Caliber 20's Motor Barrel a Great Idea from America's Past

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.   You can see a similar system in the Elgin cutaway drawing.

RGM's Roland Murphy at W.O.S.T.E.P. in 1986

Wow, I look young in this picture!

In the early 1980's, I went to Bowman Technical School here in Lancaster, PA,  for training in clock and watch repair and restoration.  In 1986, I was accepted to W.O.S.T.E.P. (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program) in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.  The picture shows some of our class on a field trip to tour one of the many watch companies in Switzerland.  I am not sure which factory this was; we visited many as part of our training.  So many memories! 

Anyone who has visited my office knows I like cameras and photography, so as a major clue I am the guy with the camera around my neck.    You get bonus points if you can identify the camera!

The Orange 151 is back!

We have brought back the orange 151 to add some color to the 151 line up.   The 151 is available in several variations and is one of our most popular watches.  The case is made here in the USA and is available in Stainless Steel or Titanium.

The orange version shown here will be known as the 151-OP.  A few interesting details are the black background calendar disc, and the Hirsch Performance strap made of leather and rubber.

More on the Hirsch Performance strap here.  Video

Specs on the Model 151 

The 151 models have an American made case in either stainless steel, or titanium.  Any stainless steel version can be polished, brushed, or a combination of both finishes.  The thin bezel and large dial are a hallmark of the 151 models; in fact the dial is larger than watches of a much greater size.  The case is thin for its diameter and curves comfortably to the wrist.

Movement Caliber: RGM-ETA 2892-A2 - Automatic, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph. Rhodium  finish - Cote de Geneve lines and perlage

Functions: Hour / Minute / Second / Date on some models

Case: American Made 316L Stainless Steel, or CP2 Titanium, 38.5 mm x 9.9 mm. Sapphire crystal front and back, 20mm lug width and water-resistant to 5-ATM.

Weight: 2.0 oz. in stainless steel

Intense Engine-Turning on a Custom RGM Watch

Many people know we make several custom RGM watches every year.  We are one of the few watch companies in the world that offer this service.  Some custom watches are minor changes to existing models, and others are more elaborate like the one pictured.  The custom dial on this PS-801-E is one of the most complicated dials we have ever made.  We made the dial in our shop from a raw sheet of silver, and used our vintage Engine-Turning machines to create the intense patterns on the dial and movement.  The result is one of the most unique dials we have ever made, and we are very happy we can do this kind work/art here in our Pennsylvania workshop. 

Here is a link to our Custom Page

Left-Handed RGM 151 Models Available

We have now added a left-handed version of one of our most popular watches to our website.  http://www.rgmwatches.com/watches#/model-151/.  You can now order a 151-P, 151-PW, or a 151-B in the left-hand configuration with the crown at 9pm.  Only available in the non-date version.

Model 151 

The 151 models have an American made case in either stainless steel, or titanium.  Any version can be polished, brushed, or a combination of both finishes.  The thin bezel and large dial are a hallmark of the 151 models, in fact the dial is larger than watches of a much greater size.  The case is thin for its diameter and curves comfortably to the wrist.

Movement Caliber: RGM-ETA 2892-A2 - Automatic, 21 jewels, 28,800 vph. Rhodium  finish - Cote de Geneve lines and perlage

Functions: Hour / Minute / Second / Date on some models

Case: American Made 316L Stainless Steel, or CP2 Titanium, 38.5 mm x 9.9 mm. Sapphire crystal front and back, 20mm lug width and water-resistant to 5-ATM.

Weight: 2.0 oz. in stainless steel

RGM In the 2015 "Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève"

This is the first time RGM has ever had a watch in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.  The RGM 801-COE "Corps of Engineers" will be competing in the Mens Watch Category against 32 other watches.  We are very excited and looking forward to this years event!

Here is a link to the watches in all 12 categories.  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.



RGM Model 250 Available Again

We were out of cases for a while but now we can build the Model 250 again, the 250-V "Vintage" , and we can also offer a few Model 250-E's since we have a  small supply of Guilloché dials available.  We've not had the 250-E available for years. 

One thing I like about the large Valgranges movements is the position of the calendar. In a 42mm watch the calendar is located towards the outside of the dial and looks very balanced. Many watches this size have a smaller movement which brings the calendar too close to the center of the watch to look good.   Also, the calendar window on the Valganges movements is a little larger, making it easier to read.

 

Details on the Model 250:

The 250 is a good size watch in diameter and in thickness, well suited for a larger wrist. The large Valgranges movement fills up the back of the watch and puts the calendar window in the ideal location for a watch of this size.

Movement Caliber: RGM/Valgrange - Automatic, 25 jewels, 28,800 vph. Rhodium, finished in - Cote de Geneve, perlage

Functions: Hour / Minute / Second / Date 

Case: Brushed & Polished Stainless Steel. 42.0mm X 15.0mm. Sapphire crystal front and back, 22 mm lug width and water-resistant to 5-ATM.

Weight: 3.3 oz. in stainless steel

Watch Artwork and Drawings from the Past

I have always loved the detail and beauty the watch companies put in their artwork and advertising drawings back in the day. Elgin watch company made some very nice detailed movement drawings with see through sections giving you a peek of what's inside.  In fact I had a few framed drawings from Elgin back in the 1980's that I bought at a flea market called Shupps Grove in Adamstown, PA.  I donated them to the NAWCC museum back then.   

There is a huge framed drawing of a railroad movement from Elgin on display at the NAWCC museum similar to the small versions I had donated; if you visit the museum look for it.  It's a true masterpiece! 

Keep those watches ticking,

Roland




Custom Options for Many RGM Models

Here at RGM we are well known for making full custom watches, but we can also customize existing RGM models, this can be done much faster and can help personalize that gift, or mark that significant moment.

Here is more information from our Custom page. Including pictures of options like Etching the inside of the case-back crystal, Engraving the case on the side or back. or Printing on an existing dial.

Only a select group of companies today will produce one-of-a-kind fine watches upon request. At RGM, it is a source of pride that the company is small enough to offer such exclusivity, yet experienced and knowledgeable enough to offer a wide array of options to the discerning watch buyer.

Customization's can range from the simple to the sublime. A "production model" RGM watch--the Ref. 151, for example--could be customized with a unique dial or a personalized engraved rotor. Such modifications represent the more cost-effective ways for an enthusiast to obtain a unique example of an already limited-production watch. However, for the wristwatch connoisseur who desires a truly unique piece, RGM can accommodate by creating a bespoke timepiece designed and assembled completely in-house. From a custom-built time-only piece based upon a rare vintage movement to a decorated and personalized complicated watch with repetition minutes or tourbillon, RGM is able to accommodate a multitude of special requests.

Whether you choose from one of RGM's already exclusive lines or decide to explore your options for a custom-built watch, the RGM team is at your disposal to help you acquire and create the watch of your dreams.  

Unique Hands on Workshops and Seminars

 

Below is information from our website about our first ever workshop on Engine-Turning.  

We only have one spot open, so if your game give us a call!!!!

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For the first time ever we will be hosting occasional workshops.  Space is limited - sign up early.

 

Introduction to Guilloché (Engine-Turning) - Saturday August 15, 2015.  

Instructor: Roland Murphy

Location: RGM, 801 West Main St., Mount Joy, PA 17552 USA

This is a one day class, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm, for a maximum of 4 people. ONLY ONE SPOT REMAING

The following is included in this class

1. Learn the basics of how a Rose Engine works.

2. Practice cutting patterns in brass to get the feel for the machine.

3. Lunch 11:45 am to 12:30 pm.

4. Guilloché a solid Argentium Silver disc.

5. Make the disc into a necklace pendant by drilling a precise hole and adding a jewelry fitting for use with a chain. Each participant keeps their finished pendant.

Sign-up: rgmwatches@aol.com 

Price: $750 per person, deposit of $250 is required to confirm your reservation.  Full payment is due 1 month before event.  

Cancellation policy: If cancelled 4 weeks or more in advance, a fee of $100 will be charged.  If cancelled within 4 weeks of event, a fee of $250 will be charged. 

 

The RGM Trade in Program

Below is information from our trade-in program page here on our web-site.  Since starting this program a few years back it has been very successful.  It opened up the opportunity for clients to turn watches they do not use, or wanted to replace into cash towards a new RGM watch.

 I remember wondering why I did not think of doing it sooner.

Regards, Roland

Watch Trade-In Program

This program allows customers the convenience to trade in a watch or watches they already own toward the purchase of a new RGM watch.

You have the option to trade any mechanical watch: Rolex , Omega etc.
Pocket watches & Vintage watches are welcome for trade as well.

Not all watches are eligible to be traded in, but as with everything at RGM, we will do our best to satisfy you, the customer.

The major benefit in trading in a watch is that you can instantly use it toward the purchase of your new RGM watch. No need to try to sell your watch on your own, which in many cases can be difficult. Of course, if you do sell your watch on your own, you could realize a higher value, but that does come at considerable effort and possible risk.

If you want to consider trading in a watch or watches, we would need to see the watch to inspect it before we can give any firm value towards a purchase.

There are several factors that determine what we can offer as a trade-in value for your watch:

  • Current market value, based on auction results and other factors.
  • Condition of watch, and if it is complete.
  • Cost to refurbish the watch so we can resell it with a warranty.
  • How desirable the watch is on the pre-owned market.

The original retail price normally has little or nothing to do with the value of any pre-owned watch.

If you would like your watch evaluated as a trade toward a new RGM watch, please contact us. Please provide which RGM model you are interested in purchasing and information on the watch or watches you would like to trade.  rgmwatches@aol.com


RGM's Grand Feu (French for “Great Fire”) Glass Enamel Dials

The obstacle was finding an artisan who could create a high-quality Grand Feu (French for “Great Fire”) enamel dial. There are only a handful of master enamelers worldwide. We would only consider doing a real enamel dial, not something that just sort of fakes it, if you’re going to do it, do it right.  The dials had to be made exactly the same way the original dials were made. An enamel dial will not fade, it will look the same in 100 years as it does today. We searched for three years to find an enamel artist with the skill needed and that would work with us.

 Creating an enamel watch dial is a high-risk art. Enameling is a technique in which colored powdered glass is applied to a metal plate. The surface is then heated to a temperature high enough to cause the powdered glass to melt and form a new surface. The Grand Feu technique ups the stakes. It involves meticulously coating a watch dial with successive layers of enamel. Once a layer is ready, the dial is heated at extremely high temperatures, ranging from 1472-1652°F (800-900°C). The repeated baking of each individual layer ensures a uniquely crisp aesthetic while permanently setting the enamel. Using high heat to create these beautiful dials also poses a risk. Each time it is re-fired, the danger of cracking, melting, or burning increases. The track and numerals are also baked into the surface. With great risk comes great reward: the appearance of a real glass enamel dial is unmistakable. It has depth and beauty in the hand made surface that draws you in.

Being able to have real Glass Enamel to go with our hand made Guilloché is very satisfying.   We continue to bring true art to our watchmaking. 

Roland Murphy

RGM Watch Co.: Where Past & Present Manifest

The article below is from the NAWCC website "link".

RGM Watch Co.: Where Past & Present Manifest

by Keith Lehman

It’s hard to believe that one of the last true US watchmakers resides in the humble town of Mount Joy, PA—population 7,410—but it’s true. Roland G. Murphy, founder of RGM Watch Co., has married his talents in watchmaking and his appreciation of local and national history into a successful business founded on inspiration.

 

To better understand the gestalt of Murphy’s body of work, a brief horologic and geographic history of Lancaster County will help. Pennsylvania’s south central county, one of the oldest inland settlements of the United States, has deep and notable roots in clockmaking and watchmaking. Influenced from other famous businesses and technologically driven industries, including Conestoga Wagons, Lancaster Rifles, and Stiegel Glassworks, the county, from 1750 to 1850, boasted more clockmakers than any other settlement not only in Pennsylvania but most of the other colonies and states during that 100-year time frame.

 

Watchmaking came to Lancaster County in 1874 with the arrival of John C. Adams, known as “The Great American Starter,” who started six other watchmaking firms, including Illinois Watch Co. Although his businesses and  many other start-up companies in the county were not successful, the stage was ultimately set for ventures like the Ezra F. Bowman Technical School and Hamilton Watch Co., one of the most famous and innovative watchmaking companies in the world. The National Watch & Clock Museum, founded by the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC) in 1977, is only seven miles from RGM Watch Co.

Murphy holding both an original Corps of Engineers pocketwatch (left) and his latest creation, the 801-COE "Corps of Engineers." Photo credit: Keith Lehman.

Originally Florin Trust Bank (built 1915) now current address of RGM Watch Co.,

801 West Main St. Mount Joy, PA. Photo credit: RGM Watch Co.

Medium Is the Message

 

Since the Hamilton factory closed in 1969, RGM, founded in 1992 with a staff of 12, is the only US-based watch company to design and manufacture its own movements. It is also the first US company to serially produce a tourbillon watch—a truly impressive achievement. So what is it that drives  Murphy to continue the tradition of watchmaking in Lancaster County? A native of Baltimore, MD, Murphy studied at the Ezra F. Bowman Technical School in Lancaster and the famous Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program (WOSTEP) in Switzerland. Certainly a man with his talent, drive, and knowledge could set up shop virtually anywhere in the world. He must have also been aware that America wouldn’t be the easiest place to start a watchmaking company due to the fierce competitive nature of the Swiss watch industry. Perhaps the only way to express his unique view on watchmaking is to draw from the wellspring of Lancaster’s deep horological history—and actually live and work here.

 

But where does a mechanical wristwatch fit in today’s world of solid-state smart watches and inexpensive quartz movements? What does wearing one say about the individual? What about the provenance of the watch? Where and when was it made? Who made it? All these questions come to mind when considering what makes a mechanical wristwatch desirable.

 

But to Watchnews’ surprise those questions were not important to Murphy. During our tour of the RGM workshop and interview with Murphy in May 2015, the main question he asks himself is, “What kind of watch can I make that fits me?”

 

801-COE "Corps of Engineers." Photo credit: RGM Watch Co.

801-A "Aircraft" Model Photo credit: RGM Watch Co.

PS-801-BB “Baseball in Enamel” Photo credit: RGM Watch Co.

What Once Was Is Again

 

RGM’s latest wristwatch, the 801 "Corps of Engineers", is an impressive insight into the watchmaker’s creative process. The number 801, engraved on the back of the watch, represents RGM’s address at 801 W. Main St., but the design is inspired by the US Corps of Engineers pocket watches from World War I. The 801-COE watch is a testament not only to the excellence in American watchmaking but also US and Swiss cooperation during a time of great crisis in world history. Having accurate timepieces proved vital in warfare. After the initial watches made their way to Europe, the US Army asked the Swiss companies to procure more watches to reduce reliance on trans-Atlantic shipping routes. With this watch and many of his previous watches, Murphy has breathed life back into this important moment in history by not simply recreating what was but reinterpreting and making a timepiece that fits into the present.


Murphy has also drawn inspiration from America’s golden age of culture and watchmaking when he designed two other watches.  He was inspired by the 1882 American Waltham Watch Co. at the National Watch & Clock Museum when he created the Pennsylvania Series 801 Baseball “Baseball in Enamel” watch. Murphy was captivated by a watch that combined American watchmaking history with America’s pastime. The 801 "Aircraft" Model, inspired by the technical layout and colors of the Hamilton and Elgin model 37500 aircraft clock from World War II, is another example of Murphy taking a piece of the past and bringing it to the present.

What’s in a Name?

Describing Murphy as a watchmaker may be too myopic. Craftsmen, jeweler, historian, collector, clockmaker, storyteller, guillocheur, and yes, even web designer. (He created and continues to update www.rgmwatches.com). But the term artist seems to fit him the best. An artist incorporates a medium—paint, music, and, in this case, metal—into a story, message, or concept only they can see. Not restrained to the limits of expertise and training, or the fear of failure, an artist expands into many disciplines to illuminate and share their unique visions. With any luck these visions tap into the greater consciousness beyond the artist and speak to the greater world. Murphy’s visions, conjured from the rich horological roots of Lancaster County and the golden age of American craftsmanship and influence, have proven they do speak. We look forward to what he will reveal next and what his pieces will say about ourselves.​

Print Sources:

Gibbs, James W. Pennsylvania Clocks and Watches. Antique Timepieces and Their Makers. University Park, PA, and London: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1984.

Harris, Adam R. “Baseball in Enamel: RGM Celebrates the American Pastime and Creates an American Masterpiece.” Watch & Clock Bulletin, No. 413 (January/February 2015): 16-22.

Wood, Stacy B. C. Jr. Clockmakers and Watchmakers of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lancaster, PA: Lancaster County Historical Society, 1995.

Wood, Stacy B.C. Jr., and Stephen E. Kramer III. Clockmakers of Lancaster County and Their Clocks 1750-1850. Litton Educational Publishing Inc., 1977.


RGM in National GMC Commercial

We showed this on our social media but I wanted to put it on the RGM blog with a little background. 

A few months back I received an email asking if we could loan a few watches for a commercial. Of course I was glad to do so, and the result was much better then I had anticipated.  A great commercial that has a full screen shot of our RGM Model 400 Chronograph!!!!!

I think the concept of the commercial is spot on, and the quality and precision is evident in everything featured.  It's nice that RGM is the only logo you see besides GMC.

There was a nice thread talking about the commercial over on Timezone.com.

Roland


Behind the Scenes of an RGM Cover Photo

I enjoy taking the cover photos for our website.  I thought a little behind the scenes photo would be interesting.

Besides my love for watches, I also have a passion for cameras and photography.  When taking a still life picture like this I try to find the best objects that help tell the story, or add a visual element that draws you into the photograph.  With the 801-BB "Baseball in Enamel' I knew I would need some vintage baseball items.  First is an old baseball bat from when I was a child. Then I found an umpires ball and strike counter from the late 1800's.  A few copies of patent drawings and a vintage baseball and all the elements were at hand for a great picture. And yes the watch is the icing on the cake!

I used my Fuji XPro-1 and a few flashes, then droped it in Lightroom to make a few adjustments.  

Regards, Roland

More inspration from America's Great Watchmaking Past.

The unique winding click of the RGM 801 movement 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" and the "Illini" model.  Like the great Railroad watches from America's past, the 801 has a high grade finish that denotes the quality of its construction. 

RGM's In-House 801 Movement Bridge Shapes

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 highest grade watches of its time. 

The 801 has a high grade finish that denotes the quality of its construction. 

The Inspiration behind the RGM Keystone Hands

First what is a Keystone?  A keystone is a central wedge in an arch that locks all other pieces of an arch in place. It is the part of an arch that all other parts depend upon. Pennsylvania's popular nickname, "The Keystone State," refers to this necessary element.  The idea for RGM's Keystone hands came from a set of hands Roland Murphy was given when he was in watchmaking school in Lancaster, PA.  They were a thin set of gold hands with a Keystone on each hand.  He found out from some old watchmakers that they were made by Keystone Watch Company which was in Lancaster, Pa between 1886 and 1891.  Never forgetting these beautiful hands they eventually became the inspiration behind the Keystone hands he designed for RGM.