Service of an “Official RR Standard” Ball Watch Co. Cleveland Railroad Pocket Watch

Waltham Model 1899 – Production Date 1911 Introduction

Brief History of Ball Watch Company and Railroad Standards

The Ball Watch Company of Cleveland was founded by Webster Clay Ball following the tragic Kipton, Ohio train collision of 1891, which was caused by inaccurate timekeeping. After the accident, Ball was appointed Chief Time Inspector and implemented strict standards for railroad watches used by railway employees.

It is important to note that Ball did not manufacture watches. Instead, the company contracted established American manufacturers—such as Waltham, Elgin, Hampden, and others—to produce movements that met Ball’s exacting specifications. Ball then regulated, inspected, and certified these watches to comply with official railroad time standards.

To be designated “Official RR Standard,” a watch had to meet rigorous requirements, including:

• High-grade 17 jewels (or more, increased as standards became more stringent)
• Adjustments to multiple positions
• Precise timekeeping tolerances
• Lever setting mechanisms
• Open-face configuration

This quality-control system helped standardize timekeeping across American railroads in the early 20th century.

The Movement: Waltham Model 1899 (1911 Production)

The movement in this watch is a Waltham Model 1899, one of the highest grade railroad-grade calibers of its era. Produced in 1911, this model was known for durability, accuracy, and serviceability—essential characteristics for railroad service.

The Model 1899 features:

• 3/4 plate construction
• Precision-machined steel components
• Railroad-grade finishing
• Lever-set mechanism

These watches were built to withstand vibration and temperature variation while maintaining strict accuracy requirements.

Condition on Arrival

This Ball railroad pocket watch arrived running but overdue for service. Old, degraded lubricants had thickened over time, increasing friction throughout the gear train. Although mechanically complete and largely original, the watch required a full overhaul to restore reliable performance and prevent long-term wear.

Service Procedure

The watch underwent a complete disassembly and professional cleaning, including:

• Full breakdown of the Waltham Model 1899 movement
• Inspection of pivots, jewels, and wheel teeth
• Ultrasonic cleaning of all movement components
• Proper lubrication using modern synthetic oils
• Reassembly and regulation

After service, the movement demonstrated strong amplitude and stable timekeeping consistent with railroad-grade performance standards. The goal was not cosmetic alteration, but rather mechanical integrity and historical preservation.

Conclusion

The “Official RR Standard” Ball Watch represents an important chapter in American horology—not as a manufacturer, but as the enforcer of timekeeping standards that improved railroad safety nationwide. Combined with the reliability of the Waltham Model 1899, this 1911 timepiece stands as a functional artifact of early 20th-century industrial precision. Proper servicing ensures that these historic railroad watches continue to operate as intended—over a century after they were built.

If you own a Ball, Waltham, or other railroad-grade pocket watch in need of evaluation or service, and would like to discuss or initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece contact me directly, or visit getting started.

For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages:  Vintage Rolex repair— Vintage Breitling repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair —Bulova Repair, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.