In the aftermath of the Great Kipton Trainwreck of 1891, Webb C. Ball was called upon to develop a nationwide standard for railroad timepieces. In addition to this role, he was also an accomplished jeweler and watch designer. He developed dials, cases, and movements of ingenious design and held numerous patents. In the years after developing the railroad timepiece standards, Ball worked with several watch companies including Hamilton, and Waltham, to develop a special series of railroad grade pocket watches.
Today, these Ball watches remain a significant part of American and horologic history. Because so few of these watches have survived, coupled with often low production numbers (around 200,000 total among all watch companies), they are some of the rarest railroad grade pocket watches in existence.
We are proud to announce that we now have available in our collection this Ball Hamilton Grade 999B Model 5. It 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.
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.
