RGM Model 25 - USS Constitution Leaving Malta in 1804 in Wood Marquetry
The third watch release for our 30th anniversary
The second RGM watch with a hand-made wood marquetry dial.
Limited to a maximum of 3 pieces
The Model 25 watches have an American-made case inspired by our larger Pennsylvania series watches. The case has ribbed sides, a beautifully contoured bezel, and is 40mm in diameter, with curved down lugs. The Model 25 fits most wrists very comfortably. The case was designed to highlight the dial with its large dial opening.
The art on the dial depicts the USS Constitution leaving the British Navy Shipyard at Malta, on November 1, 1804. The art features the departure of the USS Constitution following repairs at the Naval Dockyard during the Tripolitan war when the ship was granted permission by the Royal Navy to use Malta as a base. The art also captures the landmarks of the Grand Harbour and the profile of the later-to-be-named "Old Ironsides”. The dial beautifully denotes the long Naval association between Malta, the United States, and Great Britain.
Wood Marquetry is a decorative technique traditionally used on furniture, smaller wooden objects, and pictorial panels. Marquetry has its origins in Ancient Greece, where wooden objects were inlaid with different materials. The craft is a recent arrival in the watchmaking world which requires this work to be done on a miniature scale. When creating a dial with this technique, the marquetry-maker uses different woods in a wide variety of colors, then wood is cut and assembled according to the chosen design. This is a very demanding craft and requires a very talented artist.
Very few watchmakers offer this rare craft to their clients.