FWIW- Ball Watch Co. Trainmaster RailRoad Standard “Hudson” Edition

Don't do it. Nothing to do with the original firm or quality watches. This is simply an ETA with a nostalgic dial.

For $2K you can get an original Ball wrist or pocket watch (or other railroad watch) in top condition and have a quality piece.

Regards,

Art S.

 

here is a real railroad grade wristwatch:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/235293112483?hash=item36c88ff8a3:g:VIMAAOSwW4NlTtSL&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4JoM4ZGQvPvIme40QfMHt4VxVvs%2Fjg%2F6RpUQoTjutm4%2FVXkkvPRE3EclDKVI6fLGomovb5LqvdIgBrPbt3%2F%2FGAyfLNoutpXKu04J8uj1yMTgViElSPwF7d5OQNmcGAbmsViio04cEfx6ynzXWdRwHBnQg5Y7%2FE%2FFHYQDuL6AveP%2FOL8BY4yAEOoAHYV4Tj%2BhDi93papsw1C3Bv0nmNQ37NpfvL5GT%2BAFK5rRWYsyXdVVPIzh4rQb%2FLNF12bSgQAY23xP8nTOsHp5PBP5T8uQzXsIjDgmL9FqzrwAUbaBQU38%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7ykxMD5Yg

 

John,

The name was purchased. Although Ball didn't manufacture their own watches, Webb C. Ball set the standards. He died in 1922 but the company continued well past WWII. The family sold the name in the 1990s. The use of the name is literally a marketing ploy aimed at train enthusiasts. The run you posted is for 50 pieces but I think it's 50 pieces with that particular steam engine. They will probably do similar 50 piece runs with other engines.

In the website you linked to it says 'tribute to': https://www.ballwatch.com/global/en/collections/series/official-railroad-watch---31.html

The company is now Swiss and owned by a Hong Kong conglomerate: https://www.hodinky-365.com/blog/ball-watches-history

My point is simply that the watch and the company that now makes it has little to do with railroading beyond the ability to use that logo on the dial. As long as you know that, I'm good.

Regards,

Art S.