RGM watches anybody? Does anyone have one?
I suppose a casualty of designing a college level course on the history of time and timekeeping is that it was inevitable that my wishlist would grow. Really convincing myself that I don't need a vintage Hamilton pocket watch during their American railway days, but I am lusting hard over one of the few American watchmakers that are batting at the level of some in-house movements (and hand decoration) and high(er) horology . . . and that is of course RGM. Really loving the below models for how much they nod at American heritage and pocket watch roots. My wife is from the Philly area (and her family now lives near Lancaster), so the historical connection to the area seems even cooler. They are a custom build to order outfit and use vintage machinery.
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I haven't had any experience with the brand but definitely find their designs super attractive, and they seem to be doing great work.
I do not own their watches, but I have called and spoken to man himself (Ronald) regarding servicing some of my watches. They are top notch professionals running the show there. They were not able to service my watch because the manufacturer does not ship parts, but after my interaction with them, they are on my list.
I wish.
If I could, the Model 25 with barley guilloche might make my heart stop if I actually wore it.
I don’t own one but have checked them out a few times. Beautiful watches.
I like them too. Dial work is great. There's a section on RGM in this Hodinkee series. Starts around the 10:40 mark. https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-road-through-america-episode-2-of-our-new-docuseries
Roland Murphy is one of the last American masters of watchmaking.
Beautiful work.
Ever since I saw this TeddyB video, I have wanted to have an RGM watch! 😍
https://youtu.be/YR5duZwe1VA
Have an RGM on order.
Have an RGM on order.
I speak for everyone on this thread when I say, "Looking forward to those wrist shots!"
I speak for everyone on this thread when I say, "Looking forward to those wrist shots!"
And I cannot wait to have it on wrist!
Wow, these pieces look great! However, I don't get the prices.
Wow, these pieces look great! However, I don't get the prices.
I ended up chatting with these folks not long ago, and I think the prices are fair for what they are doing. It's kind of like asking a painter why charge X amount for the painting. One answer is that you charge what you feel you are worth and what time/materials were spent (and these are made to order watches from an artisan shop not mass produced) and the other answer is that you charge what people have been proven to pay . . . and there is obviously a market for collectors who don't have many options to buy watches of this caliber from American based watchmakers (esp. those nodding to the heritage of older (now Swiss) companies from their the States like Hamilton). If this brand were based in Switzerland? These prices actually might be way too low for some of their complications. Will be in Pennsylvania over the summer, so I'm going to make a point to visit the shop (and the nearby watch and clock museum . . . the largest collection in the country apparently).
Hey man - if you like the pocket watch history, legacy and aesthetic, check out Vortic. This is a unique microbrand. What they do is find old American pocket watches, restore them and then put the movement and the dial into a new steel case and then that’s the product they sell. They are something like $3-5K I think. Not my thing but it sounds like you might love them!
I owned the RGM GMT 500 for 11 months. I purchased it in Mount Joy from Roland. It’s a great sports watch and I love it. I’d love to have an 801 or 25 but a sports watch fits my lifestyle these days.
I owned the RGM GMT 500 for 11 months. I purchased it in Mount Joy from Roland. It’s a great sports watch and I love it. I’d love to have an 801 or 25 but a sports watch fits my lifestyle these days.
Ooof those lugs look gigantic.
Looking at his web site, I was thinking his prices were pretty reasonable compared to European competitors. Each watch being hand made, and although they may share a design philosophy they will have differences that make them unique. Those are absolute future heirlooms.
Here is my RGM if you are near Lancaster Pa go see the factory...Honestly the photo doesnt do it justice 😉
Here is my RGM if you are near Lancaster Pa go see the factory...Honestly the photo doesnt do it justice 😉
My in-laws fortunately moved 15min away from the RGM shop! Is that the 151 or 801? Think the 801 is probably out of the question for my 6.25 inch wrists :/
My in-laws fortunately moved 15min away from the RGM shop! Is that the 151 or 801? Think the 801 is probably out of the question for my 6.25 inch wrists :/
Hi my watch is the 801 yes it is not a small Watch 😀
I ended up chatting with these folks not long ago, and I think the prices are fair for what they are doing. It's kind of like asking a painter why charge X amount for the painting. One answer is that you charge what you feel you are worth and what time/materials were spent (and these are made to order watches from an artisan shop not mass produced) and the other answer is that you charge what people have been proven to pay . . . and there is obviously a market for collectors who don't have many options to buy watches of this caliber from American based watchmakers (esp. those nodding to the heritage of older (now Swiss) companies from their the States like Hamilton). If this brand were based in Switzerland? These prices actually might be way too low for some of their complications. Will be in Pennsylvania over the summer, so I'm going to make a point to visit the shop (and the nearby watch and clock museum . . . the largest collection in the country apparently).
The National Watch & Clock Museum is really cool.
Here is my RGM if you are near Lancaster Pa go see the factory...Honestly the photo doesnt do it justice 😉
Is that an 801 COE?
Is that an 801 COE?
Yes it is sir 801-coe -sw
Yes it is sir 801-coe -sw
Nice choice!
Nice choice!
Thanks I admired RGM for years and I decided to go to the factory store during pandemic . I wanted to show my support for a small USA based watchmaker .
Thanks I admired RGM for years and I decided to go to the factory store during pandemic . I wanted to show my support for a small USA based watchmaker .
I also visited the workshop and meet with Roland when I ordered/specked my RGM. It should be done around October of this year. I am not saying what I ordered until I have it in hand and can post it :)
I owned the RGM GMT 500 for 11 months. I purchased it in Mount Joy from Roland. It’s a great sports watch and I love it. I’d love to have an 801 or 25 but a sports watch fits my lifestyle these days.
I thought the GMT 500 felt great on the wrist. I tried them on when I was ordering my 222. I thing its probably the most practical sports watch in RGM's current lineup.
I speak for everyone on this thread when I say, "Looking forward to those wrist shots!"
Finally got my RGM watch. Here is the link to my post.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/ImNevix/posts/new-rgm-ps-801-ee-an-american-grail-341413
Finally got my RGM watch. Here is the link to my post.
https://www.watchcrunch.com/ImNevix/posts/new-rgm-ps-801-ee-an-american-grail-341413
Everybody go to that post and drool a bit and then go to Pennsylvania immediately and bang on Roland’s doors.