The RGM Model 107 is the oldest model in the our line-up and one of the smallest. If you need a smaller watch this could be just the one. It is also very thin, see specs below.
Case: 316L Stainless Steel, 35.0 mm x 7.5 mm. Sapphire crystal front and back, 18 mm lug width and water-resistant to 5-ATM.
Our Tourbillon movement is the second in-house movement we did following our Caliber 801, the Caliber 20 came later. We wanted to make a Tourbillon movement that had a large cage that would be easy to see from the front, back, and side. To achieve this we had to make our own cage which is not an easy thing to accomplish, but it does set us apart from many as very few watchmakers make their own Tourbillon cage and movement.
Here is a link to details about our Tourbillon "Click Here"
Last Friday WOSTEP in Neuchatel Switzerland celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house, and had short lectures by several former students. I was honored to be one of the former students asked to speak at this momentous occasion.
Congratulation to WOSTEP for their dedication and advancement of watchmaking education!
From left to right in the picture is:
Maarten Pieters - Director of WOSTEP
Tim Gronefeld - Gronefeld
Bart Gronefeld - Gronefeld
Roland Murphy - RGM
Kari Voutilainen - Voutilainen
Stephen McGonigle - McGonigle
Stephen Forsey - Greubel Forsey
Jean-Patrice Hofner- President WOSTEP
In the past we made several models with galvanic color on our Engine-Turned dials. Like the 151-E dials pictured here, and also some of our old Chronographs, and the 110-A alarm watches.
We can do many colors so if you desire some color with your Custom Guilloché (Engine-Turned) dial we can work with you to create a design thats just for you.
Some of the more popular colors are dark blue, copper or rose, and black or gray gold.
Add some color to your wrist!
The North Pointer RGM Model 254 "Richard Sachs" Limited edition watches were made several years ago. We only made parts for 20 watches, we can still make one or two watches if someone is interested.
Here is a link to information about the watch, Click Here
This is the second time RGM has had a watch in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The RGM 801-AS will be competing in the "Petite Aiguille" Category against 15 other watches. We are very excited and looking forward to this years event. Here is a link to the competing watches. CLICK HERE
FOUNDATION http://www.gphg.org
The Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève was created in 2001.
The Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) -
The Foundation annually organises the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), which is intended to salute the excellence of worldwide horological production and annually rewards the finest creations and the most important operators in the watchmaking sector.
The GPHG prize giving ceremony held in November of each year at Grand Théâtre de Genève draws elite representatives of the international watchmaking profession.
The watches pre-selected for the GPHG, as well as the winners, take part in a travelling exhibition that enables an international audience to discover and admire the finest timepieces of the year, exceptionally united on this occasion. This exhibition is held each year during the months of October and November in the countries that generate the greatest interest in the watch market.
To serve the best interests of the industry, the Foundation of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) ensures the expertise of an Advisory Committee of the profession. This Committee, which meets annually, is to advise the members of the Foundation Board, particularly regarding the selection of the jury. It is open to all leaders of watch brands and recognized experts in the field.
What could a 19th century sailing vessel and a 21st century watchmaker possibly have in common?
2004 marks 150 years since the launching of the venerable ship in 1854. Once being placed in commission by the US Navy (28 July 1855), this stately vessel served various roles, from squadron flagship to training vessel, for an entire century before being restored and installed in Baltimore as a monument to America's great naval heritage.
To celebrate the history of the Constellation, and to express his admiration for fine sailing vessels, RGM Watch Company of Lancaster, PA is preparing to issue the first in a series of limited-edition wristwatches, each bearing the likeness of a great ship. Featuring an original relief engraving of the Constellation on the silver dial, the first model (RGM ref. 170) will have an automatic movement in an elegant 18k rose gold case and will be offered as a limited edition of just 25 pieces.
Mr. Murphy and RGM's chief of design, Rich Baugh, both share a passion for fine timepieces and for things nautical. Mr. Baugh is a native of Delaware and grew up surrounded by reminders of that state's contributions to and reliance upon maritime commerce. As a result, his interest in sailing is strong and is a source of inspiration for projects such as designing the dial and caseback of the USS Constellation watch.
Not content simply to borrow the likeness of the ship for use on their watch Messrs. Murphy and Baugh recently completed a trip to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore to help give back to the ship that has inspired them. Their visit, a sort of pilgrimage really, was timed to coincide with an auction held aboard the Constellation on September 4, 2003. Various examples of nautical art were offered at the first (and expected to be annual) Constellation Art Auction & Reception held aboard the ship. Featured in the auction was an original pen-and-ink drawing by Mr. Baugh, which was the first of a pair of drawings used to determine the final design of the aforementioned wristwatch dial. The framed artwork depicts the ship, with her sails deployed, plying a calm evening sea. A similar image adorns the RGM watch, although the details of the side of the vessel are clearer on the dial than on paper, a fact attributable as much to the precision of the dial maker as to the more artistic nature of the framed drawing.
Mr. Murphy plans to create subsequent series commemorating other great sailing ships (Author's update: the HMS Victory watch was released in 2005). Understanding that each ship represents the hard work of designers, builders and crew, the RGM team plans to make each commemorative edition substantially different from the others. Where the Constellation watch features a side view of the ship, another watch in the series is expected to portray the English ship HMS Victory (the oldest commissioned warship in the world which was also Admiral Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar) from the stern as the ship sails away from view. Another watch is expected to display a dynamic image of the bow of a ship cutting through the waves. So that this series of watches will further stand out from the crowd, RGM is considering the use of engraved case sides and etched-glass casebacks on some future models. Suffice it to say, each watch, like the ship it represents, will have a strong and unique personality.
For more information on RGM watches, contact the company at 717-653-9799 or visit www.rgmwatches.com. To learn more about the USS Constellation and the upcoming 150th anniversary celebrations, visit www.constellation.org, call 410-539-1797, or visit the ship at Pier 1, 301 East Pratt Street, in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland.
RGM 801-A Inspired by ........
The Hamilton/Elgin 37500 Aircraft Clock were produced by both The Hamilton Watch Co. and The Elgin National Watch Company in 1944/45.
Both companies were contracted to join forces and come up with a reliable Elapsed Time Clock for the U.S. Navy because Jaeger LeCoultre could not meet the demands and the result was the 37500. Many of these beautiful timepieces have survived due to the fact the United States had Air Superiority towards the end of the war. There is no difference between the Hamilton marked and Elgin marked clocks just the name on the back.
The 37500 came with a few different dial colors, the most common were the non Radium Fluorescent dial with Green and Yellow markings.
Clocks were installed for Navigation and noted as a KEY instrument from the pilots that flew by them. Some of the more famous Aircraft were the F-4U Corsair and the F-6 Hellcat but the 37500 was found in many Naval Aircraft.
In our 801-A the look and color contrast is unique, yet visually appealing. The layout is technical, but still easy to read at a glance, with a pilot watch look that is unmatched.
ehind the dial is our American 801 movement. Like many things that we do at RGM, the 801 is inspired by America's great watchmaking past. The bridges are reminiscent of the Keystone Howard Watch Company's "Edward Howard" model, their flagship watch and one of the high grade watches of its time. The unique winding click is inspired by the Illinois Watch Company's "Illini" model and the deep polished winding wheels are finished like those of the Illinois "Bunn Special". Like the great Railroad watches from America's past, the 801 has a high grade finish that denotes the quality of its construction.
For many years the model 160 was a very popular model for us, it has been out of our line now for a few years.
The watch is 38.5mm and has a nicely finished Valjoux 7751 movement. Of course it has a hand cut Engine-Turned dial, an real blued steel hands.
We found enough parts to build a few more pieces. If interested please email us at sales@rgmwatches.com.
We have been making bespoke and customized watches almost since the beginning of RGM 24 years ago. We have refined many techniques to make a watch personal to the individual.
The choices are many, from a full bespoke piece to the many ways to customize an existing RGM model. Often we will design a custom dial based on the desire of the client. Or it might be a special engraving or etching of the case-back crystal.
When it comes to the movement we can modify one of our American made calibers or a Swiss movement. Some customers want a vintage movement, or a complication added to a movement.
We can also offer many of the old world techniques that very few others can. From our in house Engine-Turning "Guilloché" to real glass fired enamel like the dials of old.
We also offer hand engraving or high tech deep laser engraving. This can be done on the case-back or on the side of the case.
Many clients like to have a custom dial made, or some will have a printing added to an existing dial.
We offer many options to suit most any desire and budget, just ask and we can help you with your project to put a unique piece of time keeping on your wrist, or even in your pocket.
The Rhodium sword hands are the standard hands on the new 151-PR model. We had request from three different clients to put these sword hands on the 151-B, so we decided to make it an official option.
The hands work very well with the dial, and are a beautiful match. One more way to make your watch the way you want it.
Regards,
Roland
Ever since I first read the chapter on Engine-Turning in George Daniels book "Watchmaking" I was fascinated and knew I had to pursue this wonderful old world craft. I am happy to say the journey was a successful one. Roland
What is Guilloché (Engine-Turning)?
A centuries-old craft that involves the use of antique machines to engrave delicate patterns on metal watch components. The fruits of this craft, very nearly a lost art, can be found adorning all manner of watch parts including cases, dials and movements. Engine turning is the act of cutting geometric patterns in a rotating metal surface with a stationary cutting tool called a rose engine. A similar type of engraving can be done with a straight-line engine, which is used for such patterns cut either vertically or horizontally.
We have worked with the best strap manufactures in the world for years here at RGM. We have designed many straps over the years for our watches and custom straps for individuals.
If you need a special strap for any watch RGM or other brand, we can help with the design, leather choices, lining, padding, and picking the best manufacture based on whats important to you. And if you visit RGM we can show you the many leather samples we have so you can truly make a strap that is just for you.
If you need a custom strap fast we can help there also, one of the companies we work with can make a custom strap in less then 2 weeks.
We have straps made in the USA, France, and Austria.
This past weekend was the Reading Airshow here in Pennsylvania, I took the opportunity to take a few RGM watches to get some pictures. I think the black dial 455 looks great in this vintage Stinson aircraft.
I love watches and airplanes!
Roland
When we first brought back the Motor Barrel system from Americas watchmaking past a few years ago we reintroduced it in our Caliber 20 movement, the system reduces friction and wear. You can read more about it on the caliber 20 page with this LINK.
In 2015 we added the Motor Barrel system as an option for 801 movements and have made several 801's over the last months with it. The RGM client who owns this watch wanted a custom winding wheel engraving, so we created artwork so he could see what he was getting before the part was made. We engraved the Motor Barrel wording and my signature on the ratchet wheel as seen in the picture.
We are very much about custom here at RGM. There are very few companies that will customize a watch in the world, and even fewer who can customize the movement.
RGM
This special version of the model 400 chronograph has a pulsimeter scale. Many watches from the past with this scale were used by medical professionals like nurses and doctors, thus we refer to it as the "Doctors Chronograph" It is only available in the black dial version as an option. The pulsimeter replaces the tachymeter or tachometer scale which is what we normally have on this model.
How a Pulsimeter Chronograph works:
The pulsimeter scale shows at a glance the number of pulse beats per minute. The observer releases the chronograph second hand when starting to count the beats of the pulse and stops at the 30th, the 20th, or the 15th beat according to the basis of calibration indicated on the dial. With the RGM model 400 it would be the 30th beat. The chronograph second hand shows at a glance the number of pulse beats per minute according to where it is stopped on the pulsimeter scale.
Our model 455 Classic Chronographs have that 1940's look already, but this custom version with a real glass enamel dial really takes you back to another time. I was very happy when the customer wanted to make this watch, it gave me the opportunity to work on a very traditional look that is right up my alley.
I used hands from 3 different RGM models to get the correct look, that's an advantage of being in business for 24 years, we have many parts to search thru.
You can read more about how enamel dials are made under our model PS-801-BB, or 801-COE.
About 16 years ago a client commissioned a special custom RGM watch, it was to be square with a manual wound movement, solid rose gold, and with a solid silver Engine-Turned dial.
I had an idea of making it look like many of the wonderful designs from the 40's and 50's, I pitched the design to the client and he loved it. He gave another watch in trade as his deposit and the work began to create this special watch.
I decided to make three cases to help keep the cost down per watch, when the cases were done I worked with the client to have a special engraving done on the back of his watch. When the watch was completed he never responded after many attempts over a few years. So I finished up the two remaining watches that were not engraved, and over time sold them.
To my surprise 8 years later I received a letter from the old client saying that I owed him his deposit because he never received his watch. I kindly sent him a letter reminding him of the facts and that we still had his watch and he could still complete the purchase with some interest added, and the offer was open for 30 days. That was about 8 years ago from now and once again he disappeared.
Over time I was glad to still have this rare watch even if it was engraved, it is a beautiful watch that I will keep for the RGM collection. And who knows it might inspire a remake one day!
One of the other watches came in for service and needed a crystal, the crystal is very complicated to make in sapphire so I sent a drawing to 7 companies and only two could do it. I also needed a crystal for the one we have, the original crystal was very fragile and broke if hit just right. The new crystal fits perfectly!
I hope you enjoyed this little dive into RGM's history.
Roland
When we first introduced the RGM PS-801-BB Baseball in Enamel watch we had an unveiling at the NAWCC watch and clock museum in Columbia PA. The NAWCC did an article on the RGM watch and the Antique Waltham watch that inspired it, they appeared on the cover of their magazine the "Bulletin", all members of the NAWCC receive this publication. It was entitled "Baseball in Enamel: RGM Celebrates the American Pastime and Creates an American Masterpiece" by Adam R. Harris
Someone associated with the Lerner company is a member of the NAWCC and received a copy of their publication with the Baseball watches on the cover. It was decided that they would order a custom version for Mr. Lerner the owner of the company, and the owner of the Major League Baseball Washington Nationals club. We were very pleased a MLB owner would have one of our very special Baseball watches.
Since this would be custom for Mr. Lerner we wanted to be sure it had the Nationals logo on the watch. The logo is on the dial at 12, and engraved on the balance bridge on the movement. They also wanted his initials on the watch, so we recommend the dial since it would be custom with the logo on it.
Two other RGM PS-801-BB watches are on Minor league baseball owners arms but this was the first that would o the a MLB owner. The watch was a limited edition of 10 in Stainless which is sold out, we can make 5 in gold or 3 in platinum.
The RGM Baseball watch turned out to be one of my favorite RGM's.
Roland
Click here - Article from NAWCC
The new 151-COE can be had with an out of production Swiss movement that has a solid 14K gold RGM made winding rotor, or with our RGM top grade Swiss ETA 2892-A2 movement. Everything else is the same, real glass enamel dial, blued steel hands, and American case. Like many other RGM watches you have choices!
Prices for Stainless Steel versions:
Movement with Gold Rotor $6950.
ETA movement version $4950.