The Ball Roadmaster M Model A, Built to Impress Day and Night

In 1891, following a devastating train accident caused by a faulty watch, Cleveland watchmaker Webb C. Ball was called upon to investigate and ultimately standardise timekeeping across America’s growing railroad network. Many think his work laid the foundation for modern chronometry standards. Webb C. Ball, through Ball Time Service, initially certified watches from American brands like Waltham and Hamilton for adherence to strict standards before eventually founding his watch company. Remaining in family hands until the 1990s, Ball Watch Company today operates from La Chaux-de-Fonds and proudly upholds Webb C. Ball’s legacy of precision, toughness, and reliability.

Ball was one of the first brands to embrace micro gas tube technology, and since 2001, the brand’s watches have offered a continuous glow, without ever needing external light to recharge. This self-powered luminescence makes all the difference in the real world, where conditions aren’t always ideal. Today, Ball’s lineup is broad, and the Roadmaster collection offers a range of sporty and toolwatch-like designs with practical complications—including chronographs, GMTs, and the focus of today’s hands-on review: the Roadmaster M Model A, a mechanical alarm watch launched as an online-exclusive series.

Right out of the box, the Roadmaster M Model A feels like a serious tool. The 41mm case is crafted from durable 904L stainless steel and is 15.2mm thick, which commands some wrist presence. But there’s no wasted bulk here: the case is engineered to withstand 5,000Gs of shock, resist magnetic fields up to 4,800A/m, and offer 100 meters of water resistance. Two screw-down crowns flank the case, managing the time, date, GMT, and, of course, the star of the show—the patented 12-hour mechanical alarm.

The dial, framed by a 24-hour, bi-colour ceramic bezel in black and red, is a masterclass in rugged legibility. The bezel itself is fully lumed for nighttime use. Beneath the sapphire crystal, the multi-layered black dial uses Ball’s signature tritium micro gas tubes to light up the hour markers and hands. Unlike traditional lume, these tubes glow steadily without needing a charge—critical if you find yourself off the grid (or just stumbling around in the dark).

The large hour and minute hands are fitted with luminous tubes, while a thin, red-striped hand keeps constant track of the passing seconds. A red openworked GMT hand lets you easily monitor a second time zone. Meanwhile, a smaller, luminous hand is used to set the alarm. Ingeniously, the central disc features twelve hidden apertures designed to amplify the sound of the alarm—and yes, the alarm indicator glows too, thanks to its own underlying micro gas tube. A Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock magnifies the date window, ensuring it’s easy to read at a glance.

Flipping the watch over reveals the transparent caseback and a view of the automatic RRM7379 calibre, regulated to a sharp +6/-4 seconds per day. The movement houses two mainsprings—one driving the regular timekeeping functions and the other reserved for the alarm. The alarm can be set to any hour in five-minute increments, and when it rings, it’s a refreshing departure from the usual mechanical “bzzz.” Instead, Ball’s AlarmMATIC system delivers a crisp, clear chime that really does recall the pleasant sound of a school bell announcing the end of class.

This lovely sound results from clever engineering and involves a ring-shaped metal gong housed inside a protective polymer shell. This construction purifies and amplifies the chime and doubles as an anti-shock system, absorbing impacts and safeguarding the mechanism. It’s a smart, rugged solution—perfectly in line with Ball’s reputation for innovation.

The Roadmaster M Model A wears comfortably on the wrist thanks to its H-link bracelet, which appears integrated but can be removed via drilled lugs. Thoroughly brushed for a rugged look with subtle polished bevels adding a touch of refinement, the bracelet tapers nicely and hugs the wrist, secured by a folding clasp that feels nice and reassuring.

The Ball Roadmaster M Model A offers a rare combination of everyday ruggedness, mechanical complication, and innovation. It’s a watch that’s built to go wherever you do, without missing a beat, and the distinctive design makes it stand out – day and night. The watch is a limited edition of 333, online exclusive; the price is USD 6,299.

For more information, visit BallWatch.ch.

Sponsored post: This article is sponsored by Ball Watch Co. However, it reflects the writer’s opinion and has been written according to MONOCHROME’s editorial policy.