Ball-Hamilton "Single roller" markings

June 05, 2017, 20:44

Theodore J. Brown Sr.

Since we're on a roll with Ball watches, I have a question that's been bugging me for a long time.On some 18s, ( I think)Ball-Hamilton movements, they are proudly marked "SINGLE ROLLER".I've always wondered why Ball had that marking put on them, since Waltham had long before started using the much better double roller.Doesn't seem like a single roller on a railroad grade would be much of a selling feature.Was Webb Ball against double rollers too? Thanks!

June 06, 2017, 00:51

Lindell V. Riddle

The United States Watch Company was the earliest I am aware of, they marketed Double Roller Escapements in 1893 on their "The President" models. These pioneering movements were such fine timekeepers that they were guaranteed to keep time to within a variation of something less than six seconds a month. (NOTE: Follow the link above in this paragraph, then scroll-up to see some more U. S. Watch Company products.)

Other companies soon adopted the Double Roller feature to avoid "over-banking" which would cause a movement to suddenly stop if slammed abruptly, something that indeed could happen in the rough and tumble environment of a locomotive.

As I explained in 2003...

"Webb C. Ball is certainly one of the most intriguing characters we encounter in the study of watch and clock related items and materials. Today, many of us have come to recognize Ball for being a true merchandising genius and I would be willing to bet the only reason he had marked "Single Roller" movements produced was to be able to show a perceived as inferior watch in comparison the Double Roller versions he also had available for sale. Both then and now "trading-up" the customer can be a very successful marketing ploy."

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Marked as "SINGLE ROLLER" Ball-Hamilton 170249 from my collection...

June 06, 2017, 08:19

Theodore J. Brown Sr.

Thanks again Lin, I should have searched it first, didn't realized this was discussed before. Take care, Ted.

June 09, 2017, 02:12

Bruce Byrd

A few years back (many to be honest) I had the opportunity to purchase a single roller for almost nothing. It was at a flea market in El Centro, California. I passed at the time due to the fact it had a broken staff and the case was very brassy. This was in my very early stages of collecting and wanted a watch that ran And looked good. if I knew then as I know now I would have scooped it up. I have one in my collection of Ball watches but continue to kick myself at the one that got away..