talented watchmakers. At the same benches where such outstanding watches as the
William Penn, Classic, and Specialty Chronograph series are painstakingly
assembled, these experienced professionals also repair and restore some of the
finest timepieces from the most famous houses worldwide.
The path to becoming an established name in the competitive market of luxury
timepieces can be long and arduous. Few independents attain financial security
based solely on the merits of their own creations--at first that is. Many
significant names among the small ateliers of Switzerland cut their teeth
working for larger watch companies and/or performing repair and restoration
work out of their own workshops. So it has been for Roland Murphy and RGM.
After completing courses of study at American and Swiss watchmaking schools he
began working for the American subsidiary of the world's largest watch company.
On the side he also worked toward building a clientele for whom he performed
repairs and for whom he would one day create his own line of watches.
That expertise and motivation is still prevalent in the workshops of RGM, and
the combination of an acclaimed line of timepieces with a top-notch service
department has helped RGM grow in size and reputation--becoming a world-renowned
watchmaking company in little more than a decade. Their reputation is such
that they have been appointed the official US service center for some of the
most respected Swiss brands. They are also the assemblers of unique private-label
pieces commissioned by smaller brands who do not have the access to skilled
hands and exclusive materials that come with being as well-recognized as RGM.
With such credentials it is no wonder that the repair services offered by RGM are vast. The range of services includes cosmetic work, such as refinishing cases and bracelets or replacing crystals; movement overhauls, with disassembly, cleaning, lubricating and reassembly being just the starting point; custom modifications, such as the addition of one-of-a-kind dials or movement complications; and beyond. RGM's master watchmakers are even capable of creating a custom-built unique watch to the buyer's specifications.
With similar regard for the historic value of the watch, RGM's staff undertook
to restore an example of the 1969 18k gold Omega Speedmaster series which was
the commemorative model presented to NASA astronauts after the successful moon
landing of Apollo XI. One of the 1014 examples that were made was brought to
RGM after having been worn frequently for more than 30 years. The watch needed
much attention. The chronograph hour counter was not running properly, the
movement needed a complete overhaul, the case and bracelet were marred with
dings and scuffs, the gold caps on the crown and pushers were all worn through
and, most significantly, the signature gold bezel with burgundy tachymetric
insert was chipped and dented. Upon consultation with the owner of the watch,
RGM undertook to service the movement, refinish the case and bracelet and
replace the damaged parts. Having a watchmaker in-house with almost 30 years
of chronograph experience at Omega made this part easy. His initial comment
upon seeing the watch was "I've probably worked on this one before."
Obtaining movement parts, crown and pushers was not a difficult undertaking
--Omega has made many solid gold Speedmaster models since 1969 so crowns
and pushers are readily available, and the Cal. 861 movement was produced
for many years as well. The news on the availability of the bezel was not
as promising. Initial attempts to secure the replacement part were
unsuccessful, but subsequent inquiries through different channels finally
resulted in the acquisition of this uncommon bezel which was only offered
on the 18k Speedmaster version manufactured in 1969. This example of
the expertise and perseverance of the RGM team is typical of their
commitment to every job they accept.
Whether you want an estimate for repair of an heirloom, or a warranty servicing
of one of the brands who have entrusted this responsibility to RGM, or to have
RGM build a custom watch for you, you can feel confident that the work will be
performed responsibly and professionally. Not only does RGM inherently respect
each timepiece they receive, their reputation rests upon it.
