Ball Watch Roadmaster Model A, a mechanical alarm collection that was launched after three years of research and development

Ball Watch, which develops robust, reliable and practical mechanical watches, will launch the Roadmaster Model A, the latest addition to the Roadmaster series, which features an integrated bracelet design that has established a solid position in the watch industry in recent years. This is the brand's first mechanical watch to simultaneously feature an alarm function and GMT display, and is a new collection that showcases Ball Watch's advanced technology. In Japan, the watch will be available at the Ball Watch Japan Official Online Boutique (https://www.ballwatch.co.jp/) has begun accepting pre-orders. This special edition is limited to 333 units worldwide, and a unique service will be implemented where customers can choose their serial number on a first-come, first-served basis.

Roadmaster Model A

Newly developed alarm gong

The biggest feature of the Roadmaster Model A is, as its name suggests, its alarm function. An alarm that sounds at a preset time is a common feature in digital watches, but when it comes to mechanical watches, it is a feature that only manufacturers with superior technology can achieve, as it puts a strain on the precision movement.

Newly developed machined hammer

　The alarm sound is a metallic clang produced by a hammer striking a gong, creating a charming tone reminiscent of something you've heard before. To improve the quality of the sound and extend its duration, Ball Watch developed a new gong that is approximately twice as long as a regular gong, a design also used in minute repeaters, and set it on the outer periphery of the movement. Additionally, to maximize the reverberation of the alarm sound outside the case, the watch features 12 sound-passing notches under the inner ring located on the outer periphery of the dial.

Innovative rotor

　The Roadmaster Model A's movement, which focuses on sound quality, is equipped with two barrels: one for the time display and one for the alarm function. The rotor winds the mainspring housed in each barrel, which serves as the power source for the two. While it is a single rotor, like a typical mechanical movement, it employs an innovative system in which the time display spring is wound when the rotor rotates clockwise, and the alarm spring is wound when the rotor rotates counterclockwise.

GMT display

　This model also features a GMT display. The inner ring around the dial and the bidirectional rotating ceramic top bezel feature a 24-hour scale, which, combined with the deep red GM hand on the ring surrounding the central disc, allows the time to be read in up to three different time zones.

　The in-house movement that makes these functions possible was developed by Phi Van Tran, leader of the R&D department, Patrick Lab, who also developed Ball Watch's first in-house movement, released in 2018, as well as a spring seal that prevents the regulator from misaligning due to external damage, and a high-cost performance module for GMT watches that allows the hour hand to move independently. This special function took approximately three years to design and develop.

Two screw-down crowns

　This model features two waterproof screw-lock crowns on the right side of the case. The crown at the 2 o'clock position, pulled out one notch, fast-forwards the date (turn the crown clockwise) and the GMT hand (turn the crown counterclockwise). Each incorporates an advanced mechanism that jumps precisely every day and every hour. The second notch adjusts the hour and minute hands.

　The crown at 4 o'clock operates only when pulled out one notch, and the central disk (sandwich-shaped with a micro gas light in the marker section) carrying the alarm marker rotates counterclockwise (by turning the crown counterclockwise), allowing the time at which the alarm will sound to be set in 10-minute increments. The alarm is turned on and off by opening and closing this crown. Both crowns allow for manual winding of the mainspring. *However, please note that water resistance is not maintained when the crown is open.

Ultimate visibility in polar regions

　This model also features Ball Watch's familiar luminous system, the self-luminous Micro Gaslight. A total of 29 micro gaslights, including colorful ones, are set in the hands and indexes. Their powerful luminescence allows for easy reading of not only the hours and minutes but also the second time zone indicated by the skeletonized GMT hand, even at night or in the dark. These self-luminous functions are available 24/7, day or night, eliminating the need for special actions like button operation or wrist movement, as is required with digital watches.

　The top bezel, made of scratch-, rust-, and fading-resistant ceramic, is decorated with a 24-hour scale and is coated with Super-LumiNova, which makes the bezel glow green in the dark when exposed to light during the day.

Notable details

　Finally, here are some photos with some details.

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