AWAbbady WatchesIndependent Horological Archive

Abbady Watch Archive

Ball Watch Co.

Webb C. Ball developed strict inspection and accuracy standards after a serious American railroad accident highlighted the need for dependable timekeeping.

Abbady photographic archive

Ball Watch Co. photographs

Ball Watch Co. archive photograph
Historic Ball railroad-standard pocket watch with a highly legible Arabic-numeral dial.
Ball Watch Co. archive photograph
Modern Ball Engineer automatic wristwatch with a black dial and luminous seconds indication.
Ball Watch Co. archive photograph
Ball automatic chronograph inspired by the company’s railroad timing heritage.
Archive information

Origins and period

Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Railroad era, late nineteenth century

Historical overview

Ball Watch Co. in watchmaking

Webb C. Ball developed strict inspection and accuracy standards after a serious American railroad accident highlighted the need for dependable timekeeping.

Archive information

Known for

Railroad watch standards, official inspection systems, and highly legible precision watches.

Historical development

Webb C. Ball developed strict inspection and accuracy standards after a serious American railroad accident highlighted the need for dependable timekeeping.