Stories Told Through Time
When Grand Rapids Watch Company was founded, the driving purpose was, “How can we tell incredible stories while being a watch company that represents Grand Rapids?” With that at the forefront, our business values took shape. Treat people how you want to be treated, and make each purchase a force for good. Grand Rapids Watch Company will never sell anything we do not believe in, and we will donate to charity with every watch sold.
The handmade collection values the uniqueness of assembling custom watches in Grand Rapids, while our numbered releases honor what makes us proud of Grand Rapids and Michigan: our history, our heroes, our special places, and our triumphs.
Stories Told Through Time
This is a non‑refundable pre‑order, as these watches will be made‑to‑order. Refunds will be issued if the watch does not meet the threshold to be produced.
When searching for a great Michigander to honor with the first numbered release from Grand Rapids Watch Company, we did not have to look far. John Ball was our own version of Lewis & Clark, becoming the first American to farm on the French Prairie, and the first public school teacher in Oregon. By his own admission he was “Born to Wander” as evidenced by his autobiography with that title. Not one to relax, after “settling down” in Grand Rapids, John Ball was also a realtor, lawyer, legislator, school board member, and an author. He was extraordinarily popular in Grand Rapids and was known to help locals, especially other farmers. Upon his death he fulfilled his final promise to the city and donated 40 acres of land to become a park for all to enjoy. This became locally known as the “Ball 40”.
The Ball 40 watch honors his legacy; it is a tool‑forward field watch that is ready for exploration, with a scratch‑resistant sapphire crystal and 10 ATM water resistance. As versatile as John himself, the Ball 40 is just as ready for a visit to the state legislature or a stroll around the zoo that bears his name. From the old style cream dial to the brushed sides of the field watch case, we believe we’ve created a watch that John would have been proud to wear as he journeyed through the rugged West Michigan landscape. Read more about the creative process that led to the Ball 40 being made here!
Ball 40: A watch honoring a great person, made to be worn by great people everywhere.
Grand Rapids Watch Company is donating $10 from every Ball 40 watch sold to the John Ball Zoo to honor his legacy independent of the charity’s endorsement.
Grand Rapids Watch Company has no formal relationship with the John Ball Zoo. These donations will be made after watches are delivered.
Watch Features and Specifications:
Design: Grand Rapids Watch Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Product Photography: Grand Rapids Watch Company at GRWC Headquarters, Grand Rapids Watch Company at John Ball Park/Zoo
Logo Design: Zander Mack, Cleveland, Ohio
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (China)
Case Size: 37mm
Case Size with Crown: 39mm
Lug to Lug: 45mm
Thickness: 9.8mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Seiko VH31 “Meca-quartz” Movement (Japan)
Water Resistance: 10 ATM
Lume: Blue BGW9
Strap: Black FKM
Help us unlock additional features:
If we receive 100 pre‑orders:
All orders will receive a code for 15% off a future strap order.
If we receive 200 pre‑orders:
Every order will receive the benefits of the 100 pre‑order tier plus an extra strap at no additional cost.
We estimate that orders will ship before the end of 2026. Regular updates will be communicated via the Grand Rapids Watch Company Blog.
Prototypes are not finalized products and are subject to change. This watch is covered under Grand Rapids Watch Company’s warranty. Learn more about our warranty coverage here.
Whether you look out on a clear, crisp winter’s day or sit in the sand on a great summer night, you know that the sunsets over Lake Michigan never fail to impress. This quintessential Michigander experience was the inspiration for this one of a kind watch.
From the wave gradient dial to the Lake Michigan blue second hand, no detail was spared in the creation of this piece. The double markers inlaid in the watch are a unique design choice that was made to create a depth effect, to remind you of those sunsets on the horizon.
The 120 click uni-directional bezel is smooth and ready to time; whether that’s how long it takes for the sun to go down, how long your coffee break has been, or anything in between.
No watch honoring the Great Lakes is complete without contributing to preserving the Great Lakes in some way. $10 of the proceeds of the Lake Michigan Sunset will be donated to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, a non profit devoted “to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife”. Grand Rapids Watch Company has no formal relationship with this charity. These donations will be made after watch or watches are delivered.
Watch Specifications and Origin:
Design: Grand Rapids Watch Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Logo Design: Zander Mack, Cleveland Ohio
Assembly: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel (China)
Case Size: 40mm
Case Size with Crown: 43.5mm
Lug to Lug: 49mm
Crystal: Sapphire Coated Glass
Movement: Seiko NH35 Automatic Movement (Japan)
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Lume: 2 tone Green and Blue (C3 and BGW9)
Strap: Blue FKM/Sailcloth hybrid
This watch is covered under Grand Rapids Watch Company’s warranty. Learn more about our warranty coverage here.
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