We have for sale a slice of US Railway history. This vintage open face pocket watch was manufactured by the Ball Watch Co, Cleveland, Ohio, and is Circa 1926-30. In the time of powerful locomotives, the watchmaker, Webb C Ball, revolutionised watchmaking and timekeeping forever.

On April 18th, the Great Kipton Train Wreck transpired 40 miles west of Clevelnad when 2 trains collided, due to one of the conductors watch stopping for 4 minutes. After the collision renowned jeweller Webb C Ball was appointed Chief Time Inspector to to investigate the accidents timekeeping issues.

Webb C Ball introduced a standardised timekeeping system to increase the reliability and safety of the Railroad. From this, the Official RR Standard watch was adopted for use by all passanger and freight trains, with each of the conductor, engineer, fireman and rear brakeman carrying a standard chronometer that was tested using his strict regulations.

With an intricately detailed 14ct white gold filled case, this pocket watch features a clear white enamel dial, with large easy to read arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 oclock.  The blue lustre hands make reading the time easy. The dial features the manufacturers distinctive trade mark "Official RR Standard Ball Watch Co Clevelend" and is in excellent condition. The glass is in excellent condition with no visible marks.

The time is adjusted by removing the front of the case by unscrewing it and lifting a lever so the hands can be turned by the large stem. This system was introduced to stop any accidentel time changinging, that was so vital to the Railway.

The Hamilton B614106 21 jewel mechanical movement is accessed by rotating the case back, like the front. It is in great condition and we have checked its accuracy and has been found to be in good working order. However, no warranty is offered due to its age.

It is supplied in a generic pocket watch box for safe storage.

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