Webster Clay Ball

Webster Clay Ball (born October 6, 1847 in Fredericktown , Ohio ; † 1922 , short: Webb C. Ball ) was an American jeweler and watchmaker .

After a two-year apprenticeship at a jewelry store, Ball set up shop in Cleveland as a partner in a jewelry store. When the American Standard time in 1883, it was assumed he was the first jeweler who the time signal of the United States Naval Observatory used to supply Cleveland with a precise time.

In 1891 it came in Kipton (Ohio) to a railway accident , by a nachgehende pocket a dispatcher was caused. The American Railway Authority then commissioned Ball as Chief Time Inspector to develop reliable control systems and quality standards for railway chronometers.

He introduced strict guidelines for the manufacture of robust and reliable precision watches. This included requirements for the use of anti-magnetic cases, keeping the time in five positions, a sufficient power reserve and the design of the dial. Every watch successfully tested according to these guidelines received a certificate. Today's criteria for the certification of chronometers by the COSC are based on the standards of Webb C. Ball.

The Waltham Watch Company immediately agreed to the requirements of Ball's guidelines, later followed by the Elgin National Watch Company and most of the other American watch manufacturers: Aurora , Hamilton , Hampden , E. Howard , Illinois , Seth Thomas . Some Swiss watch manufacturers such as Audemars Piguet , Longines and Vacheron Constantin followed later .

Ball became Vice President of the Hamilton Watch Company and focused his efforts on developing watches for the railroad. On February 10, 1907, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers recognized his efforts with an honorary membership. The Horological Institute of America celebrated its services on October 20, 1921.

Ball died in 1922.

Ball Watch Company

Ball's original jewelry business in Cleveland evolved into the Ball Watch Company . Raw movements or complete pocket watches from other manufacturers were purchased, which were then refined and resold. Movements by Elgin, Hamilton and Waltham were used initially, but then switched to Swiss movements in the early 1940s. The company remained in the hands of direct descendants until the naming rights were sold in 1990.

The new company Ball Watch , based in Neuchâtel , continues the tradition, but using Swiss clocks. In addition, sporty wristwatches are made.

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personal data
SURNAME	Ball, Webster Clay
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Ball, Webb C.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	American jeweler and watchmaker
DATE OF BIRTH	October 6, 1847
PLACE OF BIRTH	Fredericktown , Ohio
DATE OF DEATH	1922