RGM Model 25 - USS Constitution Leaving Malta in 1804 in Wood Marquetry

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.

 

New - Model 222-RR Classic Montgomery

The second watch release for our 30th Anniversary year.

We have added another Railroad dial to the Model 222-RR series

Type 1 - Montgomery (Classic 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 I - CLASSIC MONTGOMERY

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. This is the design that has inspired the new version of RGM’s Model 222-RR watch.

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.

Why is the crown at the 1:30 position?

During the Transitional Period from the early 1900s into the 1920s, some wristwatches appeared with the winding crown in this less common position on the wristwatch case. Some watch companies converted movements and dials that were originally designed for a pocket or pendant watch into a wristwatch by making the crown position on the wristwatch case at 1:30 or 2:00 O’clock.

Celebrating the unique look of those early wristwatches is the inspiration behind the RGM Model 222-RR. It also keeps the orientation of the sub-second in line with the 12 O’clock position thus preserving the original design of the railroad-style dial. And it’s just fun!

Link to Webpage Click Here

WatchTime Magazine reviews the RGM Model 600-B

The latest issue of WatchTime Magazine has a 6-page review of the RGM Model 600-B. Issue June 2022

Roger Ruegger WatchTime magazines Editor-in-Chief spent time wearing the watch and testing it in real-world conditions.

Hand Painted Sunset on an RGM Model 25

Client’s original photograph

We had a client approach us with an idea for a watch with a picture of a sunset he took from his property, he asked if we could put this picture on a watch dial. The idea was when wearing this watch he could see his home view no matter where he traveled.

I suggested hand painting on mother of pearl inspired by his photograph, rather than using a photo. I explained that this would make a much higher quality presentation, and make for greater lasting value.

Next, we made artwork with a few options. He ultimately chose the one closest to his photograph with no added elements.

Artwork ideas

The RGM Model 25 was chosen as the starting point for this special custom watch, the Model 25 is an excellent versatile watch that we often use in custom projects. This particular watch is also fitted with a solid gold winding rotor made here at RGM.

Once the artwork was completed we choose an artist to do the hand painting on our MOP dial. We make many things here at RGM but we also partner with many artists around the world for specific needs, like in this case miniature hand painting.

The completed custom watch

The mother of pearl showing thru the sky and the beach elements of the scene give life to the background and really add to the beauty of the finished watch.

It is very satisfying when a custom project comes together and exceeds my expectations. this one did not disappoint!

Other artwork concepts

(New) - RGM Model 600-B

First New Model to be released during our 30th Anniversary year, 1992-2022

New Blue Dial option for our Vintage-Inspired Chronograph

The Model 600-B 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 and Model 600-B are the first RGM models with a box-style raised sapphire crystal, bolstering the classic design element and allowing for a slimmer profile.

Click here for the webpage

Please Consider Making a Modest Donation

Hello RGM Friends,

I had to take a small woodpecker up to this center yesterday because it has an injured wing and could not fly. Red Creek Wildlife Center is one of the few that accepts almost any type of wild animal for rehabilitation care. They need support to keep the doors open, so please consider making a modest donation to them and to one of your local centers also.

You can make a PayPal donation thru their website below.

Thank you

Roland Murphy

RGM Watch Co.

https://redcreekwildlifecenter.com/

RGM's Recent Custom Pocket Watches

Hunter Case with Engine-Turned Dial

RGM will mark its 30th year making watches next year in 2022.  Overall those years we have made a lot of custom watches for our clients, but we never had a client order a pocket watch until the last few years. Then in the span of two years, we made 3 custom pocket watches each with our in-house 801 movement.  We love working on new projects and creating watches for our clients, and working closely with them to achieve their vision while using our experience to make the best watch we can for them.

 

Open face with Engine-Turned Dial

Custom is not a cost savings way to buy a watch, but it is and can be a very special way to mark a time in your life or create the watch you have dreamed of.  For those who choose to go down this road, it can be a very special opportunity to have a unique watch that will last for generations and can be handed down through your family.

 

Stars around dial to denote original 13 colonies

I have always loved pocket watches and I wondered for years why no one ever ordered one.  Even if no one ever orders one again it’s nice to have worked on these special projects and created these lasting treasures.   

Roland Murphy

NAWCC Podcast w/RGM's Roland Murphy, topic Chess legend Paul Morphy & his Watch

A Very Special Custom Commission - The RGM Model 25 “Kauai”

Last year we started talking with our client about a watch he wanted to make with the Island of Kauai on the dial. After a few conversations and some brainstorming, we helped him with the design concept and the end result was one of the most stunning custom pieces we have ever made.

We recommend a multi-piece dial the gives depth and helps with the transition of color and techniques. Engine-turning was used to give the look of water, we also did it in a random way to help with the waves being more natural-looking. The island itself is slightly taller than the engine-turned water and is engraved with the map details, it also has a solid gold setting holding a small diamond to mark the city of our clients choice.

We also thought engraved solid rose gold plaques screwed to the dial would be a beautiful way to show the island name and of course RGM.

For reading the time we have classic blued steel Breguet style hands, and in the track, we have four roman numerals and diamond-shaped five-minute markers. The watch is a customized version of our RGM Model 25 with a solid rose gold winding rotor.

The end result of the watch exceeded our client’s expectations, we hope he has many years of enjoyment wearing his custom RGM watch.


Link to Article SJX did on this watch - Click Here

RGM Team

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Teddy Baldassarre Visits RGM (See Video)

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

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Pennsylvania Tourbillon

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.

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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:

  1. -Extra strap - you will get a Brown and a Black strap

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

  3. -RGM watch related gifts

Price $4250.

Click here for link to Model 600 Webpage

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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!

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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.

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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.