This is a series of three-way discussions between Masamasa Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan, Yukiya Suzuki, deputy editor-in-chief, and Yuto Hosoda, the only regular member of the magazine, sharing their impressions of popular models. In this fourth installment, they freely review the Roadmaster Marine GMT, a Ball watch that has finally been released in Japan.
A GMT watch capable of displaying up to a third time zone, a first for Japan. The two pushers for adjusting the 24-hour hand are equipped with a locking system. Despite its transparent case back, it is tough, boasting 200m water resistance and a 5000G shock resistance. Automatic movement (Cal. RR1203-C), 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Ti (diameter 40mm, thickness 14mm). 200m water resistance. Limited to 1000 pieces worldwide. 290,000 yen (excluding tax).
Photographs by Masanori Yoshie
Text by Yoshiko Agata
Text by Yoshiko Agata
Ball Watches now have improved exterior finishes
Hosoda
"This model is a GMT that has never been available in Japan before, and it's a new model that was released in July of this year (2020). What did you two think when you tried it on?"
Hirota
"Compared to the past, Ball Watch cases have become better. In the past, the inside of the lugs and the bracelet would rub against my arm, causing pain when wearing them for long periods of time."
(I.e.
"Yeah, the edges of the case were too sharp. You could hurt yourself (laughs). Thinking about it, this model is well balanced for the price."
Hirota"I remember when the exterior wasn't that great, so I'm glad to see it has improved so much."
Hosoda"The contrasting bracelet is also nice. The titanium links on the left and right are satin-finished, but the stainless steel middle link is polished, creating a nice contrast."
(I.e."The middle part is SS, so it's not too light."
Hirota"Yes. It's well balanced with the weight of the head. However, I'm a bit concerned about the gap between the shackle lug and the first link. The shackle lug is long, so the overall length of the case ends up being long. I wish it were shorter..."
We look forward to further improvements to the GMT module!
(I.e."The movement is based on Sellita, right?"
Hosoda「はい。Cal.SW220-1をベースに、オリジナルモジュールを組み合わせてます。24時間針は10時位置と8時位置のプッシャーで調節する仕様で、1プッシュごとに10時位置が『1時間進む』、8時位置が『1時間戻る』です」
(I.e."It's convenient to be able to adjust the 24-hour hand with a separate pusher, but personally I'd prefer to adjust it with the crown. That said, since the 24-hour hand is added as a module, it can't be helped from a mechanical standpoint..."
Hosoda"That's true. But I think it's an advantage that you don't have to stop the second hand when adjusting the 24-hour hand. Also, these pushers have a locking mechanism, so you can lock and unlock them by turning them slightly, which is a unique feature."
Hirota"However, it's a shame that it's difficult to understand how to lock/unlock it."
(I.e."Yes. There's no indication that it's locked, so if you accidentally leave it unlocked, it's easy to press it. I feel like I might accidentally press it when I check to see if it's locked (laughs). Well, I guess I can just press the other pusher right away."
Hosoda"The Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time (ref. 5524) also has a pusher for adjusting the hour hand independently, but does it have a locking mechanism?"
Hirota"No. Well, the 24-hour hand is not a mechanism that you touch that often... well, I can see the ingenuity, but it was just one step away! It was a shame!"
