To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s first voyage, Ball Watch Company have released this breathtaking Ball Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer Limited Edition watch. With a stunning three-hand dial with date display and a unique aesthetic inspired by the Harrison Chronometer Nr. 4, the very timekeeper Captain Cook used on his 2nd expedition to determine his position, this gorgeous instrument is the perfect tribute to one of Britain’s greatest pioneering heroes.
In 1768, James Cook was appointed by the Admiralty to voyage across the ocean initially to record the transit of Venus. They then pushed on in search for lands in the hypothetical “Southern Continent”, the Terra Australis Incognita. On board his ship, the Endeavour, Captain Cook took to the seas and within 14 months discovered what we now know as New Zealand. Over the next year, the Endeavour continued its expedition along the Australian coastline, landing in Botany Bay and claiming the land for Britain. On the 13th of July 1771, and after three years at sea, the expedition of the Endeavour finally returned to Britain.
The story of James Cook and his famous voyages to the corners of the Earth are not unknown to the watch world. Ball’s new interpretation leaves the vintage aesthetic behind and provides us with a traditional looking dress watch full of striking nautical details and an impressive chronometer certified movement.
The dial of the Ball Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer Limited Edition watch is stunning, kept simple with white enamel, painted Roman numerals and sleek ocean blue hands. James Cook’s signature has been included on the dial at 6 o clock to compliment the traditional BALL logo above it. The seconds hand is also beautifully decorated with a ‘RR’ decoration at its tip to tribute the brand’s relationship with the American railroads.
While the classic Roman numerals provide a traditional aesthetic, the hands and dial are equipped with 14 of the brand’s famous micro gas tubes for an undeniably modern finish. For those who haven’t come across Ball’s micro gas tubes before, they offer incredible luminosity in the dark considered to be 100 times brighter than markings using luminous pain. They are completely self-powered by natural and artificial light with a lifetime reaching over 25 years.
Further proof of Ball’s unbeatable innovation is the BALL RR1101-C automatic calibre hidden within the 40mm stainless steel case. This exquisite chronometer certified movement has undergone intense testing for guaranteed precision and equips the timepiece with hour, minute and sweeping seconds, a date window at 3 o clock and a power reserve of 42 hours. We aren’t able to admire the movement within the Ball Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer Limited Edition watch, but we are instead treated to a splendid closed case back engraved with a special decoration of James Cook himself and the unique limited-edition number.
With a retail price of only £1,970, it’s not difficult to see the 250 pieces of the Ball Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer selling out shortly after its release in July. With both a stunning aesthetic and a chronometer certified movement, this limited edition Ball Company watch is certainly one for the collectors. For more information on this watch and where to order your own, click here.
Specifications: Ball Trainmaster Endeavour Chronometer Limited Edition Watch (NM3288D-S2CJ/-LL2CJ-WH)
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass
- Case Back: Closed with special James Cook engraving
- Water Resistance: 50 metres
- Movement: BALL RR1101-C, automatic calibre, COSC certified
- Functions: Hour, minutes, sweep seconds, date at 3 o clock
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Vibrations: 28,800 vph
- Jewels: 25
- Dial: White enamel with blue hands and 14 micro gas tubes
- Strap: Available on stainless steel bracelet or black crocodile leather strap
- RRP: £2,040
- Limited Edition: 250 pieces
- Release Date: July 2019
