Introducing the Ball Watch Roadmaster Icebreaker

It should be no surprise to anyone that, when Ball introduces a new watch, I am more than a little interested. Sure, what I gravitate towards in their lineup has shifted over time, but they are still producing things that I’m finding interesting. The latest of these, which is now up for pre-order, is the Ball Watch Roadmaster Icebreaker.

Right from the get-go, the Ball Watch Roadmaster Icebreaker has the look of a dressier sport watch from the 70s with the shorter, angled lug block coming off of the 40mm case, which then blends into the familiar style of bracelet that Ball uses (albeit, with some changes to pull it into the design language of this watch). From the shortened lugs to the narrow bezel, everything is minimized in a way to draw the attention to the dial under the cyclops-endowed sapphire crystal.

Here, again, the Ball Watch Roadmaster Icebreaker gives the look of a classic. You’ve got bold indices (the hour markers are made of flat tritium tubes, with the 12 o’clock one in yellow) that stretch across the entirety of the minute track. At the inside of that track, you’ve got a bevel down to a lower level, and there, we find a 42-hour power reserve indicator taking up residence. That, along with the date display (still not color-matching that date disc for some reason) make up the complications that go along with hours-minutes-seconds, indicated by a nicely-proportioned set of hands.

In my book, the Ball Watch Roadmaster Icebreaker is an interesting addition to the catalog. I could maybe do without the power reserve indication, but otherwise, this is a design that splits the difference for someone trying to decide between a sportier or a dressier watch. The one thing I’d be a little cautious about is how well aftermarket straps would fit into the shortened lugs; you may need to stick with OE for that. If you’re interested in the watch, Ball has these currently on pre-order. If you want the standard RR1702 movement, you’ll be paying $1,799 with the tapered steel bracelet; going for the COSC-certified movement bumps the price up to $2,049. There are three different dial colors up for grabs (blue, black, or white) and only 1,000 pieces are planned to be made.ballwatch.ch

Watch Overview

Brand & Model: Ball Watch Loadmaster Icebreak
Price: Pre-order pricing is either $1,799 or $2,049 (depends on movement selection)

Who we think it might be for:
Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?
If I could make one design suggestion, it would be:

What spoke to me the most about this watch:

Tech Specs from Ball Watch

Pre-order price: USD 1,799 – 2,049
Movements
- Automatic caliber BALL RR1702-C (Chronometer certified COSC)
- Automatic caliber BALL RR1702
42 Hours power reserve indication