INTRODUCING: The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph in Ice Blue
Fergus NashA common argument against mechanical watches is that they don’t actually have much practical function in a 21st century society. The time can be read with atomic accuracy on a smartphone, and professional divers will almost always choose a modern dive computer over an analogue watch when their life is on the line. The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph may not be a piece of high-tech survival equipment, but it could potentially be vital in a life or death situation. If that’s not your concern though, it’s still an incredibly attractive watch in these new Ice Blue configurations.
The most evident life-saver on the Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph is the Pulsometer printed around the chapter ring, which allows you to measure someone’s heart rate in conjunction with the chronograph complication. The elapsed time bezel can also be used when someone is in critical condition, keeping track of how long they’ve been waiting for an emergency response. Of course, it wouldn’t be a modern-day Ball watch if it wasn’t laden with incredible luminosity, and the Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph doesn’t disappoint. The bezel is entirely lumed with green Super-LumiNova, and the dial has every important element highlighted with micro-gas tubes that glow without the need for UV charging.
The dial itself is available in two configurations with the same silky ice blue colour, with your choice of subdial colour either matching the main light blue or the darker navy of the ceramic bezel. The darker version works with a kind of panda look and improves legibility on the subdial numerals, however the brighter version has a more homogenous look that lends itself towards classier vibes.
The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph has quite an interesting case, with the bracelet end-links flaring out to meet the lug tips and creating an integrated yet segmented look. With a 20mm lug width, you can easily change it out for a NATO or aftermarket strap should you wish to. The diameter is 41mm with a 49.8mm lug-to-lug length and a 14.8mm height, making for quite a bulky watch that imparts a sense of adventure-readiness. A water resistance of 100m makes this watch certainly swimmable, and the security is ensured not just by a screw-down crown but also a patented locking system for the pushers. Instead of fiddling with screwing, a short twist will either lock or unlock the pusher for use.
The Ball calibre RR1402 is at its core a dressed up Valjoux 7750, however it’s been tinkered with to increase reliance. Ball have used a patented anti-shock system called Amortiser which surrounds the movement and special oils have been used in lubrication to resist temperatures between –45°C and 80°C. It features the classic day/date complication we love from the 7750, however as there’s no running seconds hand we’re given a ‘constant operation indicator’ below the Ball logo which moves between a grey and white shape.
The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph pricing and availability:
The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph is now available for pre-order from Ball’s website here, with shipment expected in January or February 2023. Price: $2,599 USD