When a ball watch occurs, I remember the ball watch. The brand’s distinctive style quickly stands out from the large number of watches available these days. Some of the ball’s clocks have tritium microgas tubes that are illuminated in the dark. This unique form of Lume led to an instantly recognisable numeric style that defines the design of the model that uses it. It’s been a few years since I last reviewed the Ball Watch, but I thoroughly enjoyed my last watch and learned more about the brand’s Roadmaster M Model A. I don’t see much of this combination, so I wanted to check it out.
I had to find out how long it had been since I reviewed the Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT and the Roadmaster Pilot GMT. I knew it was about three years ago, but I didn’t feel like it was that long. It probably says something about the lasting impact of watches. This new Roadmaster M Model A belongs to the same collection as these two models. They are the large, bold, more functional brothers of these two watches, making impressive watches in one or more ways.
Ball Roadmaster M Model a
First, let’s go into detail about this limited edition of 333 pieces. This watch has a 41mm 904L stainless steel case with 15.2mm thick and 48.5mm thick lagtoo lugs. A fully brushed case is quite a bit and isn’t very suitable for smaller wrist sizes. However, since this is a tool watch, it is built to withstand shocks of up to 5,000 g. Additionally, it can resist magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m, providing water resistance up to 100 meters.
It must be said that the curved rug and overall ergonomics make it easier to wear a watch than you would first think. On the right side of the case there are two crowns signed with “RR”. These crowns provide a visual glow due to their polished sides, but overall, the external finish fits the nature of the Roadmaster M Model A tool watch.
Ball Roadmaster M model dial a
Within the case there is a matte black dial that contains a considerable amount of information. Firstly, the inner part of the lower half that appears to hold the brand’s logo and text will rotate. This is because it sets the alarm. As you may know, the printed text is not in this central part of the dial. Rather, it is located under the sapphire crystal. This prevents the logo from rotating when the user sets the alarm function. As you can see, the central part contains a bright triangle that points to the alarm time.
Located outside the central section is a sector that holds the oversized time markers surrounding the minute track. The brand’s distinctive blocky Arabic numerals are at 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, with elongated baton indexes making up the rest. As you can see, the ball avoided the 3 o’clock time marker in favor of a date window combined with a date magnifier as part of the crystal.
All time numbers and markers were bright tubes filled with tritium gas, making it a feature of the ball. Unlike bright tritium paint, these tubes shine steadily, so there is no need to recharge. They are a critical factor in what a brand’s dial looks like, and this distinctive style always sparks a great debate about style and functionality.
The last part of the dial is the outer ring, slightly above the dial, holding a 24-hour scale and showing the time in the second time zone with the help of a red skeletonized GMT hand. Because of this second 24-hour scale, you can use a 24-hour GMT bezel to show the times in three time zones simultaneously. Thankfully, despite the wealth of information, the dial is easy to read.
Extensive handsets for various functions
It is a hand mounted in the three centers that hover over the dial. Additionally, a red GMT hand is attached to the rotating flange, and the aforementioned pointer in the center of the dial is shaped like a fifth hand. It all starts with a central time and fine hands, featuring a flat tip and a bright tritium tube. The second hand features a red striped tip and a distinctive “RR” logo as a counterweight. Second, the red skeletonized GMT hand also has a Tritium tube, allowing you to track the time in the second time zone. Finally, the central marker also lights up in the dark thanks to the underlying microgas tube.
The watch I received for review was the so-called classic Lume version. This means that the microgas tubes illuminate green and yellow in the dark. In addition to these two colors, the bezel room and dial glow light blue 24-hour scale creates a colorful sight in the darkness. But if you think it’s colorful, think about it again. The ball also offers a rainbow version of the same watch. That version uses a variety of colours for the microgas tubes, making it a good visual sight.
RRM7379 ball manufacturing caliber
When you turn the watch around, you can see the RRM7379, which has the caliber that moves the watch. This movement is modeled after the Classic A. Shild 5008 caliber, but adds manufacturing alarms and GMT functions. This automatic caliber has two main springs. The first drives the normal timekeeping function, while the second main spring enhances the patented mechanical alarm 12-hour alarm system in which the ball specializes in this watch.
The alarm system features a ring-shaped metal gong with an inner layer and an outer polymer layer. The latter eliminates unnecessary noise and vibrations while protecting against shock. This is a simple solution that actually solves two problems at once. On top of that, this construction offers a beautiful, crisp and loud chime. The sound reminds us of the old school bells and lasts up to 18 seconds. This is a practical feature that comes with nostalgic references and I really liked it. Automatic calibers are regulated to run between -4 to +6 seconds per day, which depends on the specifications of the chronometer.
Wearing Ball Roadmaster M model a
So, how does it all translate to the wrist? This watch is fun to wear thanks to the comfortable 904L stainless steel H-link bracelet with butterfly clasp. Despite its substantial dimensions, the bracelet balances the wrist watch. Once, the Roadmaster M Model A has proven to be a sturdy watch that does not hide the nature of a tool watch. But that’s a big part of its appeal. The functional dial is easy to read and you can quickly find the information you need.
Speaking of features, I’m not mentioning how the watch works. The upper crown is a screw-in crown that allows you to set and adjust the main time, second time zone, and date. Thanks to the quick set’s GMT hand, this feature is easy to operate. This makes the watch a caller style GMT, not a very definitive flyer style GMT. That being said, if you don’t travel much through different time zones, then it shouldn’t ruin the fun of this clock.
Operation of alarms on the Roadmaster M model a
The lower crown controls the alarm. You can wind a dedicated main spring and set alarms at 5 minute intervals, combining them or silence them. When the alarm starts to sound, it makes a nice, crisp sound. This allows the gong to resonate thanks to the 12 openings below the central layer of the dial.
This made the Ball Roadmaster M model one of the special watches I’ve been constantly interacting with. As you know, I have something for the GMT watch, but the additional mechanical alarm has brought so many smiles to my face. While competing on the watch, I always played with the alarm and heard it over and over again. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll use it vigorously in the long run, just like the days I spent using it. Again, it was fun to interact with it, so it’s important for something.
Final Thoughts on Ball Roadmaster M Model aa
Overall, I exploded wearing the Ball Roadmaster M Model A. This is not the first thing that always pops into your mind with a new watch. However, the brand has created a well-made, extremely robust limited edition with an impressive caliber that combines one of my favorite complications with one of the most enjoyable complications. Overall, it makes this an interesting product from the ball.
This limited edition 333 pieces are available for sale at Ball’s online store for €6,545. It’s a considerable amount, but after wearing the watch and understanding the technical development and clever engineering that got into its creation, the price tag becomes much easier to understand. This is a special offer from a distinctive brand and you will definitely find your way to a lover. This watch is technically impressive and more than anything, you miss playing with the mechanical alarm.
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