Tag Archives: roadmaster

Best Swiss watches

Ball Roadmaster Rescue; Blue, Black or White

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Ball Watch are always creating variations on their chronograph theme, so here is the latest Roadmaster Rescue.

Whether by air, land or sea, every rescue mission is unique. But there’s one common truth: timing is everything. A purpose-built tool for critical search and rescue situations, the new Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph delivers extreme accuracy, easy readability and high functionality. Engineered with a patented pusher locking system, the chronograph function works in unison with the pulsometer scale to measure heart rate, while two illuminated sub-dial counters track elapsed time. And for countdowns at all hours, the ceramic diving bezel features a bold micro gas tube inset. Vital functionality and versatile form that’s ready to venture wherever necessary.

The new Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph with blue ceramic bezel insert is limited to 1,000 pieces each. Now available for pre-order until 2 June 2021 at an exclusive price. Constructed from a titanium-steel combination, the 41mm case affords high impact strength, lightweight wearing comfort and trusted durability – even at extreme temperatures. And with a case thickness of just 14.8mm, the tool watch fits securely with diverse types of gear. Atop the robust case, the steel bezel features a virtually scratchproof ceramic ring with countdown markings. And in the center of the triangular marking, a micro gas tube inset ensures an instantly bright glow in darkness, allowing the uni-directional rotating bezel to be used for countdowns at all hours.

Colour options include all blue, white dial and a black dial/bezel combo. Price is £1590 on the pre-order deal.

More here. 

 

Best Swiss watches

Ball Roadmaster GMT: Classic Black, Pre-Order Discounts

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Ball watches has released a classic black dial, black bezel Roadmaster GMT, making it ideal for post-pandemic jet-setters, influencers and international business travellers. The Marine GMT is already available with blue, white and green dial/bezel options, plus a Pepsi bezel by the way. The day/date option also adds a certain businesslike function to this model – this is a watch for someone who wants to know the exact time, and demands Swiss build quality without a prestige brand price tage. It’s COSC certified, just like class-leading Omega, Rolex or AP models, but you pay less to get the same job done. Just saying.

Here’s the word from Ball;

Innovation for fearless exploration, a belief that’s not only held dearly in the BALL Watch family, but also fostered the creation of the Roadmaster Marine GMT series. Engineered to the specifications of a 35-year Navy Mariner veteran, it’s the world’s first GMT timepiece with day and date functions, delivering utmost functionality. The pioneering quick-set GMT push buttons revolutionize the way GMT hand is adjusted with its ease-of-use. The tough titanium material and COSC certified mechanical movement guarantee perfect performance in the most imperfect situations. Topping off with the darkness-conquering luminosity of the micro gas tube. The watch that once ran America’s railroads now empowers world explorers to live freely and fearlessly.

Our specially-made GMT movement module allows for three time zones to be tracked simultaneously. Simply by turning and pressing either one of the patented quick-set buttons, the GMT hand can be easily set instead of turning the main crown. The button at 8 o’clock moves the GMT hand backward, while the 10 o’clock button moves it forward. When travelling, the GMT hand reveals the local time in conjunction with the bi-directional bezel whereas the main hour hand shows the home time.

The classic black bezel version marks the latest addition to the signature Roadmaster Marine GMT ceramic series, a statement piece that fits for all occasions. Limited to 1,000 pieces each. The Roadmaster Marine GMT Black bezel is now available for pre-order until 12 May 2021 at an exclusive price, which is £2110. More info at the Ball website.

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Ball Roadmaster TMT On Pre-Order

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We have a lot of time for Ball watches here at the Northern Watch Co magazine because firstly, they’re Swiss made to exceptionally high standards, and secondly, they look the business. Yes, it’s great owning a Swiss watch but some models have less visual appeal and we aren’t going to name names…well OK then, let’s say the Nomos range with the sub-second dials have a slightly dated feel, or you could argue that the Breitling Navitimer kinda looks too busy, almost confusing, on the dial – if you don’t need a slide rule on the wrist.

It’s all a matter of taste, but there’s no denying the Roadmaster TMT with its temp gauge has a very bold, crisp dial design, with that famous Ball gas-tube lume for night viewing, plus a beautifully clear – and ceramic – bezel adding the finishing touch. It’s available for £1491 in black or blue, with the temp in old school Fahrenheit or Celcius – your choice. Limited to 1000 pieces.

More details here, on pre-order from 24/03/21.

Best Swiss watches

Ball Roadmaster Marine GMT Now in Deep Blue

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Ball have released a blue dial/bezel combo edition of their Roadmaster Marine GMT model. Same beautiful finish, luminous markers and hands, see-thru caseback and the GMT hand of course. Just blue.

The calming blue bezel version marks the sixth addition to the signature Roadmaster Marine GMT ceramic series, a statement piece that fits all occasions. Limited to 1,000 pieces each. The Roadmaster Marine GMT blue bezel is now available for pre-order until 3 March 2021 at an exclusive price of £2110.

See the full Marine GMT range here – we like the Batman blue/black colour scheme the best.

Best Swiss watches

Latest Ball Roadmaster Gets A Ceramic Finishing Touch

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The latest Ball Roadmaster Vanguard II now has a ceramic bezel for extra durability, taking this Swiss made watch up a notch. Ball are already producing handsome GMT models that feature striking gas-tube type lume on the hands and markers, bold dial designs and superb in-house, COSC level, movements. If you look at the polished steel cases and overall finish Ball are right up there with some of the best known Swiss brands, they just don’t get the High Street retailer exposure they deserve.

The latest Vanguard also has a day/night indicator at the 6pm position, so you can see if it’s night time back in GMT London when you’re travelling the world. Assuming you’re allowed to travel like a Towie celeb of course.

With quickset button features, steel bracelet and four variations on the familiar Blue/Black colour combinatuion that Rolex Batman lovers know so well, this watch is very good value at £1,525 on a pre-order deal (or £1,830 with a steel bracelet) until the 17th Feb 2021. It’s also a 1000 pieces limited edition.

It has a 200m depth rating as well, so it’s a GMT you can keep on your wrist when swimming.

Verdict; This is a serious, Swiss amde alternative to the 3 year waiting game for a Rolex Sub Batman, plus you get to save around 6 grand on the entry price. OK, you’ll never have that Rolex cachet or re-sale value, but you will own a beautifully made GMT for the same price as a military/retro piece from Longines, Rado, Tissot et al.

More at the Ball website.

Best Swiss watches

2021 Ball Roadmaster GMT Has Extra Jump Hour Feature

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We love the Ball watch mindset; make high spec watches that compete with the best Swiss prestige brands, but retail them for about £2300, rather than 10K.

Good news for fellow Ball fans, the new 2021 Roadmaster Pilot GMT is equipped with two remarkable timekeeping functions. When travelling, simply push the quick-set buttons to jump the local 12-hour hand to its desired position without stopping the second hand. Then turn the crown to jump the date correctly into position, eliminating the need to circle the dial with the hour hand. OK , it’s no effort to set a GMT hand, but you have to admire the jump hour function feature as a little bit of extra tech that adds value to the Roadmaster.

Complete with a virtually-scratchproof ceramic bezel, amazingly bright micro gas lights and chronometer-grade precision, the Pilot GMT is an ingenious everyday watch for the modern explorer, say Ball.

Limited to 1,000 pieces each. Now available for pre-order until 6 January 2021 at an exclusive price of just under two grand, which is a very decent saving on the 2600 list price.

Micro Brands

Ball Roadmaster GMT, Kermit Green Edition

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The latest deal from Ball Watch – yes, it’s Kermit!

The vivid green bezel version makes the fifth addition to the signature Roadmaster Marine GMT ceramic series, a statement piece that fits for all occasions. Limited to 1,000 pieces each. The Roadmaster Marine GMT green bezel is now available for pre-order until 18 November 2020 at an exclusive price. Underneath the green halo, the titanium case crafts an all-around tool for exploration with its high-grade strength, durability, superb corrosion-resistance and a lightweight wearing experience. Combining sharp sporty line and robust construction, the 40mm case enables unencumbered movement.

At the heat of the timepiece is a chronometer certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), which has undergone strict testing to validate its precision. Safeguarded by our patented Amortiser® anti-shock system and with water resistance to 200 meters, the Roadmaster Marine GMT is ready for adventure without hesitation.

The watch features three time zones and a ceramic bezel. Not a fan of ceramics myself, but you do get the luxurious, smooth finish. This is a seriously good looking watch and you’re getting Swiss quality too. The pre-order price is £2110.

 

Watch market news

New Ball Roadmaster Archangel: Tough Tool Watch With Superlume

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Here’s the word from Ball watches, who have a new model;

Trained to defeat and defend, yet denied a commission into the U.S. Navy due to poor eyesight, Draper Kauffman was an outlier who proved his elite skills in the face of war.

When recruited back to the Navy, he disarmed deadly bombs, served as a decorated hero of underwater demolition and became the forefather of the Navy SEALs. BALL Watch Co. is proud to honor his extraordinary achievements with a new Roadmaster Archangel collection.

ball roadmaster archangel

 

While the Roadmaster M Archangel Bronze features the corrosion-resistance of aluminum bronze and the precision of our chronometer manufacture caliber, all three models are equipped with unmatched micro gas tube luminosity, a robust diving bezel and signature BALL toughness.

This model has an 80 hour power reserve and 200m depth rating, 42mm case diameter, sapphire crystal front and rear, plus screwdown crown of course.

Limited to 1,000 pieces each. Now available for pre-order until 20 September 2020 at an exclusive price, which is £1440.

More here.

Classic Swiss

Ball Roadmaster GMT Pepsi is a Versatile Tool Watch Under 2K

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This new Roadmaster Marine GMT model from Ball has a really strong visual impact, with classic Pepsi bezel colours and a 40mm titanium case diameter. At night, you have 28 micro tube lume to make the watch stand out as well.

Engineered to the specifications of a 35-year Navy Mariner veteran, it’s the world’s first GMT timepiece with day and date functions, delivering utmost functionality. The tough titanium material and COSC certified mechanical movement guarantee perfect performance in the most imperfect situations, says Ball.

ball roadmaster marine 2

As regards movement, the Ball GMT uses a modified ETA 2836 engine, which is great from a servicing and long term reliability point of view.

There’s a quickset button mechanism for setting the GMT hand by the way, and this model is limited to 1000 pieces. Special price of £1758 (down from £2109) for pre-orders made before 15th September.

More details here.