Understatement of the year: BMW is an automobile brand known for its contemporary excellence in mechanics. Naturally, too, it instills a great deal of emotion in its followers. The new Ball Watch BMW line obviously capitalizes on the synergies of two solid and reliable brands. Slated to be launched very soon and until this moment in time rather secret, the two companies have been working on the timepieces for more than 18 months.
The watches seem to be designed with the same dynamism and pure, contemporary elegance in mind as the automobiles. This is not really so surprising since the author of these particular timepieces' looks is none other than Magali Métrailler, the originator of Jaeger-LeCoultre's wildly successful and incredibly masculine Master Compressor. Representatives from Ball Watch have told me that the BMW watches' look is quite a departure from the company's normal designs, though – thankfully – they continue to include the company's patented gas tube technology, which ensures the best night-reading capability currently available.
The details
“When you see the piece, it is important to see its functionality as well,” Métrailler has said to me on occasion over the past decade. Here, she has taken the philosophy to a new place. The lugs of the stainless steel cases have an interesting look about them that reenact the pure lines of the cars. They are not screwed or soldered on like regular lugs, but rather extend from the case band, as part of it. The case in general follows the line of the BMW hood and ergonomic body.
The crown, decorated with the BMW logo, mimics the buttons found in the cars, while the bracelet links are reminiscent of engine components and the grille. The dial contains elements prevalent on BMW dashboards, which makes sense as it is a dashboard of sorts itself. The date window features an additional discreet BMW logo, while the brightly glowing hour markers and hands – as stated above, Ball Watch's signature element – take their inspiration from the BMW font.
The models
The new line is fairly complete with several models and almost 30 references already in the lineup, including a classic three-hander in a 40 mm stainless steel case, a GMT model, and a power reserve watch (both in 42 mm stainless steel). All three are powered by automatic ETA calibers and C.O.S.C.-certified like most Ball watches. In fact, Ball Watch numbers among the top ten in volume on the list of brands that have their timepieces certified for accuracy by the Swiss office. These watches are due out in September.
Naturally, such a special line of watches would not be complete without a limited edition restricted to just 1,000 pieces. Its dial is highly reminiscent of a BMW dashboard. However, what the subdials at 6 o'clock shows is not the speed you are moving your wrist, but rather the temperature. Currently the only manufacturer to offer mechanical wristwatches with thermometer function – which Ball Watch calls the “TMT function” – it displays a range from -40°C to +50°C alongside the time and date (which is unusually positioned at 1 o'clock). The thermometer display is available in either Fahrenheit or Celsius while the 44 mm case is available in either natural stainless steel or the black DLC-coated variety. This model is expected to deliver in November.
Prices for the non-limited line range between 3,600 and 4,700 Swiss francs and up to 5,100 Swiss francs for the limited edition.
