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.
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.
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.