Jeremy Webb takes looks at the Ball Engineer Master II Waco Glider, a timepiece paying homage to the courage displayed by the people who fought in WWII.
I have a passion for military history, particularly the Second World War, reading many stories of bravery by men who served their country. War also produces inventions to aid service members, one of these is celebrated 75 years after victory in Europe.
Ball Watches has designed the strictly limited Engineer Master II Waco Glider to honour the aircraft and those who flew in them.
The Waco Gliders were constructed of lightweight wood, designed to fly troops and arms into hard to reach heavily defended positions. They were at the forefront of D-Day were Airborne troops landed close to important bridges in Normandy. The Engineer Master II Waco Glider is based on an Officers’ watch of the period; Ball combines this design with modern watchmaking expertise creating a vintage look beautiful timepiece.
Ease of reading the time is paramount in any military watch; thus, Ball has opted for a minimalistic approach for the Waco Glider. The clock numerals at 12, 6 and 3 along with the hands and the hour batons benefit from revolutionary micro gas tubes. The overall effect from this eye-catching while retaining a clean look to the piece.
In low-light and even dark conditions, the industry-leading technology delivers incomparable brightness. The centre of the case back is left blank serving as a canvas for customisation. This is an ideal place for engraving the owner’s name or to places a short personalised message to a loved one.
I can’t think of a more fitting way to mark the design of these Gliders and to honour the men who flew in them—a timepiece to celebrate a historic time.
The Ball Engineer Master II Waco Glider – Where and How?
Up to then 13th January 2021, the Engineer Master II Waco Glider is available at an exclusive price Marking respect to courageous soldiers who fought for freedom.
- Pre-order price: £1450
- Full price: £1940
- Limited edition to 1943pcs
- Manual BALL calibre RR2102
- 26 micro gas tubes for night reading capability
- Hours, minutes and subsidiary seconds
- Ø 46mm
- Stainless steel case
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
- Sapphire crystal transparent window
- Push-in crown
- Black, blue or green dial, calf strap with pin buckle
- Complimentary NATO strap
Read more timepiece-related articles in our dedicated watch and jewellery section here.
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