The Ball Roadmaster Ocean Explorer blends nautical utility with strong all-round specifications
Fergus NashDespite “Road” and “Ocean” not necessarily being compatible worlds, the Ball Roadmaster Ocean Explorer is an incredibly cohesive watch with impressive features. Few brands can blend classical sophistication and modern ingenuity as well as Ball can, and they also understand the need mechanical watch lovers have for analogue interactions. Whether you have a need to know the tide or not, this watch is ready with utility and style in spades.
The case
Ball really spare no attention to detail even with their most basic watches, and although the case of the Roadmaster Ocean Explorer appears fairly simple at first, it actually has a couple of neat tricks up its sleeve. The bezel, with its notches cut out for grip and industrial style, has dual functionality to accurately track the tide. The main bezel insert and outer ring uses a bi-colour transition to show the changing of the tides, with six hours between each crest and trough. Beneath this is an inner ring that lists two weekly cycles, completing the 14-day tidal period. When you twist the bezel counter-clockwise, both rings turn, but when twisting clockwise, only the outer bezel moves. This way, you can easily adjust to the current weekday and tide.
This latest batch of the Roadmaster Ocean Explorer is slimmer than its original release in 2021 as well, with a near 2mm in reduction from 14.8mm to 12.95mm. That’s quite a difference in terms of wrist comfort, and it also helps cement its personality away from “just another dive watch”. The water resistance is only 100m, but with a screw-down crown that’s more than suitable for most ocean swimming. It’s got a 41mm diameter to keep some sporty bulk, but the 48.5mm lug-to-lug length is friendly to smaller wrists too.
The dial
With Ball’s signature blend of old-world classiness and contemporary ingenuity, the dial of the Roadmaster Ocean Explorer tends to stick more to the modern side of things, with the exception of the ornate seconds counterbalance. Tritium gas tubes are used as luminescence in another of Ball’s associations, shining on for decades without the need for UV charging. The date magnifier adds a considerable amount of sophistication, but the star of the show is at 6 o’clock. Although it’s only actually useful in the northern hemisphere, Ball have linked a tritium-lit moonphase to a display for the spring and neap tides. This has to do with the actual strength of the tides as they change, depending on the angle of the Sun and Moon in relation to Earth.
Three colour variations are available, encompassing wide appeal. Adorned with a green and red bi-colour bezel are the references with either green or black dials, while the blue dial version substitutes the bezel’s green for more blue. They all share the same layout of luminous gas tubes, with the majority in green and yellow to highlight the hands, 12 o’clock, and moonphase.
The bracelet
Ball’s finishing is truly expressive, masterfully complimenting the vibe of the watch. A mostly brushed case and bracelet with polished edges capture the attitude of the Roadmaster Ocean Explorer perfectly, that being a practical tool watch that carries dignified refinement. The stainless-steel bracelet tucks into the 20mm-wide lugs, then flares out for an almost integrated look. Thick H-links impart a robust strength, but should you want to swap it out for something like a rubber or NATO strap then you should have plenty of options.
The movement
Powering the Ball Roadmaster Ocean Explorer is the calibre RR1803-C, which appears to be based on a variation of the ETA 2836-2 architecture. It features the date complication as well as the moonphase, and automatic winding topping up a power reserve of 38 hours. The beat rate is a smooth 4Hz, and the movement has been COSC-certified for accuracy within +4/-6 seconds per day. It’s visible through a sapphire display caseback, and has been given some decorating attention by Ball. As with many Ball watches, it has also been given anti-magnetic properties, resisting up to 4,800A/m.
The Ball Roadmaster Ocean Explorer pricing and availability:
The Ball Roadmaster Ocean Explorer is limited to 1,000 pieces in each of its colour variations, with pre-orders now available. Price: US$3,299
| Brand | Ball |
| Model | Roadmaster Ocean Explorer |
| Case Dimensions | 41mm x 12.95mm x 48.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Blue, black, green |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet |
| Movement | RR1803-C |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Availability | Limited to 1,000 pieces in each colour, now available for pre-order. |
| Price | US$3,299 |