Introducing The Independent Watchmaker RGM Unveils the New 801/40-CE

RGM is an independent high-end American watch brand founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. Trained in Switzerland at WOSTEP, Murphy worked in product development at Hamilton, now owned by the Swatch Group, before establishing his own brand.

RGM is something of an anomaly in American watchmaking, distinguished by its in-house movements and dials adorned with traditional métiers d’art such as hand-guilloché and Grand Feu enamel. It is the only manufacture in the country that produces its own movements, dials, hands, and other components entirely in-house.

The brand draws inspiration from classic American pocket watches, a design ethos often reflected in its timepieces’ large case sizes, typically exceeding 40mm. Now, RGM introduces a more compact execution of its first in-house calibre, the 801, housed in a 40mm case.

The new 801/40 comes in a 316L stainless steel case with a 40.3mm diameter and a thickness of 9.3mm, increasing to 10.5mm with the box-style sapphire crystal. RGM explains that this new case is the smallest possible size to accommodate the movement. The stainless steel case features primarily brushed surfaces with a polished bezel and offers a water resistance of 50 meters.

The watch features a white Grand Feu “double-sunk” dial reminiscent of antique pocket watches. While RGM produces many of its dials in-house, this particular example is crafted by a master artisan in Switzerland. Creating a white Grand Feu enamel dial is particularly challenging, as the slightest imperfection can result in irreversible bubbles or cracks. The three-level construction adds further complexity, with the central portion recessed and the sub-seconds register positioned even lower.

The outer edge of the dial features a black railtrack-style minute track with red Arabic numerals, while classical Roman numerals indicate the hours. The small seconds counter is also recessed, with its own black railtrack and Arabic numerals. The hour and minute hands are Breguet-style and heat-blued, enhancing the watch’s vintage aesthetic.

The transparent caseback reveals the manual-winding Calibre 801, which beats at a frequency of 2.5Hz, or 18,000 vibrations per hour, and offers a 44-hour power reserve. Introduced in 2007, this movement was RGM’s first fully in-house calibre. The brand states that 90% of its movement components are American-made, with only a few parts, such as the balance spring and jewels, sourced externally.

The Calibre 801 is finished to a high standard, featuring Côtes de Genève and perlage as standard. A range of customization options is available, including gold or rhodium plating, an RGM motor barrel, wolf’s-tooth wheels, and custom engravings.

The RGM 801/40 will be available in multiple variations, including a skeletonized version and a guilloché dial option. The watch is paired with a brown alligator leather strap and a stainless steel buckle. True to its philosophy, RGM offers extensive customization, allowing clients to personalize everything from movement finishing and material to dial and hands.

The new RGM 801/40-CE is priced at $14,900, which is approximately 54,720 AED.

For more information visit the official website of RGM.