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:
If we receive 200 pre‑orders:
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.
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:
If we receive 200 pre‑orders:
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.
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