We had a very nice visit from Teddy Baldassarre a few weeks ago and showed him many of the things we do when making our watches. Teddy and his team did a great job creating the video below. Enjoy
The Story Behind 3 Different RGM Tourbillon Models
RGM Pennsylvania Tourbillon (In-House Movement)
Here at RGM, we have had an interest in tourbillon watches for a long time. Most followers of RGM know about our in-house movement Pennsylvania tourbillon, the first tourbillon watch made in America in a series, but most are not aware of the other 2 models we made.
RGM Model 104-T (Lemania Movement)
The first RGM tourbillon model 104-T was made in the mid 1990’s and it was fitted with a Lemania movement, gold case, and of course a real engine-turned dial.
This was a very beautiful limited edition watch of 15 pieces, but only about 7 were made in rose gold, we also made one or two in white gold.
801 Tourbillon - Unique Piece (In-House w/Habring cage)
Around 2007 we wanted to introduce another RGM tourbillon, we had some talks with Richard Habring and we decided to make a prototype watch with his flying tourbillon cage. We modified one of our Caliber 801 movements by making a new main-plate and a few other parts, then the Habring cage was fitted to our movement.
Only one watch was made because by the time it was finished we had already decided we needed to have an in-house tourbillon cage and movement, so we abandoned the Habring project and put our efforts into making the Pennsylvania tourbillon here in the USA. The Pennsylvania tourbillon was released in 2010.
Links of interest
Podcast with RGM's Roland Murphy
Independent Thinking - Roland G Murphy of @rgmwatches talks independent watchmaking and American horology
Fifth Wrist Radio
Link - Fifth Wrist Radio: Independent Thinking -
Another episode of the Independent Thinking Show for FifthWrist Radio. This is a place dedicate to showcasing the great people doing interesting and cool things in the world of horology.
Host: Roman (@TimesRomanAU) and Adam (@mediumwatch)
Guest: Roland G Murphy (@rgmwatches)
In this episode, we chat with a very special guest - American independent watchmaker Roland G Murphy of RGM Watch Company.
Join us for a conversation about independent watchmaking, American horological history, the art of engine-turning; and Roland’s forthright advice for watchmakers and collectors based on his nearly 30-year career as an independent horologist.
If you are passionate about watches, horological art and independent watchmaking – you do not want miss this one!
Shout-outs in this episode to friend of Fifth Wrist Radio: Jochen Benzinger (@benzingerwatches), David Walter (@davide.walter) and Joshua Shapiro (@jnshapiro_watches).
Recommendations from this episode
Roland: Book: “American Watchmaking: A Technical History of the American Watch Industry, 1850-1930” by Michael C Harrold
Adam: Otto Frei Store (https://www.ottofrei.com/)
Roman: @apam002
Follow Roland on Instagram @rgmwatches or rgmwatches.com
New Theme Music for 2021: Circle Round by Spinning Clocks (via YouTube Free Music Channel)
Follow us on Instagram: @FifthWrist
Fifth Wrist website and Fifth Wrist Radio podcast are projects run entirely by a bunch of enthusiasts, watchmakers and collectors. We pride ourselves on being by the watch community and for the watch community. We have zero sponsorship or advertising and welcome all honest and unbiased opinions. We reject all forms of outside brand intervention and take no cash, watches or other goods from watch companies.
RGM Adds New Vintage Inspired Chronograph to Collection - Pre-Order Yours
RGM introduces the Model 600 Chronograph
The Model 600’s design was inspired by military and pilot chronographs of the 1960s and ‘70s. The dial’s military aesthetic makes it easy to read; the time and chronograph functions are legible with a simple glance at the wrist.
Each detail was carefully crafted to reflect the appeal of vintage military watches, including the general layout, and replicating numerical fonts to achieve a bona fide military chronograph look. The dial and hands feature X1 SuperLumaNova for low-light visibility. As an homage to vintage design, we opted to forgo including a calendar or display case-back.
The Model 600 is RGM’s first production model with a box-style raised sapphire crystal, bolstering the classic design element and allowing for a slimmer profile.
The watch will be available at the End of May 2021, and to reward you for the wait anyone who pre orders the Model 600 before the end of May will receive the following extra perks.
Pre Orders only get:
-Extra strap - you will get a Brown and a Black strap
-3 year warranty in place of the standard 2 year warranty
-RGM watch related gifts
Price $4250.
We have a new RGM chronograph coming!
This new RGM chronograph will have an automatic Valjoux 7753 movement and will be 42mm in diameter. It will be the first RGM series piece with a raised sapphire box style crystal.
More news soon!
New Dial Colors for the RGM Model 500-GMT
Model 500-GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
The Model 500-GMT is the first RGM with a bi-directional-turning GMT bezel. The watch is designed as a sport watch that is also ideal for travel when using the 24-hour GMT hand and bezel.
Now we have added two more dial colors to widen the appeal of this beautiful sport/tool watch. We have chosen a matte gray and green dial, and added rhodium finished hands. These new models also have a world map engraved on the case-back. You might also notice the GMT hand is also new, making these new versions much different then the Richard Sachs version that is still available.
The Missing RGM Watch Made for Terry Bradshaw
A few years ago we were approached by a representative of the Friars Club to make a watch for football legend Terry Bradshaw. The watch had to be ready before Super Bowl XLIX, so that it could be gifted to him in Arizona that week.
Unfortunately, it seemed like the entire country was battling some kind of inclement weather, and Terry’s arrival in Arizona was delayed. The Friars Club decided that they would have to reschedule the surprise presentation, and determined that it would be presented to him at an upcoming luncheon in New York.
We found out many months later the watch was missing and no one knew what happen to it. Presumably it was lost or stolen in Arizona during pre-game Super Bowl festivities that week.
Knowing that Terry would never receive this watch, disappointment set in at RGM. This is the first time we are showing full photos of the custom RGM 151 bearing Terry Bradshaw’s signature on the dial.
Special Offer for our Followers
Special offer for our followers-
Order any RGM watch before the end of the year and receive the following.
1. 3 year warranty.
2. An extra strap.
3. RGM goodies.
Just mention this special offer when placing an order.
WatchTime Live Video of "The Future of Watchmaking" Presentation
From the WatchTime Live event form October 2020. RGM’s Roland Murphy was part of this online question and answer with WatchTime’s Roger Ruegger.
Europa Star Shares the RGM Model 222-RR New Marginal Montgomery Dial Version
From Europa Star
The Grand Feu Real Enamel dial is modeled after American railroad watches from the past. The blued-steel hands remain true to the classic form and the 1:30 crown position pays homage to early 20th century timepieces. It’s also very natural to read the time when worn on the left wrist.
The New RGM Model 207 Replaces the Old Model 107
New RGM Model 207
The Model 107 was the oldest watch in our line dating back to around 1997. The new 207 is the same diameter as the 107 at 35mm, but it’s a bit thicker ( 7.5 mm to 8.8mm) to accommodate a better construction that will also allow for more custom dials of a greater thickness.
The new Model 207 case has a larger crown for ease of winding and setting. The case changes make it easier for us to refinish and service the watch, which is a big improvement for the customer and the watchmaker.
The movement and the dials are the same and we will be adding new dial options over the next few years, and of course we can always work on a custom dial option.
Old Model RGM 107
WatchTime Live, Today Thru Saturday
You can see RGM’s Roland Murphy on Saturday
2:00pm | The Future of Watchmaking
Moderated by Roger Ruegger with
Joe Kirk, Grand Seiko Brand Curator
Roland Murphy, Founder & Watchmaker RGM Watches
Tickets: https://www.watchtimeevents.com/
You can see the full weeks schedule here, https://www.watchtimeevents.com/schedule
October 21-24, 2020
Wednesday 5pm EDT
Thursday - Saturday | Panels start at 9am EDT
Bringing the watch community together
We are very excited to keep the connection between collectors and watch brands strong this year.
WatchTime LIVE brings the best of WatchTime's live events to you in a new virtual format featuring watch brand presentations, industry panel discussions, and interactive conversations between collectors and brands.
WatchTime Live is accessible from anywhere in the world! The event
will be live streaming via ZOOM so please have the most updated version
on your device.
RGM adds new Railroad dial version to the Model 222-RR series
Type II Montgomery Marginal Minute Dial
Model 222-RR (Railroad)
Inspired by America's Great Railroad Watches from the Past
The Model 222-RR is a modern wristwatch with a vintage heart, featuring a Hamilton 10 sized pocket watch movement. RGM was the first to use these wonderful classic movements in a wristwatch. Our vintage Hamilton movements are rebuilt using parts that are in optimum condition, including a new mainspring made for this movement. We flat polish the steel parts by hand on a tin block to better-than-original condition. The entire process of careful reassembly to precise adjustment of the movement is managed by one watchmaker. The grade 921 movement has 21 jewels and was made in large quantities; the grade 923 has 23 jewels and is rare, with less than 4,000 movements manufactured.
The Grand Feu Real Enamel dial is modeled after American railroad watches from the past. The blued-steel hands remain true to the classic form and the 1:30 crown position pays homage to early 20th century timepieces. It’s also very natural to read the time when worn on the left wrist.
New Dial Version - Type II MONTGOMERY MARGINAL MINUTE STYLE DIAL
Henry S. Montgomery was the General Watch & Clock Inspector of the AT&SF Railroad from 1896 to 1923. Mr. Montgomery patented his first marginal minute safety dial design Type-I around 1906. RGM’s dial is inspired by the rare Type-II dial variation that was patented in 1920.
Patent Drawing from 1920
A Montgomery dial displays minutes 1-60 along the outer edge, with every fifth number in red. Some collectors say that a "true" Montgomery dial must have an hour number 6 visible inside the seconds register. Dials approved for use on the railroads needed to be functional and readable, even under adverse conditions. Most American watch companies used Montgomery dials on many of their railroad-grade watches.
RGM's Roland Murphy on Minutia Repeater Pod Cast
Kiran Shekar ask Roland questions about the history of RGM’s movement making, and his motivation and timing behind RGM’s in-house calibers.
You can listen to the Pod cast interview below.
Click here for link to Minutia Repeater Pod Cast interview with RGM’s Roland Murphy
Our RGM Model 25 Yosemite is Competing in this years GPHG
We are very proud to announce that our very special Stone Marquetry Model 25 Yosemite is in this years GPHG. We are competing in the “Artistic Craft” category.
You can see all the competing watches at link below.
Last week, WatchTime launched its first virtual event: “An Hour up Close with Three of the World’s Leading Indies”
Last week, WatchTime launched its first virtual event: “An Hour up Close with Three of the World’s Leading Indies” moderated by our longtime event partner and close friend Jeff Kingston. The virtual event included brand presentations, industry panel discussions, and a live Q&A with watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, founder of the Geneva-based MB&F brand Maximilian Büsser, and WOSTEP-trained watchmaker and founder of RGM Watch Company, Roland G. Murphy.
After three presentations — on movement development, the re-introduction of traditional American designs, and the tribulations of being an independent watchmaker — the discussion began, in which attendees from across the globe were able to ask a series of questions, on topics ranging from how to make it as an independent watchmaker to where each panelist’s love of horology began. If you were unable to attend the live webcast, the full video discussion is below.
Peter Speake-Marin’s ( The Naked Watchmaker ) Interviews RGM’s Roland Murphy - Part 2
PART 2
Peter Speake-Marin’s The Naked Watchmaker Interviews RGM’s Roland Murphy
WatchTime Live: With Three of the World’s Leading Independent Watchmakers
WatchTime is excited to present “An Hour up Close with Three of the World’s Leading Indies” next Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 12 pm EST, moderated by our longtime WatchTime event partner, Jeff Kingston. The best part? It is free via Zoom, and no mask is required. The online event includes watch brand presentations, industry panel discussions, and opportunities for you to join the conversation in real time.
The virtual panel features a live Q&A with a horological rock star, watchmaker Kari Voutilainen. Today, Voutilainen is the most well-regarded name on the independent-watchmaking scene, specializing in small-series and one-off watches.
Founder, owner, and creative mastermind behind the iconoclastic, Geneva-based MB&F brand, Maximilian Büsser made his mark with powerhouses like Jaeger-LeCoultre and Harry Winston before making his debut as an independent watchmaking entrepreneur.
Roland Murphy, founder of RGM Watch Company and a WOSTEP-trained watchmaker and watch manufacturer, introduced the RGM Caliber 801, which is widely regarded as the first high-grade mechanical watch movement made in America in four decades. Murphy followed it up in 2010 with the RGM Pennsylvania Tourbillon, containing RGM Caliber MM2 (for “manufacture movement 2″), with a tourbillion mechanism made in Lancaster County.
Peter Speake-Marin’s ( The Naked Watchmaker ) Interviews RGM’s Roland Murphy - Part 1
PART 1
Peter Speake-Marin’s The Naked Watchmaker Interviews RGM’s Roland Murphy
Quill and Pad Write about RGM's Stone Marquetry Yosemite Watch
Link to article on Quill & Pad click here
RGM Re-Creates Iconic View Of Yosemite National Park In Stone Marquetry
RGM Model 25 Yosemite with stone marquetry dial
Yosemite National Park in northern California is for many nature lovers perhaps the greatest of all of the United States of America’s wondrous natural gifts with its ancient sequoia trees, towering rock granite formations, many waterfalls, 1,300 kilometers’ worth of breathtaking trails for walkers and hikers of every level, abundance of wildlife, crystal blue lakes, and super sweet, fresh air.
Called Ahwahnee (“big mouth”) by the indigenous people who lived there until the Mariposa Battalion of the California State Militia drove them out around 1851 in the Mariposa Wars, “Yosemite” refers to the Miwok tribe.
A few days or weeks within the park is like stopping time: it gives the body and mind space to breathe and rejuvenate.
I wish I could be relaxing in Yosemite Park’s lush Central Sierra embrace right now. But, alas, traveling to this all-American landmark is sadly very unlikely for quite a while – at least until the world stabilizes again. For now, my lovely memories of sunny family vacations in a natural paradise will have to suffice.
RGM Yosemite stone marquetry dial: the view
Luckily for anyone else who might be missing what could be a favorite place on earth, RGM has something special for just two lucky owners: a watch with a beautiful stone marquetry dial offering one of the most iconic views of this national treasure featuring three of its most prominent landmarks.
A closer view of Half Dome
Called Tunnel View, the vista is so famous because it shows off three of the park’s most prominent features framed by wondrous natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Tunnel View is easily reached right off the highway.
On the left side of the dial (and as seen from the famous Tunnel View), El Capitan is pictured, the granite monolith that one may pinpoint as the poster child of Yosemite’s extraordinary features. One kilometer of pure, vertical granite makes up the steep face of this landmark rock.
The center features Half Dome in the distance, another famous landmark rock formation, rising 1,444 meters into the sky. In case you’re interested, Half Dome is quite a bit easier to hike than El Capitan – until you get to the last 120 meters, where the steep ascent necessitating two steel cables as handholds (and a permit obtained in advance) make it more than challenging. A permit is necessary in high summer, as the park has registered as many as 1,000 hikers per day on that trail.
Hiking up Half Dome at Yosemite National Park: those last 120 meters are killer
On the right of the Tunnel View pictured on the dial, Bridalveil Fall (188 meters) is visible, one of the many beautiful examples of the hundreds of waterfalls in Yosemite, both because of its prominent positioning in the park and for the fact that it flows all year round.
RGM Model 25 Yosemite with stone marquetry dial
Famous for its high concentration of waterfalls, the park is also home to Yosemite Falls (739 meters), the highest waterfall in North America.
Bridalveil Fall at Yosemite National Park
RGM Yosemite stone marquetry dial: this is art
The art of marquetry is about the interplay of grains, color, and texture using different types of stone to create a “puzzle” that achieves a precise artistic image. In some ways, marquetry is not that different from watchmaking, which also uses many small parts to form a complicated whole – one that looks simple yet artistic in the end.
RGM founder Roland Murphy explained that he found an artisan in eastern Europe capable of completing the oeuvre he had in mind. “We used several pictures, including some I took, to create the artwork used to make the dial.”
The artisan’s aim is to make the image as realistic as conceivable. From a distance, these dials almost look like paintings themselves, which is achieved with the help of detailed sketches before beginning the arduous work of placing slivers of stone together.
“We had two dials made and each is slightly different,” Murphy explained – which means two lucky people will get to own this watch in slightly different variations should they so desire. And each is a unique piece.
RGM Model 25 Yosemite: an all-American case
RGM’s Model 25 watches have an American made case. Inspired by the brand’s larger Pennsylvania series watches, the case has a ribbed, coin-edge case band, a beautifully contoured bezel, and downwardly curved lugs.
This case is not only made in the USA, it is made about as locally as it gets. The design is all RGM; the stainless steel used is sourced in the USA; and the individual case components are machined and wire-cut less than ten kilometers (six miles) away from RGM’s Mount Joy, Pennsylvania workshop. The brand’s own watchmakers and technicians do the final case finish, polish, and assembly.
As the brand’s own hand-turned guilloche dials are usually the focal point of Model 25, this case’s design was specifically made to highlight the dial with its large dial opening. Which is what you want with a genuine stone marquetry dial as well. So they are a perfect fit.
Fond memories of past travel: the author’s RGM Reference 151BE in Yosemite National Park with Half Dome in the background
The case back of this watch is solid, but Murphy promises something special for its future owner. “We will create an artwork with the client who buys the watch for a special engraving of Yosemite.”
RGM Model 25 Yosemite
For more information or to place an order please visit rgmwatches.com/rgmblog/2019/11/21/rgm-stone-marquetry-watch-dial-of-yosemite-national-park.
Quick Facts RGM Model 25 Yosemite Case: 40 x 10.4 mm, 316L stainless steel, American made
Dial: stone marquetry dial depicting Tunnel View of Yosemite National Park
Movement: automatic modified ETA 2892-A2-based caliber with custom gold rotor made by RGM, 4 Hz/28,800 vph frequency
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds
Price: $11,900