Ball watches continue on its quest for precision, expertise and perfection, ever since their production for the American railroad systems back in the 1800’s got underway. One way of connecting back to these all-important roots has been their collaboration with BMW to produce some of the sleekest and dynamic contemporary watches out there at this moment in time. The dimensions of the BMW collections are diamond sharp and Ball have made no exception this time, more to the point they have injected the full scope of their innovative expertise into this new revolutionary feat. The angles that the bezels, lugs and hands are cut at are unique to the brand and have instantly dazzled their audience. This year at Baselworld 2015, the brand released another new piece for this special collection – the Ball for BMW Timetrekker.
The watch integrates BMW signatures into the Timetrekker to create a 44mm wide stainless steel, anti-magnetic masterpiece. The watch boasts of self-confidence and strength. The case structure alone can protect the internals of the timepiece at up to 4,800 A/m forces. The driver’s watch does not only aid fast speed travelling but has features in there to accommodate skilled divers. The bezel comes equipped with luminous markings between 12 and 3 o’clock, together with luminous tips of the minute and hour hand. Water resistant to 200 meteres, the watch also showcases 14 titrium tubes for use in darkened depths of water. The exhibition glass back of these beautiful timepieces allows the wearer to catch a glimpse of the RR1102-C movement which is protected by Ball’s in-house shock absorber – the patented Amortiser. The watch dial comes in a jet black or sumptouse midnight blue, the latter encouraging a more sporty look, especially when teamed with the rubber strap option. The matte finish on the dial when looked at closely has a perforated effect reminiscent of the upholstering of the BMW interior fittings. Beneath the anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass sits the Ball name at the 12 o’clock location, accompanied by the BMW emblem at the 3 o’clock index to complete the fetching aesthetic of the watch. At an even closer look the broad shoulders of the lugs effectively replicate the contours of the BMW profile, along with the familiar design of the automotive dashboard gauges within the gas tube fitted markers of the dial, designed to mimic the rev counter.
The finished look of the watch not only manages to capture the durability and high performance of BMW creations but it also provokes a new-found respect for the multi-talented watch makers of the Ball Company, who continue to impress with their un-broken lines of impeccable and cutting edge manufacturing. The Timetrekker manages to steer clear of a complex face – a disadvantage of many competing drivers watches and instead captures the spirit of a car company without disrupting the essence of traditional timekeeping. The alliance forms the perfect blend of horology and the automotive industry.
