Today's criteria for the certification of each COSC Officially Certified Chronometer are still based in part upon Webb C. Watches marked "BALL & Co." are much more difficult to find than those marked "BALL WATCH Co." Ball watches are today some of the most collectible of the American railroad pocket watches. The Ball Watch Company branded and distributed watches made by Hamilton, Waltham, Illinois, Elgin, E. The Waltham Watch Company complied immediately with the requirements of Ball's guidelines, later followed by Elgin Watch Company and most of the other American manufacturers, later on joined by some Swiss Watch Manufacturers. Webb Ball established strict guidelines for the manufacturing of sturdy, reliable precision timepieces, including resistance to magnetism, reliability of time keeping in 5 positions, isochronism, power reserve, accompanied with record keeping of the reliability of the watch on each regular inspection. The Ball Watch Company did not manufacture watches directly, but the company helped develop the specifications for watches used in railroad service.
Ball as their General Time Inspector in order to establish precision standards and a reliable timepiece inspection system for Railroad Watches. When Standard Time was first adopted in 1883, he was the first jeweler to use time signals, bringing accurate time to Cleveland, Ohio.Īfter the infamous collision between Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railways at Kipton, Ohio, which allegedly occurred because an engineer's watch had stopped unnoticed for about 5 minutes, the railroad officials commissioned Webb C. Ball was born in Fredericktown, Ohio on Octoand became a jeweler and watchmaker. If they're ethical people wishing to make an honest sale, they won't mind.Webb C. Don't be afraid to use a magnifying glass, even in someone's shop. The brass will appear very close to the gold color when polished, but it tends to turn dull and dark and will really stand out. Or, if it is worn, check that that the worn spots aren't too noticeable. Wherever you get it, if it is not solid gold, inspect it carefully (or if mail-order, ask about) to see if it is worn through to the underlying brass. I suggest that you contact them and discuss what you would like for a chain: They may make a mistake (we all do), but they try hard not to, and they can be relied upon to act positively in meeting a customer's satisfaction. I never doubt for a moment that these dealers believe what they say in describing their wares. They are people whom I have known for many years and whom I respect for their knowledge, ethics, honesty and integrity. I have bought many watches from the following pocket watch dealers. Nothing I say below should be viewed as a negative attitude towards any of those fine dealers who aren't mentioned, only that I haven't dealt with them to any great extent. There are a number of reputable dealers who sell on eBay and elsewhere on the internet. Otherwise, you'll have to go hunting in antique shops. Perhaps some of those who frequent this board and live in the Calgary area will be able to recommend a place to visit in person.