The New Tear's Eve Ball installation

New York—Each year, millions of eyes around the world are focused on this iconic crystal ball, sparkling high on top of Times Square waiting for its famous decent during the countdown of the final seconds of the year. On Dec. 27, workers installed 192 new Waterford Crystals on this year's sphere. The ball is covered with 2,688 Waterford crystals and is 12 feet in diameter, weighing nearly 12,000 pounds. Each year they replace 192 crystals with a brand new theme and brand new design, and this year’s theme features the “gift of Harmony” design. All 192 replaced crystals will be donated to charity and good causes. “We celebrate the 'gift of Harmony' this year, which is part of our greatest gift series, it’s like a global sentiment. Harmony is all about having that balance of mind and body and of the soul,” said Tom Brennan, a master artisan. The New Year’s Eve Ball drop tradition started in 1907 when the city banned fireworks, and it has been an annual tradition ever since. It was only canceled in 1942 and 1943 due to World War II. Since 1907, seven versions of the ball have been designed to signal in the New Year. This year's crystal ball will be raised into place on New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m. ET, and start its drop during the last minute of the year.