium case is lighter than steel, yet highly impact and corrosion resistant, even in extreme temperatures. It is sized to comfortably fit most people, clearly demonstrating that great functionality does not require a large size. It is water resistant to 200 meters and is available in two options: one is more common, with a special Amortizer shockproof system, and the other is a rotor lock caseback that prevents external shocks from affecting the movement. When the mechanism is locked, the watch can withstand a free fall of 5.2 meters. When locked, the movement draws power from a 42-hour power reserve. An indicator on the lower half of the dial makes it easy to keep track of.
Inside this sturdy case is the BALL RR1302 movement, which is based on the ETA 2897 architecture. Ball didn’t simply put an ETA movement into the Roadmaster First Responder, but rather modified it with the aforementioned rotor-lock caseback and a special lubricant to ensure it operates reliably in temperatures from -45°C to +80°C.
Ball Roadmaster First Response pricing and availability:
Ball Roadmaster First Response. Orders will ship between February and March 2024, subject to Swiss production schedules and availability. Price: USD 3,249 / CHF 2,790 (without rotor lock), USD 3,449 / CHF 2,990 (with rotor lock)
Brand Ball Model Roadmaster First Response Case Size 41mm x 12.9mm Case Material Titanium Water Resistance 200m Crystal Sapphire with anti-reflective coating Dial Black sunburst Strap Titanium bracelet Movement Ball RR1302 Power Reserve 42 hours Availability Available for pre-order now, watches will ship from February 2024. Price
US$3,2499 / CHF 2,790 (without rotor lock), US$3,449 / CHF 2,990 (with rotor lock)
