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

by Elizabeth Doerr

RGM Model 25 Yosemite with stone marquetry dial

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

Limited Availability on These RGM Chronographs

We have a few special RGM chronograph watches available. These watches all feature beautiful hand cut Engine-Turned (guilloché) dials made here at RGM. More on this art can be found here - Click Here.

First we have a beautiful RGM Model 160 with a custom grey dial, only two watches were made with this dial. Only one watch is available. 38mm stainless steel case., with a Valjoux 7751 movement. Offered at $7900.

The second watch is an RGM Model 160/180 Lefty, there are two of these watches available and then they are gone, this model was made about 10 years ago for a short while. 42mm stainless steel case., with a Valjoux 7751 movement. Offered at $7900.

Both models have blued steel hands, sapphire crystals front and back, and come on genuine alligator straps.

If interested in one of these watches please email sales@rgmwatches.com or call 717-653-9799 as soon as possible, as the limited availability watches we offered a few weeks ago went quickly.

RGM Big-Date Prototype Available

Here we have an unsigned RGM Big-Date Prototype from about 12 to 15 years ago. We are offering this watch for sale.

The watch is stainless-steel with a hand cut silver Engine-Turned dial made here at RGM, the hands are blued steel. The case is 38.5mm in diameter and 10mm thick, with sapphire crystals front and back. The movement is a Swiss 2896 big-date.

If interested email sales@rgmwatches.com





RGM is Open, but we’ve temporarily suspended hosting visitors

As the Coronavirus and its impact continues to evolve and develop, RGM remains focused on the health and safety of our employees and our community, as well as our commitment to you, our customers. For those reasons, we’ve temporarily suspended hosting visitors in an effort to stay in line with State and Federal recommendations and mandates.

We are still building watches and doing repairs. We are available by phone, email, and social media. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Thank you

Roland Murphy

RGM Watch Co.

content_4.jpg

RGM Model 160/180 Only Two Watches Remaining.

The RGM Model 160/180 was made in a small series several years ago, it’s basically a larger lefty version of our Model 160. The watch is 42mm in diameter with an automatic Valjoux 7751 movement, the case is stainless-steel with sapphire crystals both front and back. The rectangle pushers and cabochon crown make this a very elegant triple date moon-phase chronograph. The most impressive feature is it’s beautiful solid silver hand cut Engine-Turned dial.

The two remaining watches are being offered at the special price of $7900. Contact us at 717-653-9799 or sales@rgmwatches.com

Monochrome Writes About the RGM Model 500-GMT RS

The brand’s latest piece is the Model 500-GMT, a sports watch designed in collaboration with bicycle frame building legend Richard Sachs. It has an ETA automatic in lieu of something in-house but is nevertheless a well-executed piece for the frequent traveler with an aesthetic born from two great artisans. 

Full Article Click Here

Monochrome Includes RGM in Their Skeleton Watch Buyers Guide!

The RGM 801 Skeleton is one of the watches featured in the following Monochrome article.

“Well-executed dials, decorated with classic Grand Feu enamel or elaborate guilloché, can add thousands to the price and define the character of a piece; however, there are times when the sheer absence of a dial can result in the most intriguing aesthetic. André-Charles Caron, legendary clockmaker for Louis XV of France in the mid-18th century, developed the first skeleton watch around 1760. The style adds a visual sophistication that few dials can compete with and creates the ultimate horological spectacle. Here’s a list of eight great skeleton watches available today, ranging in price from “money is no object” to surprisingly accessible.”

Click Here For full article.

The Story Behind the RGM Terra Nova Watch

In 1910, Robert Falcon Scott embarked on an ambitious expedition to Antarctica aboard the Terra Nova.

An intriguing story, beautiful images, things that I like…. Throughout my career that’s what inspired me to create many RGM models. The Terra Nova is a perfect example.

I came up an idea to make a multiple-piece dial that featured very classic elements, like a chapter ring with an engine-turned Breguet line, but with the center of the dial being fashioned from different materials, depending on the watch I wanted to make. But I needed a focal point for my idea.

Like most people, I searched the Internet and stumbled upon one of the most majestic maritime scenes I’d ever seen—a painting of the Terra Nova. When I dug into the ship’s background and mythology, I became even more fascinated. And the name was perfect, too.


The Inspiration

I’ve made several nautical-themed watches over the years. Sailing ships are strong, graceful, imbued with the mysteries of the deep. The Terra Nova painting evoked movement, and I wanted the dial miniature to do the exact same. I decided to use Mother of Pearl. Its multifaceted luster is a great canvas for this style of painting because, when you turn the watch, the background refracts light in various directions, reflecting the illusion of depth and motion.

The completed miniature painting

I visualized the finished piece over and over in my head as we set to work on creating our take on the Terra Nova. Once the in-house design was complete, we sent the art off with the Mother of Pearl for the miniature hand-paining work to be completed by a master artist. When the dial came back to us it was more beautiful than I’d imagined! I knew it was going to be one of the most captivating watches we’ve ever made. “It’s one of those watches you just keep looking at; I can’t take my eyes off it.”

I didn’t just want to make a watch, though. I wanted to tell the story of Terra Nova’s expedition through seldom-charted territory. The case-back gave me a place to do just that. During my research I found a 20th century map of Scott’s trek to the South Pole. The map had a lot of detail, which was great, but we had to draw it to scale, taking care to keep the integrity of the map intact while fitting it into onto a round case-back. Recreating the map proved just as technical as making the art. After 3 weeks of redrafts and edits we had a rendering of the map that was to be engraved onto the case-back.

I must say—it is very satisfying to watch a project like this take shape, to see the finished watch in your hand looking better than envisioned. Currently, there is only one Terra Nova watch, but we may make a few more pieces. I miss this watch already, but I know it’s in good hands.

If you have an idea, let RGM help you make it a reality that will last for generations.


Roland Murphy and the RGM Team


Click here to read more about Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition

 

 

Leap Year Special Opportunity

Leap year only comes once every four years, so we want to celebrate it with a special offer. Purchase or order any RGM watch between now and February 29th and get a custom-made strap of any color, a 3-year warranty, and a surprise gift at no extra charge. All you have to do is mention this offer when you place the order.

To help you choose the strap you want to make we will email you color and skin samples to choose from, and we can help you with recommendations based on your input if you would like.

sales@rgmwatches.com



RGM Stone Marquetry Watch Dial of Yosemite National Park

STONE MARQUETRY

Working with stone requires great skill as each stone has its own specific hardness, the marquetry craftsmen must have just the right touch. For all their beauty, hard stones are extremely difficult to handle, even with skilled craftsman the stones are fragile and must be cut thin, shaped, and polished.

The reward for this demanding work is a miniature puzzle, each cut piece will have its own place in the tiny mosaic creating a beautiful piece of art made of stone. The possibilities are endless using this technique, the craftsmen can reinterpret the most spectacular and beautiful images, scenes and landscapes.

For the watch pictured here we picked the famous Yosemite tunnel view. Personally visiting Yosemite will leave you with a life long lasting impression of the beauty and wonderful place, the natural beauty is incredible. I would advise everyone to have it on there travel list.

Roland

Peter Speake-Marin's THE NAKED WATCHMAKER interviews Roland Murphy

Roland G. Murphy is the founder of  RGM Watch a U.S. based independent company.   Having first studied in the U.S. at Bowman Technical school, he continued his education by going to W.O.S.T.E.P.  RGM watches was founded in 1992.

1. Describe briefly your childhood.

I grew up in Maryland here in the USA, my father worked at a factory that made telephone cable, he worked long hours but always made time for me on the weekends, we visited museums, explored photography, and many other activities. I loved to build and repair things as a child, car models, slot cars, tree forts, and much more.


2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?

I loved building, so my first desire was to be a carpenter, I pursed this and took carpentry and cabinet making in vocational high school. During high school I worked a half day for a company that made Grandfather clocks, even though I worked on the wood cabinets, this is when my first interest in timepieces started to grow.


3. What is your first significant memory as a child? I remember staying with my Grandmother when my family went to the World’s Fair in Montreal Canada back in 1967. I was 6 at the time, I am sure other memories are bouncing around in my head, but this is the one that comes to mind.


4. Have you ever had another profession?

I mentioned above, I worked as a cabinetmaker and carpenter for a short while.


5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?

When I worked at the small factory making Grandfather clocks, they went into bankruptcy and a lot of items were up for sale, my father and I bought cabinets movements etc.. I assembled some cabinets with the German clock movements and sold them. I started to be very interested in the movements, I would set one up on a table with a hole in it so the weights could drop thru, then I could sit there and examine how everything worked. Next, I took a movement apart and put it back together and it worked, this was the point I was hooked on horology!

A friend told us about Bowman Technical school which was Lancaster PA, here in the USA where I first learned clockmaking and watchmaking, after that I went to W.O.S.T.E.P. in Neuchatel Switzerland in 1986. After that I worked for SMH (Swatch Group now) back in Lancaster, PA in product development for the Hamilton watch brand, after 5 years there I started RGM in 1992.


6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?

The worst thing I can think of was putting plywood on a large roof when I was a carpenter in very cold and windy weather. I hated working outside in the cold.


7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?

I would have to say it was when my father died in 2016, he had a stroke so it came very suddenly, the day before he was fine and we had a very nice lunch, and the next day everything had changed in an instance. My wife and children helped me thru this time, and of course staying busy is always beneficial in these situations. At times I still have to deal with this big loss in my life.


8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?

In the watch industry I would have to say fellow independent watchmakers, I have many friends who have been an inspiration and a help from time to time. I hesitate to name them as I would feel horrible if I forget to mention one. My only goal when I started was to be able to make a living doing what I love making and repairing watches. I have achieved that goal.


9. What are you most proud of?

Bringing watch movement making back to the USA (on a small scale), being far from the modern watchmaking center in Switzerland this was a mountain to climb.


10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?

I would never discourage someone from pursuing their dream. I would however let them know that it takes hard work, determination, endurance, and the ability to push thru disappointment. I would also tell them to learn from their failures and mistakes, sometimes this is the most important aspect of pursuing anything. And always do what you love, you won’t be very good at something that you’re not passionate about.


11. Name three things on your bucket list.

1. See my grandchildren grow up.

2. Go to Yellowstone National Park.

3. Complete the watches in my head.


12. Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 years time.

1. More watch brands selling direct and online. 2. More innovations and high-tech materials, some for the good, and some for the bad. 3. I hope a return to more classic watchmaking!

Update on the RGM Model 500-GMT-RS "Richard Sachs" Version

Click here for original post with more information about this model

The stainless steel cases for the model 500 are just beautiful and feel wonderful on the wrist. Final engraving will be done soon. We just received the dial and the hands and they look great. The crown and case tube will arrive in about a week, it will be a little larger then the one in the pictures. The straps are in the mail to us and are a little different then the one in these pictures.

We will have the watch to show at our event at JR in New York, and at the WatchTime NY show this month. Click here for event details. We will also have one at the Philly Bike Expo in Richards Sachs stand.

In the picture above you see the 3D printed prototype, we had to revise the design 4 or 5 times until the 3D printed case was comfortable on the wrist. The second item in the picture is the prototype of our turning bezel system we developed here at RGM. The brass case was the first prototype in metal, we made a few small modifications before the stainless steel case was made. The end result is an RGM sport watch we are very proud of.

——————-

We will extend the following pre-order benefits until the end of October. The first watches will ship the end of November.

Limited Edition of 50 Watches.

Anyone who pre-orders the watch now will get some extra goodies at no extra charge as outlined below.

  1. 3-year warranty in place of standard 2-year warranty.

  2. Extra RGM watch strap.

  3. Richard Sachs water bottle.

  4. Signed Richard Sachs cycling cap.

 

To order the watch, a 50% deposit is required, and the balance is due when the watch is ready later this year.  The price of the watch is $4750 on strap. An optional stainless-steel bracelet will be available later.

Email for more information

Call to place an order 717-653-9799

IMG_9516.jpg

RGM Open House and Watch Opportunities this Saturday October 5

October 5th

IMG_6307.jpg

At RGM in Mount Joy on Saturday, October 5th from 9am to 4pm we will have an Open-House of our workshops and we will have watches on display. You can also see how we make our watches from our hand made Engine-Turning to the assembly of our Caliber 801 movement.

Also, during this event you can order or purchase a watch including the following.

  1. New RGM Watches

  2. Pre-Owned RGM Watches

  3. Out of Production RGM Watches

  4. Traded-in watches from other brands like Omega, Rolex, Hamilton, JLC, IWC, Tag Heuer, and others.


No Reservations needed

Also, we will have watch straps and other items available for purchase.

DSC_5333 (2).jpg

We Found Another Connection Between RGM and William Penn

A Little background on William Penn:

From IW Magazine in 2000

William Penn (October 14, 1644 – July 30, 1718) was an English colonial proprietor and the son of the admiral and politician Sir William Penn. Penn was a writer, early Quaker, and founder of the English North American colony the Province of Pennsylvania. He was an early advocate of democracy and religious freedom.

Many of you know we made a watch style named after William Penn. If you would like to see more on the watch click here.

Last week a local gentleman stopped by and gave us the research he did on the deed of our property here at RGM, 801 West Main St. He does this as a hobby and for the historical society, he was eager to show us what he found.

RGM William Penn Model 121

The earliest deed record he could find for the property here at RGM was dated 1743, the recorded owner of the property was “Honorable the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania”, the owners were Richard and Thomas Penn the sons of William Penn.

How fitting that we made a watch in the name of William Penn, he was an important figure in the history of the United States and especially Pennsylvania.

Roland

Hirsch Performance Straps on RGM Sport Watches

We started using the Hirsch Performance straps a few years ago for some of our sport watches like the RGM Model 151. We have found that most of our customers love these straps because they are durable, flexible, water-resistant, and most importantly they are very comfortable.

RGM Model 151-PR Professional Pilot

You can order several sizes from our RGM accessories page, and they come standard on many model 151 watches.

Click here for the RGM Accessories page

Try one your love it!

Special October Events for RGM This Year

October 5th

At RGM in Mount Joy on Saturday, October 5th from 9am to 4pm we will have an Open-House of our workshops and we will have watches on display. You can also see how we make our watches from our hand made Engine-Turning to the assembly of our Caliber 801 movement.

Also, during this event you can order or purchase a watch including the following.

interview_006.jpg

  1. New RGM Watches

  2. Pre-Owned RGM Watches

  3. Out of Production RGM Watches

  4. Traded-in watches from other brands like Omega, Rolex, Hamilton, JLC, IWC, Tag Heuer, and others.


No Reservations needed

October 24th

download.png

Come see us in Manhattan at the Jean-Rousseau Boutique on Thursday, October 24th from 4pm to 9pm. During this event we will be showing our watches and the beautiful watch straps and leather work from JR.

If you order or purchase an RGM watch during the one day event, a custom JR strap will be included at no extra charge. You can pick the leather, stitching, and how the strap is marked, perhaps with your initials next to ours!

JR will also offer 10% off on custom straps, and 15% on stock straps and watch accessories (pouches, rolls and cases) during the event.

Atelier Jean Rousseau

373 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Between E. 45th and E. 46th Streets

No Reservations needed


October 25th and 26th

Once again we will be at the WatchTime New York watch event in beautiful Gotham Hall. Come see us at our booth and talk watches with us, and see what’s new. The event begins with a VIP Event on Friday, October 25, followed by a full day of educational panels, seminars, tours, and events on Saturday, October 26. The WatchTime event is always one of the highlights of the year, so be sure to register early as it often sells out.

Click here for more details.