This Ball Hamilton Grade 999B Model 5 was manufactured in 1948, amid twelve production runs from 1943 to 1954, while the total production of this watch was limited to a mere 27,600 watches. With so few produced, this watch is in a class of its own as an extremely rare vintage pocket watch. For many collectors, this watch might be your holy grail. It is also one of the finest railroad-grade pocket watches ever manufactured and is one of the most collected pocket watches of all time.

The watch presented here in one of the most popular configurations includes the 999B movement, complete with the stunning circular damaskeen pattern, housed in a 14K white gold fill, Ball Model Stirrup Bow Catalog #126 Case. The dial is a flawless example of the Ball Official RR Standard Dial, featuring crisp, clean Arabic numerals with heavy ink saturation and highlighted with the exquisite Black Spade/Whip railroad standard hands.

All the materials used in the manufacture of this watch were of the finest grade available and used in designs by the legendary Webb C. Ball, the man who developed the railroad timekeeping standards for railroad grade pocket watches. While Ball himself did not manufacture these watches, he did partner with several of the major watch companies and imparted his expertise in the design and construction of watches that not only met the railroad standards he developed—they exceeded them.

This watch is not only gorgeous to look at. It is a significant part of history and great horological value. To own this watch is to own a part of the legendary legacy of Webb C. Ball and the companies that partnered with him, to make our rail system safer than before. Only a small number of this watch model and configuration have survived in such excellent condition, and an opportunity to own one is rarer than with many other watches. It shows beautifully for daily wear or to display proudly as a cornerstone of your watch collection.