Pennsylvania Magazine

Pennsylvania Watchmaking: A Time-Honored Tradition Lancaster County, once known as the cradle of the American watchmaking industry, has a rich history in timekeeping. The Hamilton Watch Company in Lancaster produced its first watch here in 1893 and over the next century would make some of the finest timepieces in the world.

With such a rich history in watchmaking, it is no surprise that Pennsylvania is also the location of two relatively new watchmakers who have decided to make a name for themselves in the timekeeping industry: RGM Watch Company in Mount Joy.

RGM Watch Company

Roland G. Murphy caught the watchmaking bug while working at Hamilton Watch Company back in the 1980's.

"Hamilton Watch was owned by a Swiss company back at that time," Murphy says. "Eventually I decided I wanted to do my own thing and have been doing it ever since."

His company, which is located in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, has been filling a niche in the high-quality watchmaking world since 1992. The RGM Watch Company produces between 200 and 400 watches a year.

In 2008, he introduced the RGM 801, which Murphy says is the first high-grade mechanical watch movement made in America in decades. His small company, which employs 10 people, caters to enthusiasts and watch collectors but will work with anyone who is interested in purchasing a high-quality timepiece.

In crafting watches, Murphy marries the old with the new by using antique, hand-operated machinery along with more modern, automated machines. Murphy owns five guilloche machines that he uses to embellish his watches.

"I use the antique and hand-driven machines to cut decorative geometric engravings on the movement or the dial," he says, explaining that this method was also used on Faberge eggs for the czar of Russia. "The work is difficult, but the eye appeal is very beautiful."

RGM & The NFL Champions

Roland Murphy delivers custom RGM to Coach Harbaugh of 2012/13 NFL Champions Although RGM Watch Company is proud to carry the banner of American Watchmaking and to continue the heritage of horological accomplishment in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, our founder, Roland Murphy, was actually born just down Rte. 83 in Baltimore, Maryland. As a native of the Charm City, Roland was very happy recently to honor his hometown’s recent NFL championship by presenting a custom-built RGM 151 to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

The watch, a titanium-cased automatic, was delivered by Roland to Coach Harbaugh at the Raven’s training facility on December 13. Custom features of this unique commemorative piece include a subtle Baltimore Ravens crest printed on the black dial, a Ravens logo etched onto the sapphire display back and, hand-engraved around the case back, the World Champions 2012, Coach John Harbaugh.

The RGM Model 151 series, is one of our most popular models has an American made case, it's most frequently cased in steel, but the choice of titanium—a very durable yet lightweight element—seemed appropriate in the context of professional sports. Despite the image of impressive size that most fans associate with professional football players, as a group these athletes represent a wide spectrum of specialized abilities and must be very agile and able to withstand intense physical activity. A specialized version of our most versatile watch seemed an appropriate gift.

This is not the first time RGM has chosen to honor Baltimore and its own rich history. The inaugural edition of our tall ships series featured the famous USS Constellation (RGM Ref. 170), today moored prominently in the Inner Harbor. RGM is very happy to offer our congratulations to Coach Harbaugh, the Ravens organization and the city of Baltimore!

Custom Tourbillon Pendant

When considering your options for a custom timepiece from RGM Watch Company, what possibilities come to mind? Perhaps you favor unconventional guilloché patterns or custom skeletonization for the movement, personalized printing or engraving on the dial, or specially colored straps made from exotic skins? The client who ordered a recent creation to be produced in the RGM workshops would consider those possibilities simply a good place to start.

This new piece, based upon our exclusive Pennsylvania Tourbillon Caliber--the only US-made serially produced tourbillon --encompasses many such elements and much more. Nearly every component of this new watch was modified or produced especially for this singular creation. To begin with, this is the first RGM made to be worn around the neck. The case is made from 18K rose gold with yellow gold bezels and features a pendant attachment opposite the crown. It is a striking embodiment of the most delicate of watchmaking complications, meant for its own ticking heartbeat to be positioned close to the wearer’s own heart.

The main bridge is fashioned from solid rose gold and has been hand-decorated with engravings of lily blossoms, and a single winged lion. Two of the lilies appear to reach toward and hold in place the central ruby setting of the tourbillon--a fanciful juxtaposition of delicate flowers and the fabled A-L Breguet invention known as the whirlwind of horology. Additional features include a hand-finished solid silver dial with unique flower shaped markers and elegant blued steel hands, all provided to meet the wishes of the customer.

The finished piece is suspended from a wonderful solid gold rope chain, and delivered seated within a hand-made wooden musical display box, custom produced specifically for RGM by local Lancaster County craftsmen.

Having met the challenges posed in the creation of such a piece, we are very proud to announce its completion and invite aficionados of our watches to contact us with their own special requests. Feel free to contact us directly to chat, or make an appointment to visit our workshop and discuss your project. Many of the custom pieces we have previously completed are available for viewing at RGMwatches.com to provide you with ideas or inspiration.

RGM'S CALIBER 20!

RGM'S CALIBER 20:

The response to RGM’s announcement of our third in-house movement, Caliber 20, has been strong and positive. We’re glad to say that the first completed watches are already coming out of Mount Joy. The first example to be shipped from RGM’s workshop (pictured) was a custom order, and features some very special components such as a platinum case, solid rose gold guilloche dial, and moon discs of mother-of-pearl.

Created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of RGM Watch Company, this milestone movement incorporates many elements that recall the finest products from the heyday of American watchmaking: the barrel-shape of the movement, the delicately curved bridges, and the smooth operation of the motor barrel. It carries on the traditions of History in the Watchmaking-- a concept dear to RGM.

The visual cues found in all three of our in-house movements recall benchmark creations from the likes of Hamilton and Edward Howard. Our use of multi-toothed clicks, jeweled barrels and the “secometer”-style seconds display should signal to the initiated that RGM is serious about honoring the American traditions, though such features are intended to captivate all aficionados of fine watchmaking.

As much as we wish to celebrate the past, we are serious also about advancing the cause of American watchmaking. This can be seen with an examination of the Caliber 20’s moon phase construction. The most frequently seen type of moon phase display is based on a 29-tooth wheel which is inaccurate enough in a 29.5-day cycle that it will need to be adjusted several times yearly. The Caliber 20 moon phase is constructed such that, if kept running, the accumulation of a similar error would require 120 years.

It is gratifying for us to have received such excellent support from our customers and fans—so much so that the waiting list for Cal. 20 watches is larger than we anticipated. We want to assure you that all appropriate care is being taken to fulfill the orders with the highest quality and least delay possible.

RGM’s toughest watch just got tougher !

RGM Model 300 Ceramic Bezel  Insert RGM’s toughest watch just got  tougher… !

The RGM Model 300 Diver, favored  alike by hobbyist outdoorsmen and professional divers has recently received an  upgrade to the graduated bezel insert.  Experienced divers know that the rotating bezel of their timepiece is  often subjected to shock or contact with undersea obstacles. It is an easily  replaced part of course, but a very useful one for timing dive stages, so  protecting it is imperative. Recognizing this, RGM has developed a highly  scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert to enhance both the durability and the  beauty of the Model 300.

Available on all new Model 300 watches, the bezel is offered in both black (Model 300) and blue (Model 300-2). The watch still features the same rugged 43.2mm stainless steel case with 5mm thick sapphire crystal but is now more able to withstand exposure to hazardous, unpredictable environments. A difference in color and texture is evident in a comparison of the Model 300-2’s original insert with the new ceramic ones; the brushed metallic glow has been supplanted by a more muted and subtle splash of glossy color. In both ceramic versions, a tad more contrast is apparent, a visibility benefit that should be welcome to divers.

The new bezel inserts can be retro-fitted to any existing RGM 300; owners interested in this upgrade are invited to inquire with RGM Service. All Model 300s are water resistant to 2500 feet, made of high-quality steel, and available with steel bracelet, or with silicon straps of blue or black. Custom options are also available—as with any RGM watch— including mother-of-pearl dials or personalized engraving. Please contact us to discuss all the options and to learn more about RGM Watch Company.

20th Anniversary "Caliber 20"

Our Third in-house movement "Caliber 20" is our first with a Motor Barrel.  Top grade American railroad watches from the past had a "Motor Barrel" , models like the Illinois Bunn Special , Hamilton 950 , and others from great American Watch Brands.

The "Motor Barrel" is an American invention and was used only on the highest grade models. The benefit of the design is that is reduces friction and wear in the mainspring barrel bearing surfaces, thus transmitting power more efficiently.

It was a natural choice to incorporate the "Motor Barrel" in our new in-house movement.

American Made

Caliber 20.

Case: American Made, Polished Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal, Sapphire Crystal display back, 42.5 mm X 38.5 mm / thickness 9.7 mm.

Functions: Hour , Minute , Seconds on Disk , Precise Moon Phase.

Caliber: RGM 20 , American Made, manual Wind, 19 Jewels, 18,000 vph, Cote de Geneve, perlage , Anglage finish, Unique Motor Barrel System.

Dial: Option of a Skeleton or *Full Guilloche. ( *full guilloche images are not shown ).

Hands: Blued Steel Keystone Hour and Minute hands.

Strap: Brown or Black Louisiana Alligator.

Buckle: Signed RGM Stainless Steel.

Pricing: $19,500.00 *Please contact us for pricing in Gold.

You're Invited: Tour of the RGM Watch Co.

You are cordially invited...Tour of the RGM Watch CO & the NAWCC Museum.

Since it’s founding in 1992, RGM has become a well-known brand among watch aficionados and collectors. As we are a small company who’s focus is on creating a limited number of bespoke, unique timepieces each year, RGM is not often able to grant the many requests we receive to tour our facility here in Lancaster, PA. In celebration of RGM’s 20th anniversary, we are providing a special opportunity for you to see American Watchmaking here at RGM.

On Saturday, September 1, 2012, we are opening our doors to invite you to a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of RGM. Many of you know how passionate Roland Murphy is about preserving alive the ancient craft of guillochè. This tour will allow you to observe this machinery in motion as he demonstrates how we create some of the beautiful engraved patterns found on our watches. You will also witness firsthand how we marry the old with the new by seeing vintage machines work in harmony with modern technology, such as our CNC milling machines, to create our unique timepieces. This tour will provide the opportunity to observe our watchmakers assemble movements, refinish watch parts and cases, and the making of watch parts. We will provide our guests time to examine our timepieces personally. Should you decide to take advantage of this occasion to acquire one of our watches for yourself, we will be offering a Special Show price for that day only.

The second phase of this event will take place at the National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA. As a special bonus, attendees will be guided through the museum by Mr. Murphy himself.

Because space is limited, we request you reserve your attendance as soon as possible by contacting Richard Baugh at rgmdesigns@aol.com. A modest donation, which we will present to the NAWCC Museum, will confirm your reservation.

Itinerary

Saturday, September 1, 2012, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. RGM Watch Co., 801 W. Main St., Mount Joy, PA 17552

Attendees will be provided a two hour break for lunch, then reconvene at the NAWCC Museum.

National Watch & Clock Museum, Columbia, PA 17512, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you there!

NEW MODEL: Series 2 "Blue Diver".

Series - 2 Professional Limited Edition Diver. Following on the heels of the successful release of our initial dive watch (RGM Model 300 ) the RGM Watch Company announces immediate availability of Series 2 in a limited release. This second series, known as 300-2, comprises 100 examples with a very special set of blue color options appropriate to exploring the deep blue sea or the wild blue yonder. On the new Model 300-2, a brushed blue bezel insert replaces the standard black one and immediately attracts the eye. To complement this change, two blue dials are also available—the first is matte blue single-sunk, based loosely on the original matte black version.

However, this Series 2 blue dial includes some interesting design changes. The hour markers do not extend into the sunken portion of the dial, and the date window can be placed at either 3:00 or 6:00. The hue of the matte dial exactly matches that of the bezel, creating a multi-layer effect that is striking. A second dial option is Sunray Blue—a dynamic, metallic finish that reflects varying shades of blue depending upon the angle and the available light. This is also available with the date placement options described above.

Even in low light, the 300-2 adheres to the blue theme; though the hands and markers are treated with white SuperLuminova C1, it emits blue light. The hands are partially skeletonized; another subtle change from the Series 1 black Model 300.

As with all RGM Professional watches, the blue Model 300-2 will be of sturdy construction: water resistant to 2500 feet, made of high-quality steel, and available with steel bracelet, or with silicon straps of blue or black. Custom options are also available—as on all RGM watches—including mother-of-pearl dials or personalized engraving. Please contact us to discuss all the options and to learn more about RGM Watch Company.

Caliber: RGM/ETA 2892 - Automatic, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph. Rhodium, finished in - Cote de Geneve, perlage Functions: Hour / Minute, Second Case: BrushedStainless Steel. 43.5mm X 17.0mm. 5.0 mm Sapphire crystal Weight: 5.6 oz (with Stainless Steel Bracelet: 8.3 oz) Dial: Option of a Matte Blue or Deep Sun Ray Blue Finish. Hands: Hour / Minute - Sweep Second - white with Natural Super Luminova Date: Option of No Date , Date at 3:00 or Date at 6:00. Strap: Black or Blue Rubber Strap. Buckle: Brushed

SEE VIDEO HERE: RGM Blue Diver in ACTION!

NEW MODEL: 801 AIRCRAFT

RGM 801 Aircraft

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Massive radial engines sputtering and smoking, squadrons flying in formation—there are however many visual details that conjure up recollections of these vintage Aircraft.

For the watch aficionado, few are as compelling as the timepieces made by great American watchmaking companies of that era. RGM Watch Company has drawn upon such historical influences as elaborate cockpit clocks and timers to create their made-in-America 801 Aircraft series.

The inspiration for RGM’s 801 Aircraft watch is a navigational instrument created jointly for the US by Elgin and Hamilton Watch Company's in the 1940s: the model AN5741-1 clock. It was the pinnacle of airborne timekeeping, used mainly in B-17s and B-29s. This 8-day clock with 24-hour display, date, elapsed mission time and chronograph was but one of the timekeeping devices that would have been found on such aircraft, but it was by far the most complicated and technologically advanced. Though its diverse combination of functions is fascinating to the watch & clock fan, the bold functionality of the dial--with its blend of numeric indicators, stealthy black background and luminous indicators—is clearly the focal point. It evokes a period in history.

The RGM 801 Aircraft watch pays tribute to the AN5741-1, and the heritage of American watchmaking that made it possible.A hand-wound time-only watch with small seconds, the 801 Aircraft is powered by RGM’s exclusive19-jewel Caliber 801, the first wristwatch movement to be serially produced in the United States after a 40-year period of inactivity. Available with a plating of rhodium ( silver ) or gold, the 801 movement is proudly housed in a case of brushed stainless steel. Distressed leather straps add to the vintage appeal.

But as with the original, it is the dial of the 801 Aircraft that makes this watch stand out. Using the original AN5741-1 as inspiration, RGM has combined elements of the 24-hour clock, the large 60-unit subsidiary register, and its distinctive color scheme into a classic package. A special feature of this watch is the faithful recreation of the AN5741-1’s luminous hands with black hubs. A variety of combinations of markers and luminous are available.

The customer can choose to emphasize 24-hour time, 12-hour time, or elapsed 60 minutes ,simply by the selection of dial. A large subsidiary seconds chapter aids in marking time accurately, and subtle details such as the Keystone logo and signature at 6:00 indicate the pride that RGM takes in manufacturing its components, and assembling the watch, in Pennsylvania.More details about pricing and available configurations of the 801 Aircraft and other models of RGM’s American Made timepieces are available by contacting RGM directly. (717) 653-9799.

See More details here:

http://rgmwatches.com/collections/American%20Made/801A.php

RGM Celebrates its 20th Anniversary

RGM Celebrates its 20th Anniversary, 1992-2012 To commemorate our 20th anniversary, we are excited to announce Caliber "20", our third in-house American-made movement at the GTE in Geneva Switzerland. "Caliber 20" is our first with a Motor Barrel. Top grade American railroad watches from the past had a "Motor Barrel", models like the Illinois Bunn Special, Hamilton 950, and others from great American watch brands. The "Motor Barrel" is a American invention and was used only on the highest grade models. The benefit of the design is that it reduces friction and wear in the mainspring barrel bearing surfaces, thus transmitting power more efficiently. It was a natural choice to incorporate the "Motor Barrel" in our new in house movement. Caliber 20: Functions: Hour / Minute , Second, Moonphase. Caliber: American Made, Manual wind, 22 jewels, 18,000 vph. Main plate and Bridges Made of German Silver, Jeweled Motor Barrel, Train Wheels with Shaped Arms, Circular Cote de Geneve, perlage & Anglage. Also featured at the GTE event this year - RGM's new Model 801 Professional "Aircraft" ,and our New Ladies only RGM.

History in Watchmaking RGM Watch Company was founded in 1992 by American watchmaker Roland G. Murphy; ever since, he as been "making history in watchmaking" here in America. This simple phrase describes much of what takes place at RGM. While continually producing bespoke timepieces, such as the Caliber 801 and the Pennsylvania Tourbillon, RGM has kept the great traditions of fine watchmaking in focus. Modern manufacturing co-exists with antique, hand-operated machinery. Hand-blued screws and hand-polished components are at home among the close tolerances afforded by automated machines. Our goal is to offer not only the finest watches made in the USA, but the finest watches available, and we believe this requires equal efforts to improve current methods while at the same time preserving tradition. The RGM web site enables visitors to become familiar with our company, our products, and our repair and restoration services. Read the interviews, admire the custom-built watches, watch the films, and you will begin to understand why RGM has so many admirers and repeat customers. People who buy an RGM watch often return for another, utilize our repair and restoration services, and tell their friends. RGM Watch Company is located in a small town in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, an area with a rich history of watchmaking in America’s past. The time-honored approach of dealing one-on-one with people is instilled in RGM, and is as much a reflection of where we live as where we work. We take great pride in doing a job the right way while providing great value. RGM is proud of manufacturing watch parts, cases and movements here in the USA. In the 1880's the great age of modernized watchmaking began in America. Today, both history and watchmaking are alive and well at RGM.

Elements of RGM's Caliber 801.

Visitors to the RGM web site frequently take note of the variety of models we offer within a single product line. Some of our watches—for example, referencing "P" ( 151P ) —are available as ‘professional’ models with pilot-style black dial. Or with a more elegant silver dial, with decorative engraving "E" ( 250E ). This method of designating the variants within a product group has been carried over into RGM’s newest watches, including the Pennsylvania Series of American-made watches powered by our own Caliber 801.

The Pennsylvania Series watches, designated by the prefix PS, are not only made in America, but feature cases and movements made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania—a traditional watchmaking region that is also RGM’s home. Adorned with a keystone on the winding crown—symbolic of the Keystone State—the PS watches are powered exclusively by the in-house designed and built Caliber 801.

RGM offers many options to the buyer of a Pennsylvania Series watch. The movement itself is available with a finish of yellow gold or rhodium plating. Mechanical options such as an elegant 7-tooth click or wolf’s-tooth winding wheels are available.

The face of an RGM PS 801 is clearly as important to the personality of the watch as its noteworthy motor. Thus, the Pennsylvania Series watches are made with the utmost attention to design details. We judiciously employ stylistic elements that set the 801 apart from other watches, while also identifying them as part of the RGM family. The following models from the PS 801 series each embrace the RGM style, but each is individualistic and appeals to different customers for different reasons.

PS 801 E is the reference number assigned to the Pennsylvania Series 801s that feature engine-turned decorations—applied in RGM’s own workshops with antique rose engines. Known as guilloché, this decorative style of engraving has long been used for the decoration of jewelry and watches. For several years, RGM has been among the few watchmaking firms cutting our own guilloché. For the PS 801 E, hand-cut guilloché (never machine-stamped) is applied to the silver dial. Many options are available for customization according to the customer’s wishes, including a wide array of guilloché patterns, dial and printing colors, and hand engraving—applied to the dial or to the movement itself. The typical PS 801 E features an elegant silver dial with engraved chapter rings and complementary engraved patterns within the hours/minutes chapter and that of the small seconds.

PS 801 S features a dial that is skeletonized, or cut-away to reveal elements of the movement beneath. The center of the dial is artfully removed, leaving the seconds chapter intact, to expose jewels, blued screws and some polished components of the setting and winding system of Caliber 801. The dial is available with Roman or Arabic numerals—customizable, as always, in silver or deep black with luminous elements beside the hour markers.

PS 801 ES, as you may expect, is a combination of both the skeletonized dial and hand-cut guilloché. For this version, the engraving is applied directly to the movement plate, and is visible through the removed portions of the dial, combining two dramatic visual features into one breath-taking package.

Other series of RGM watches use these abbreviations, and others, to identify special features. While perusing our web site you may notice such designations as BD (big date), O (orange dial), or MOP (dial made of mother-of-pearl), or even combinations of these. We hope this short description assists you in deciphering our simple code. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about ordering or customizing an RGM watch.

PART 11: Home Sweet Home.

Having departed in August 2010 from his native France, on an odyssey to circle the globe, Romain returned home recently. He provided us with his thoughts on completing his ambitious five-continent trek, the lessons he has learned, and on the performance of his traveling companion: the RGM North Pointer GMT.

“I very much enjoyed discovering new places and meeting new people. Of course it's always helpful meeting people because they help one understand the places where they live. Sometimes our schedule forced us to move on unwillingly…a heavy sigh at the time of leaving but with mild regret as there was always the rest of the trip to look forward to.

“The more the journey advanced, the more I was at ease with people and could chat easily with them on many topics. And now that I am back home, I find I can be more outgoing with foreign travelers…and they are surprised and pleased to meet someone who is friendly and eager to help. I can't help thinking how different I was ten months ago.

Of the people Romain met en route: “One sees a huge difference in personalities…but all those we met had the same enthusiasm to learn more about people and what they can teach you…it's hard to explain because the feeling is so strong. Of course, during the trip, bad and good things happened. We moped after a robbery or a sickness but now we can laugh when we talk about it. And the best part is that girls love hearing about my adventures!

“Now that I am back at work, never a day goes by without me telling an anecdote. I have just begun an association with former fellow students which helps me to develop as a designer as well as an innovator in furniture design. I have already shown my work at a successful exhibition at Arc-et-Senans and there will be two more in the future.” Regarding the RGM North Pointer GMT, “it survived everything it was subjected to including rafting, climbing and diving. It feels comfortable on my wrist... The big test for the watch was when I was hired in May by a demolition company. After all the severe treatment it endured, it still keeps perfect time.

”I wear it all the time wherever I am and whatever I am doing and if I return to the United States that will mean the watch really does go around the world. It went with me through the northern and southeastern parts of the USA, Canada, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Dubai & back home to France.”

RGM is proud of our association with Romain’s adventure and glad that he has returned safely home. Having enjoyed his communications with us—watching him learn and share lessons from his experiences—we are certain that his ability to appreciate new situations will be of great value to him. We wish him success in his endeavors and hope he find an opportunity to visit us again in Pennsylvania, surely with additional tales to relate of interesting experiences shared with his RGM watch.

PART 10: The Desert Flower.

Dubai is a city which is the seat of one of seven emirates, also sharing the name, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi.

Since the founding of the oil industry, Dubai has attracted thousands of migrants from all over the world and, in fact, has the largest immigrant population in the world. Although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry, it has become a global city and business hub. Today its main revenues are from tourism, real estate, and financial services, similar to that of Western countries. Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sporting events (football and cricket being the most popular). Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert and sits roughly at sea level. Much of its landscape is highlighted by sandy desert patterns, while gravel deserts dominate much of the southern region of the country. The sand consists mostly of crushed shell and coral and is fine, clean and white. East of the city, the salt-crusted coastal plains, known as sabkha, give way to a north-south running line of dunes. Farther east, the dunes grow larger and are tinged red with iron oxide. The flat sandy desert gives way to the Western Hajar Mountains.

Dubai has no natural river bodies or oases; however, it does have a natural inlet, Dubai Creek, which has been dredged to make it deep enough for large vessels to pass through. Dubai has a very hot arid climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy and dry, with an average high around 104 °F and overnight lows around 86 °F. Most days are sunny throughout the year. Winters are warm with an average high of 73 °F . Several indigenous trees such as the date palm and neem as well as imported trees like the eucalypts grow in Dubai's natural parks. Dubai has more than 70 shopping malls, including the world's 7th largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. Dubai is sometimes called "the City of Gold"; the Gold Souk market in Deira houses nearly 250 gold retail shops. Modern Islamic – and world – architecture has literally been taken to new levels in skyscraper building design and technology. Dubai now boasts more completed or topped-out skyscrapers higher than any other city. A culmination point was reached in 2010 with the completion of the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), now by far the world's tallest building at 2,716 feet. The Burj Khalifa's design is derived from the patterning systems embodied in Islamic architecture, with the triple-lobed footprint of the building based on an abstracted version of the desert flower hymenocallis, which is native to the Dubai region. The completion of the Khalifa Tower, following the construction boom that began in the 1980s, accelerated in the 1990s, and took on a rapid pace of construction unparalled in modern human history during the decade of the 2000s, leaving Dubai with the world's tallest skyline as of 4 January 2010.

RGM has similarly taken watchmaking to new levels. We were pleased to see the North Pointer ( Model # 254 ) prove its durability and craftsmanship, this is to be the standard that RGM sets for all our watches. RGM Watches stand the test of time. Unfortunately the End of our Adventure around the World has come to a conclusion. Next, Romain heads home to France, and we look forward to hearing from him about his experiences not only on his travels but also with the RGM North Pointer.

PART 9: The Islands.

Across its many islands, Indonesia has developed a shared identity defined by a national language and ethnic diversity. The name Indonesia derives from the Latin "Indus", and the Greek "nesos", meaning "island". Despite its large population and densely populated regions, Indonesia has vast areas of wilderness . The country is richly endowed with natural resources, yet poverty remains widespread in contemporary Indonesia. Indonesia shares maritime borders across narrow straits with Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines to the north, and with Australia to the south. The capital, Jakarta, is on Java and is the nation's largest city, followed by Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Semarang.

Upon arrival and disembarking from the plane, you'll immediately notice the sudden rush of warm, wet air. Indonesia is a warm place. It has no spring, summer, fall, or winter, just two seasons: rainy and dry, both of which are relative (it still rains during the dry season, it just rains less). While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March.

The volcanoes in Indonesia are among the most active of the Pacific Ring of Fire. They are formed due to subduction zones of three main active tectonic plates. Some of the volcanoes are notable for their eruptions, for instance, Krakatau for its global effects in 1883. The name Krakatau is used for the island group, the main Island , and the volcano as a whole. The island exploded in 1883, killing approximately 40,000 people, although some estimates put the death toll much higher. The explosion is still considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, with reports of it being heard nearly 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from its point of origin. The shock wave from the explosion was recorded around the globe.

Native to Indonesia and Malaysia, orangutans are currently found only in rainforests on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. There are only two surviving species, both of which are endangered. Orangutans have a large, bulky body, a thick neck, very long, strong arms, short, bowed legs, and no tail. They are mostly covered with long reddish-brown hair, although this differs between the species: Sumatran Orangutans have a more sparse and lighter coloured coat. A number of organisations are working for the rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction of orangutans. The largest of these is the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Other major conservation centres in Indonesia include those at Tanjung Puting National Park and Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan.

Amidst the powerful Volcanoes , the beauty of the Organgutans, and the warm climate of Indonesia , the RGM "North Pointer" felt right at home. Its time to step out of the jungle and head south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula , next to Dubai.

PART 8: The Eye of the Tiger.

Romain’s next destination, Cambodia’s neighbor to the west - Thailand. Another small Asian country, Thailand is similar in size to the state of California and has a population of approximately 64 million people. One of the most distinctive Thai customs is the wai, which is similar to the Indian namaste gesture. Showing greeting, farewell, or acknowledgement, it comes in several forms reflecting the relative status of those involved, but generally it involves a prayer-like gesture with the hands and a bow of the head.

Amongst the most famous of Thailand's cultural art forms is the Khon. Khon masked drama evolved in the royal court of Siam, although its roots lie in folk dances of the countryside. Here, performers don elaborate jeweled costumes; men wear masks and women gilded headdresses. Music accompanies the dance and the dialog, and songs are performed by an off-stage chorus.

Maritime trade is especially important to the Thai people. The Choa Phraya and Mekong River provide resources, transportation, and irrigation for rural Thailand. The Gulf of Thailand houses the country’s largest seaport in Laem Chabang and also provides maritime access to its largest city and second largest port - Bangkok. Because of it's location on the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok is the political, social, and economic center of Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Thailand is also called home by the Indochinese tiger. Placed on the endangered species list, a male tiger can measure as long as 9 feet and weigh more then 500 pounds. Mother tigers give birth to two or three cubs at a time. It is thought that as few as 1,000 of these majestic animals still exist in the world. Indochinese tigers live in secluded forests in hilly to mountainous terrain, the majority of which lies along the borders between countries. Entrance to these areas is frequently restricted and, as of late, biologists have been granted limited permits for field surveys. For this reason, comparatively little is known about the status of these big cats in the wild.

Elephants are another animal which roam Thailand. Elephants have been revered in Thailand for many centuries. Famous as the strongest beasts of burden, in Thailand they were important in battle, with kings mounted on elephants fighting the Burmese to defend Thailand on many occasions. They have also been noted for their intelligence, memory and pleasant nature. A white elephant is even included in the flag of the Royal Thai navy, and the "Order of the White Elephant" is one of the highest honors bestowed by the king. White elephants are very rarely completely white. The skin has to be very pale in certain areas to qualify as a "white elephant" .

Both the beauty and toughness of these animals nicely highlight the same traits in Romain's RGM Model 254. The movement is beautifully finished but a workhorse, or we should say 'work elephant', when it comes to the durability of the mechanical movement housed in the 254. Next month we follow Romain as he travels to the archipelago of Indonesia. To find out more about the 254 North Pointer or any other watch in the RGM collection please visit our web site, or call us at 717-653-9799.

PART 7: The Eighth Wonder of the World.

One of the smallest countries in Southeast Asia, the ancient land of Cambodia was a seat of Southeast Asian culture for centuries. About one-third the size of France and somewhat larger than the U.S. state of Missouri, Cambodia is bordered to the west and northwest by Thailand, to the northeast by Laos, to the east and southeast by Vietnam, and to the southwest by the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodia consists of low flat plains, with breathtaking landscapes of dazzling rice paddies, swaying sugar palms, thundering waterfalls and pristine crater lakes.

The ancient temples of Angkor represent one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements, and stand as monuments to the Khmer dynasties that date back to the ninth century. Angkor Wat is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on the planet. Built by the Khmer kings over a period of four centuries, it had been abandoned and hidden by the dense jungle until, about 150 years ago, it was re-discovered by a French explorer and once again open for exploration to the modern world. It was built as the king's state temple and part of his capital city, which itself was seventeen times bigger than Manhattan Island. The word Angkor is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “city", Wat is the Khmer word for temple. It is possibly the single largest religious structure in the world, and surely one of the world’s wonders of art and architecture, often praised for its harmony of design. In fact, within an area of 120 sq. miles, the ruins contain some of the most imposing monuments in the world, including about a thousand temples, mainly Hindu and some Buddhist.

Angkor Thom,a walled and moated royal city, was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After King Jayavarman VII recaptured the capital from invaders, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. He began with existing structures and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall and moat and some of Angkor's greatest temples, including his state temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city. Standing in the exact center of the walled city, Bayon Temple is thought to represent the intersection of heaven and earth. Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva , with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point. The curious smiling image, thought by many to be a portrait of Jayavarman himself, has been dubbed by some the "Mona Lisa of Southeast Asia." There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own.

Cambodia has two distinct seasons -- the wet and the dry. Cambodia's wet season comes courtesy of the southwest monsoons, bringing with it frequent rains, heat and high humidity. In the peak of wet season, from July to September, it can rain as much as two out of every three days. The dry season runs from October to April, when the northeast monsoon arrives. Characterized by heat and dust, the temperatures become scorching and so dry it can take your breath away.

The extreme weather conditions allow Romain to put RGM’s rugged North Pointer to the test. The durable yet lightweight rubber strap is able to withstand the heat and humidity; the curved underside shape helps the wearer remain comfortable no matter what the temperature. Despite many years of war, Cambodia, as home of the Khmer culture, remains one of the most important and exotic countries in Southeast Asia. When we see Romain again he will be .............crossing the border into Thailand. Its Tiger feeding time with the Monks of Bangkok !

PART 6: The Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, known for its storied culture, high speed trains, and technological prowess, was Romain’s next stop on his world tour. Japan came to have the name “Land of the Rising Sun” through its official Japanese name "Nippon" which means “sun origin”. It is thought to have come from the Imperial Missions to China between the years 600 and 800 and refers to Japan’s position east of China, or from the direction in which the sun rises each day. Japan’s culture is steeped in mystique and history. The feudal era saw the rise of the ruling class of Samurai. In the 1630’s the policy of Sakoko was enacted, under which no foreigner was allowed to enter Japan and no citizen was allowed to leave under penalty of death. This was done to help preserve the Japanese way of life and traditions from conquering western influences. Only certain western powers, like the Dutch, were allowed to conduct trade during this period. This isolationism ended in 1854 and the door was fully opened for trade with the rest of the world.

Japanese culture is also known for its traditional theater arts – noh, kyogen, kabuki, and bunraku. Bunraku is a form of puppet theater and has been practiced in Japan since the late 1600’s. Also important in Japan’s culture is the traditional Kimono – meaning “something one wears”. A person’s gender, age, marital and societal status, and time of the year can determine the kind of Kimono worn. Despite placing a strongs emphasis on traditional ways of life, Japan is also known for being a leader in cutting edge technology. The network of high speed bullet trains allow citizens to move about the country at speeds up to 200mph. The future of high speed rail travel in Japan continues to become faster as plans are in place for a magnetic levitation line running between Tokyo and Nagoya, about 230 miles away, by 2025. Trains employing this technology can operate at speeds near 300mph and would be able to make the trip between Tokyo and Nagoya in less than 45 minutes. In a country such as Japan where the old blends seamlessly with the new, the RGM North Pointer is equally at home. Designed in the tradition of the great sport watches of the past and assembled using the same traditional methods used in watchmaking for centuries, RGM puts a modern touch on this traditional time keeping piece.

Underwater photographer and RGM.

RGM and Nick Caloyianis We at RGM recently ran into an old friend of ours who is putting his RGM Ref. 300 Professional Diver to the test. The watch of Nick Caloyianis--award winning underwater photographer and cinematographer—isn’t subjected to run-of-the-mill conditions. His work (and probably his play) demands a robust timepiece, not only to withstand extreme situations, but because he also relies upon it for his safety. Nick made sure to let us know “I am very pleased with the reliability and performance” of the RGM 300 dive watch. He went on to attest, as many divers will agree, that because safe underwater expeditions are limited to a finite time period, “the accuracy and reliability of a timepiece is a crucial component to safe diving.” And Nick speaks from the standpoint of experience. Even with the availability of high-tech diving computers and electronic timing devices, Nick has come to rely upon the RGM 300 and its self-winding reliability. He tells us “I now use your watch as a back up in the event of a dive computer failure.”

That is a welcome sentiment, but Nick doesn’t merely say such things to be polite. He went on to tell RGM that he found the Ref. 300 to be “robust enough to be utilized for diving in extreme environments.” For example, while repeatedly diving in the hostile north Atlantic, “where water temps dropped to 31 degrees F, I found your watch performed flawlessly even in 100-ft deep water… during all 52 dives. I noticed my dive computer and other gauges were fogged up underwater while the sapphire crystal on the RGM watch remained fog-free. I kept wondering how long each of the techno gauges I was using would last.”

Since then the RGM watch has been tested by Nick in other North Atlantic waters to 160 feet. Though our watch is rated to 2500 feet, to know that it also helped keep Nick safe in extreme conditions is welcome news. We’re glad to hear of his continued adventures with the RGM 300, including “drift diving off the Palm Beaches and filming Great Whites off Cape Cod.” Thanks to Nick Caloyianis for letting us know that our watch has served him well, and for keeping us informed of his exploits.

PART 5: The Center of the World

Peru is the third largest country in South America (about three times the size of California), and contains 28 different climates, from the arid desert, temperate to frigid temperatures of the rugged Andes mountains, to the warm, humid tropical rain forests. In addition, Peru has some of the largest fisheries in the world, and is home to over 1,700 species of birds, more than any other country in the world.

Romain, still in Peru, now travels south to Arequipa, a capital city founded in 1540 on the site of an ancient Incan town. The picturesque city, nestled in a valley of green countryside, is overlooked by impressive volcanoes and snow covered mountains. The city has magnificent Colonial-era spanish buildings, made of pearly white volcanic rock, which glisten when bathed in sunlight, thus it is affectionately called “La Cuidad Blanca” (“the White City”).

Traveling north along the coast lie the Islas Ballestas, located off the shores of Paracas. These rocky formations are home to colonies of birds, penguins and sea lions. The thriving marine life makes it an excellent destination to watch whales, dolphins, sea lions, leatherneck turtles and more.

Romain now crosses the border into Ecuador, the smallest of the Andean countries. Straddling two hemispheres, Ecuador is situated along the equatorial line it is named after, bordering Columbia and Peru, and is sometimes referred to as “The Center of the World”.

Puerto Lopez is a small fishing village on the Pacific Coast where people flock to see the majestic humpback whales, who migrate north about 500 miles every season to reach the warm waters of the Ecuadorean coast to mate and raise their young. The courting whales perform spectacular displays, with impressive leaps and tail thrashing. A few miles offshore is Isla de la Plata (nicknamed “The Poor Man's Galapagos”) which is surrounded by coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for divers. Here we see Romain taking advantage of another outstanding feature of RGM’s North Pointer; the watch is water resistant to 300 feet, making it an excellent timepiece both on land or sea.

The area around the present day town of San Agustin was inhabited by an ancient Indian civilization which left hundreds of mysterious carved statues depicting humans and animals, varying in size from 8 inches to 23 ft. The scenery is stunning, with dozens of waterfalls tumbling through the jungle to join the Río Magdalena.

As Colombia’s greatest river, the Magdalena winds 924 miles through many canyons before eventually winding up in the Caribbean Sea. Stay with us as we follow Romain to the Far East.

Next: The Land of the Rising Sun

Geneva Time Exhibition

The new year ushered in an exciting opportunity for RGM Watch Co. to unveil to the international community our new Pennsylvania Series of watches. RGM debuted its “American Made” watches at the Geneva Time Exhibition, at the International Geneva Conference Centre (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Sunday 16th to Friday 21st of January, 2011.

The Geneva Time Exhibition ( GTE ) is dedicated to independent watchmaking, and offers craftsmen the chance to exhibit their designs in a prestigious setting, enhanced by an extensive international communication campaign. The GTE offers the opportunity for watch industry professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to discover the exceptional creativity of independent watchmakers in a in a fresh, enthusiastic, innovative atmosphere, reflecting the personality of its exhibitors.

RGM continues to uphold the finest traditions of American horology by introducing the new Pennsylvania Tourbillon, our new flagship mechanical movement. The Pennsylvania Tourbillon is the first serially produced American Tourbillon watch ever made. Following on the heels of America's first high grade mechanical movement in four decades, the RGM Caliber 801 and Pennsylvania Tourbillon represent significant advances in domestic watchmaking. These watches are not only made in the U.S.A., but are created and built in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; one of the few remaining traditional watchmaking centers of American watchmaking since the 1800's. Never before has an American watchmaker introduced a series of Tourbillon wristwatches based upon a proprietary caliber. To do so, and to create them domestically, is an historic accomplishment. The last time high-grade mechanical watch movements were produced in the United States was 1969-- the year that Hamilton Watch Co. ended its period of more than 70 years of continuous manufacturing at its facility (just down the road from RGM’s current headquarters.).

When also designing the caliber 801, we wanted to create a watch that was reminiscent of American watches from the past; not only in its shapes, but in the quality of its construction. We want a watch that can stand the test of time and serve as a framework we can build upon when designing other functions. The caliber 801 has very traditional hand finishing such as Perlage, Anglage, and Cote de Geneve waves on the bridges.

Another exciting feature of our Pennsylvania Series " American Made" watches is our new "Keystone Case" - 43.0 mm of Polished hand made Stainless Steel - Rich coin edge, and powerful lugs.

In addition to the new Pennsylvania Tourbillon, RGM is already at work on variations of the new Caliber 801, such as the 24 Hour version (displayed at the GTE), We are also eager to soon share with the public another landmark creation at RGM, our Ladies watches. Thank you for your support of America's Premier Watchmaker.