Tag Archives: Ball Watch

Sports Watch: Ball for BMW TimeTrekker

by
Ball for BMW TimeTrekker. Introduced in 2015, its Calibre Ball RR1102-C automatic movement is Chronometer-certified and it is housed in a 44mm diameter case in stainless steel which is water-resistant to 200m / 660ft. The crown is screwed-in. There are 14 micro-gas tubes on the hour and minute hands including the dial for enhanced night reading capability. It features the day and date displays and is anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m. Available in either a black or blue dial and with either a rubberized leather strap with pin buckle or stainless steel bracelet. Priced at SGD4,200 inclusive of tax. Photo: TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015. Special thanks to Performance Motors and BMW Group Asia.

Ball for BMW TimeTrekker. Introduced in 2015, its Calibre Ball RR1102-C automatic movement is Chronometer-certified and it is housed in a 44mm diameter case in stainless steel which is water-resistant to 200m / 660ft. The crown is screwed-in. There are 14 micro-gas tubes on the hour and minute hands including the dial for enhanced night reading capability. It features the day and date displays and is anti-magnetic to 4,800 A/m. Available in either a black or blue dial and with either a rubberized leather strap with pin buckle or stainless steel bracelet. Priced at SGD4,200 inclusive of tax. Photo: TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2015. Special thanks to Ball Watch, Kelvin Wong, Philippe Antille, Xing Xian, Performance Motors and BMW Group Asia.

The Ball for BMW timepieces are designed by Magali Métrailler (who was formerly a designer from Jaeger-LeCoultre).

The one model we like in particular from this collection is the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker because of its details.

For example, we particularly enjoy the hour index at 12 o’clock because of its pastel creamy beige colour which is different from the rest. The colour difference is not very obvious with the other hour indexes under normal lighting conditions.

When it turns dark, then that is the time when the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker shows its true colours, literally. Its hour index at 12 o’clock has a red luminescence while the rest of the micro gas tubes are in blue.

The BMW branding is subtle and found at the 3 o’clock position, right after the day and date displays.

Other subtle hints of the BMW link include the textures on the dial reminding one of the link with BMW and even the crown which is like the control button found in BMW automobiles.

In total darkness, this is what the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker displays: the pastel creamy beige bar index at 12 o’clock is now red and the rest of the hour indexes are in blue, even for those at 3, 5, 6 and 7 o’clock as there are small micro-gas tubes there, close to the edge of the dial. Do note that there is only one long micro-gas tube bar index at 4 o’clock (even though it seems like there is a small one at the edge of the dial. We apologise but this was what came out in our photo). In total, there are 14 micro-gas tubes on the dial: 12 for each hour index and two for the hands: one each for the hour and minute hands. The sweep seconds hand does not have a micro-gas tube. Ideally, we think there ought to be one for the sweep seconds hand. The green luminescence come from the unidirectional bezel and these are emitted with charged SuperLuminova. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016.

In total darkness, this is what the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker displays: the pastel creamy beige bar index at 12 o’clock is now red and the rest of the hour indexes are in blue, even for those at 3, 5, 6 and 7 o’clock as there are small micro-gas tubes there, close to the edge of the dial. Do note that there is only one long micro-gas tube bar index at 4 o’clock (even though it seems like there is a small one at the edge of the dial. We apologise but this was what came out in our photo). In total, there are 14 micro-gas tubes on the dial: 12 for each hour index and two for the hands: one each for the hour and minute hands. The sweep seconds hand does not have a micro-gas tube. Ideally, we think there ought to be one for the sweep seconds hand. The green luminescence come from the unidirectional bezel and these are emitted with charged SuperLuminova. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy. 2016.

The BMW logo becomes more apparent on the case back; on the sapphire crystal in particular.

The unidirectional rotating bezel is in pure ceramic and in a black chrome finish.

Magali Métrailler designed the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker and the other timepieces in the Ball for BMW collection. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld.

Magali Métrailler designed the Ball for BMW TimeTrekker and the other timepieces in the Ball for BMW collection. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. 2014 BaselWorld.

What is worth noting is that all the Ball for BMW models are equipped with the Amortiser shock absorber system.

What this means is that you can actually wear these Ball for BMW watches to play golf thanks to the Amortiser which protects the movement from all the shocks experienced.

After all, this is a sports watch.

Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50: The ball is in your court

by
The Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 Limited Edition scores many firsts for the brand. There are at least five good reasons to acquire one. Well, make it six; the sixth reason is what you see above – the prominent luminescent dial in darkness, especially with the fireworks display in the background on a special day: 9 August 2015. Photo: Ball Watch, modified by TimeWerke

The Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 Limited Edition scores many firsts for the brand. There are at least five good reasons to acquire one. Well, make it six; the sixth reason is what you see above – the prominent luminescent dial in darkness, especially with the fireworks display in the background on a special day: 9 August 2015. Photo: Ball Watch, modified by TimeWerke

While the “SG” could well be taken to be the abbreviation for “Simon & Garfunkel” and the “50” could well be the anniversary of their highly popular “The Sound of Silence” folk-rock hit or maybe even that for “I am a Rock”, these aren’t the official reasons for the “SG” and “50” formed by micro gas tubes on the Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 Limited Edition.

Note: The “Sound of Silence” is a song from Simon & Garfunkel’s 1964 debut studio album. The “remixed” single was released in 1965. The song “I am a Rock” was written by Paul Simon and released in 1965.

The Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 Limited Edition is a very special piece and there is actually a very good reason for the “SG” and “50” on the Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 Limited Edition.

Firstly, it is the watch that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence (1965 to 2015).

The Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 is a commemorative edition that marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. It is limited to 1,000 pieces and is priced at SGD2,800. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy

The 45mm Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50 is a commemorative edition that marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s independence. It is water-resistant to 100m and is limited to 1,000 pieces. Priced at SGD2,800. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy

Secondly, with 93 micro gas tubes on the dial, it scores a first as this is the most (micro gas tubes) ever on any Ball Watch. More micro gas tubes had to be used to make up the alphabet “SG” representing “Singapore” and the Arabic numeral “50” for the country’s 50 birthday on the dial.

Thirdly, the display of alphabets with micro gas tubes marks another milestone for the brand. Ball Watch has never used its micro gas tubes to form alphabets till now.

In addition, there is a red SG50 logo at the nine o’clock position on the dial of this 1,000-piece limited edition series.

That is not all, Ball Watch will donate SGD50 to the Autism Resource Centre of Singapore for every Fireman Night Train SG50 sold.

This organisation has set up Pathlight School that offers education to autistic children. In this regard, Ball Watch has pledged to raise SGD10,000 for this cause.

The Fireman Night Train SG50 is without a doubt a special and meaningful piece. This timepiece has marked many firsts for Ball Watch and there are at least five good reasons to own one.

There are quite a few good reasons to own the Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50. Among the reason: This piece has the most micro gas tubes ever on any Ball Watch. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy

There are quite a few good reasons to own the Ball Watch Fireman Night Train SG50. Among the reasons: This piece has the most micro gas tubes ever on any Ball Watch. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Elfa / Timmy

Make it six if you wish to count what the luminescence of the watch looks like in darkness.

Perhaps add a seventh if you are a fan of Simon & Garfunkel, as we are, especially if you truly enjoy “The Sound of Silence” and “I am a Rock”.

Of course, we would also like to mention other Simon & Garfunkel hits from other years like “Scarborough Fair / Canticle” (1966) and “Bridge over Troubled Waters” (1968).

However, “The Sound of Silence” remains among the best and is a highly emotional song for us.

Will you be the first to make the move in acquiring the Ball Watch Fireman Night Train with the prominent “SG” and “50”?

The ball, as they say, is in your court.