We made 10 of the RGM Model 105-S back in the late 90's in to the early 2000's. It had a new old stock skeletonized vintage Valjoux 23 chronograph movement. This is one of the most desirable chronograph movements even to this day, it has a column wheel to actuate the chronograph mechanism. The case was solid 18K rose gold, the dial is solid silver with Engine-Turned borders, and the hands are blued steel Breguet style. One of the very special pieces we have made over the years!
RGM Custom Watch With Only One hand.
Years ago I had a Doctor from Utah call and said he wanted a one handed watch, he had bid on one at an auction but was out bid. He told me he always regretted not buying that watch. After reading about RGM he contacted us to make him the watch he wanted, and this one would be exactly what he wanted.
After several emails and phone calls I had an idea of what he wanted, after supplying him with a few drawings and suggestions the watch was complete on paper. Now all we had to do is make it!
The watch has a Lapis dial, moonphase, hour hand only and a gold sun at the center of the dial. We also made a gold winding rotor that was inset with meteorite. The theme was complete, and the result was very special. The client said it had exceeded his expectations. I love when I hear that!
Roland
Nothing Like Finding Treasure! Custom RGM with Blackbeard's Emblem
A few years back we made a custom RGM model 300 dive watch for our friend Scott. He wanted Blackbeard's flag emblem on the dial. At the time I did not even know what that looked like, but Scott knew exactly what he wanted.
We also did a special engraving on the end of the crown and we made it a lefty with the crown on the opposite side of the case. I love projects like this, it's one of the most satisfying parts of my job. Working one on one with someone to create a watch just for them is a wonderful and exciting aspect of what I do.
The dial on the watch is black "Tahitian" Mother Of Pearl.
RGM
RGM Model 222 with Restored Hamilton 10 Size Pocket Watch Movements
I had the idea back in the early 2000's to make the model 222 using restored Hamilton 10 size movements. It was a great size to make a wrist watch out of and the movements were well built and attractive. At first we used all of the 10 size caliber versions the 917, 921, 923, and 945. After a few years I decided the 917 and the 945 versions really were not nice enough for a RGM model so we stopped using those. The 921 and 923 movements have a much nicer finish and are superior. Even though these 10 size movements do not have shock jewels on the balance they have a friction staff which does not break easy and is also easy to change if needed. These movements even have the Motor Barrel System that we were inspired to use in our Caliber 20 watch.
I raised the value on these movements as many others started to copy the idea of using these movements in wrist watches. Even though many use the same movement those watches are very different then the RGM version. We use a high quality case, dial, and hands most others don't. Also, we hand finish the steel parts and gold cap setting by flat polishing them on a tin block. We put in a new modern alloy mainspring, only use parts that are in top condition, and we dynamic poise each movement during the timing stage. The end result is a beautifully restore movement that looks and performs as a high grade movement should.
To this day we still make several of these watches each year with these great old American movement!
Tour of NAWCC Museum by Roland Murphy of RGM Watch
One of my Favorite places to visit is the NAWCC "National Association Of Watch And Clock Collectors" museum. I made this video a few years back so I could share some of my favorite watches and clocks in the museum.
If your ever near Columbia PA I highly recommend a visit.
I hope you enjoy the video, Roland
Custom RGM With White Enamel Dial and Red Numerals
This is the first enamel dial we have done with red on white. This watch was made for one of our customers who wanted a watch to go with his new Corvette. It should go nicely since his new Vette is white with red interior.
Since I new the objective of the watch I wanted very sporty numerals on the enamel dial, and the customer wanted a mix of sporty and classic styling, I think this captures the feel very well.
Another visual element is the large sub-second and real blued steel hands with Superlumanova for low light visibility.
Custom projects are always very enjoyable, it is very satisfying to work with someone to build a watch just for them, and of course its an opportunity to be creative which is what I love.
Roland
A Look Back At The First RGM Watch, the Watch That Started It All!
It was over 20 years ago when I first started RGM, the idea at the beginning was to make a very nice watch, I was not thinking I would make a watch company. But that's what happen as you know if your reading this. I had been helping to design watches for Hamilton back in the 1980's, but this was going to be my watch, made the way I wanted to make it. I was much younger and very excited about the job in front of me.
I knew I wanted to start with a gold watch, a chronograph, and it had to have an Engine-Turned dial and real blued steel hands. It would turn out that I would make many watches over the years with some of these traits. I have always loved classic design, quality, and functions when it comes to watches, so it only made sense to do what I know.
I started to design two watches a Chronograph and a Chronograph with full calendar and moon-phase. Basically the same watch, one had a 7750 and the other had a 7751 Valjoux movement. I used some of my old contacts and a few new ones to get parts made to my design, the hands, dial, and cases. After many months the parts arrived and the excitement of putting together the first RGM watch was almost to much. I remember after building the first RGM I wore it to dinner that night to celebrate with my wife, we went to a very nice restaurant in the Lancaster area the Log Cabin.
The watch was model 101 and the full calendar version was 101-M, I used 101 because I remembered reading about the first Porsche 911 was originally the 901. So 101 sounded like a good starting point.
The watch pictured is a model 101-M, watch number 001 is on display at the NAWCC watch and clock museum in Columbia, PA not far from RGM in Mount Joy.
I hope you enjoyed this little walk down memory lane with me!
All the best
Roland Murphy
Anthony Bourdain Talks About RGM Watch and Watchmaking
RGM's Roland G Murphy was one of the 5 craft people featured during the 2015 Balvenie Rare Craft Collection Tour, he was picked by Mr. Bourdain from hundreds of possibly crafts people. The cities visited were New York, Houston, and Chicago.
End Of Year Opportunity On The RGM Model 455 Chronographs!
Here at RGM we price our watches at the price they sell for, we have the best quality at every price point so it makes sense. With that said we have decided to have a special on the model 455 chronographs from now until the end of the year. So its a rare opportunity that will only be offered on our blog and social media. That way this special is for those who follow RGM only.
Today through December 31 anyone mentioning the special will get 25% off any model 455 Chronograph. You will also get an extra RGM model 455 replacement strap at the same time!
Link to all RGM 455 Chronographs
Enjoy!
RGM
Making Solid Gold Rotors at RGM
We are making solid gold rotors here in our shop in Mount Joy, these first gold rotors will be for a new model that will be introduced next year. The picture shows them in the CNC mill before the finishing, engraving, and final decoration.
Here are a few clues about the new watch, the case is made here in USA in Pennsylvania of course, the movement will be Swiss but the gold rotor as we said and you can see are made here at RGM. The rest you will have to wait to see. :-)
We can also make solid gold rotors for custom orders in 14K, or 18K solid gold.
All the Best, Roland
HODINKEE VISITS RGM IN NEW YORK AT BALVENIE RARE CRAFT COLLECTION
In October we had a nice visit from the guys at Hodinkee when we were visiting New York city with the Balvenie Rare Craft Collection event. They just released this article about their visit with us. We wanted to make sure our RGM followers had a chance to read it.
Enjoy! Roland
Two Matching Custom RGM Watches
You might ask why would there be two of the same custom watch? The answer is simple, the owners of these beautiful timepieces are brothers. Every three years they buy matching watches, this time around they chose RGM to make them something very special and unique.
The watches are modified RGM Model 222's with custom glass enamel dials. They also requested we incorporate a secret signature of two small seagulls which can just be seen in the large photograph. The hands are blued steel Breguet style. The Model 222 case is 316L stainless steel and has a diameter of 41mm.
They chose the Hamilton 921 movement which we restore; hand polish the steel screws, regulator parts, and the solid gold cap jewel setting for the escape wheel. Then as a option we hand blued the screws using heat.
The enamel dials are made just like enamel dials were made over a 100 years ago. This time we used a blue glass for the numbers and track which is fired into the white surface. The soft look of the blue is very nice on these watches, they are the first we have done with blue. You can read more about how enamel dials are made under the 801-COE or PS-801-BB here on our website under those models.
RGM at Balvenie 2015 Rare Craft Tour in Chicago, Final Event!
We had a very good week at the Balvenie 2015 Rare Craft Tour in Houston at the beginning of November. I had the best Mexican food I have ever had in Houston!
Next week in Chicago is the last event, I am sure we will have a good finale. If your in the area sign up and come over and see us. We will have an Engine-Turning machine with us and several watches. We will also be answering questions about what we do and showing the 801 movement.
Here is a link for the Chicago event next week.
Last chance to try our Engine-Turning machine on the road in Chicago! RGM
Disney Short Brings Back Memories Of My Career As A Watchmaker!
I worked at a clock shop in the early 1980's, this fun little Disney video brings back memories of all the clocks and watches that surrounded me. Sometimes I felt like they were alive, I would think about where they might have been and what they might have seen, especially the really old ones. Thirty some years later and my life is still surrounded by timepieces. I have to say it's been a wonderful ride full of passion for Timepieces and Watchmaking, a true Horological Adventure! Roland G Murphy
A Time Lapse Video From The Watchmakers bench!
Watch Spotlight RGM Model 455 Classic Chronograph
The 455 models are inspired by the great classic chronographs from the 1940's with their technical and functional dials. The hand styles are also matched to the dials and made from vintage tooling from the period.
The use of the Tachymeter and Telemeter scales are hallmarks of the 1940's chronographs, beautiful yet functional. I have always loved restoring old chronographs from this period, the variations were very plentiful back then.
Another thing is the cross over of scales and numbers into different zones, some do not like this but I always did. It is where function is put before the look, or aesthetic of the dial.
We have designed two different layouts with a few different color combinations including one black dial making 5 different choices all together.
We have parts to make 100 watches and then that will be it, no more will be made.
For a limited time you can get a deployant clasp at no extra charge. Just mention you read the offer on Facebook, or the RGM Blog.
Roland
RGM
RGM Motor-Barrel Now Available On Caliber 801
We have added the Caliber 20's Motor-Barrel as an option for the Caliber 801 movement. Now you have another option when designing your 801. Another choice in making your watch the way you want it.
The Motor Barrel is an old American system that was used in the highest grade Railroad watches, like the Illinois Bunn Special and the Hamilton 950. The Motor Barrel allows the mainspring barrel to ride between jewels when the watch is running. In America's great watchmaking past, there were two Motor Barrel types: one protected the movement if the mainspring broke; a later system reduced wear and friction, and made a more stable barrel in the movement. We use the later system. Prior to the Caliber 20, the last watch with a Motor Barrel was made more than 50 years ago.
The system is comprised of many parts compared to a traditional barrel as you can see in our exploded view drawing.
RGM Will Be In Houston For Round Two of The Belvenie Rare Craft Tour
We had a very good week at the Balvenie 2015 Rare Craft Tour in New York at the beginning of October, we are looking forward to having the same in Houston next week. You can read more about the New York trip down in the RGM blog.
Here are a few links for the Houston event next week.
Come and give our Engine-Turning machine a try!
Article from Houston Press click here
Pictures From WatchTime New York Event
The WatchTime event this past weekend in New York was very busy. We talked to so many people that the time flew by! We were very pleased to see so many wearing their RGM watches. I want to thank them for coming by and showing them to us. I am always happy to see them on the arms of their happy owners! Several had 801 models and a few were custom versions - I took a few quick phone pictures on their arms.
We had several others come by before I thought about taking pictures of them wearing their watches - sorry about that.
WatchTime did a very nice job with the event and all seemed to have a great time. If you have never been to one of their events, I encourage you to make plans for next year.
The Gotham Hall building was amazing. It was an old bank building and very beautiful. I hope they have it there next year. Below are a few pictures of the event space, building and our RGM stand. Roland
RGM AT WatchTime New York Event This Week
We will have a stand at this new event starting Friday night and during the day Saturday. Friday night is sold out but Saturday is still open if you want to reserve a spot to see us and several other brands.
We will have several RGM watches with us that you can see and try on like the 801-COE, the New PS-801-EE, and many other RGM models. Of course its also an opportunity to speak to us first hand and ask questions and enjoy looking at our special timepieces. Hope to see you there!
GOTHAM HALL
1356 Broadway New York, NY(between 36th and 37th Street)
212-582-7940
October 24, 2015 Full-Day Event
11am - 5pm $39 BUY TICKET
Come and stay all day! Browse, mingle, shop. Brand and VIP presentations will be scheduled throughout the day!
11:30am - 12:15pm - Joe Thompson's presentation
4pm: Watches & Whiskey with Watch Anish
5pm - 6:30pm - Jeff Kingston's presentation
SPACE IS LIMITED. Email us to reserve your place. No dinner served. Valid with purchase of Friday or Saturday ticket
