Waterford has made the Times Square New Year's Eve ball since 2000.
The ball is covered with Waterford crystal panels, linking the modern countdown to Ireland's long glassmaking tradition. The partnership began for the millennium celebration and continued as the ball was redesigned and enlarged for later celebrations.
The Times Square ball is not a solid crystal sphere. Its illuminated surface is formed from many triangular crystal panels mounted on a geodesic framework. The design has changed over time, and the current ball is far larger than the original ball used in 1907.
A common mix-up is confusing Waterford, the crystal manufacturer, with the New York institution that operates the event. The countdown is organized in Times Square, while Waterford supplies the signature crystal covering. The ball is raised above One Times Square before the final minute of December 31.