Lancaster Watch Weekend

Lancaster Watch Weekend - Schedule of Events

September 26th, 27th, and the 28th - 2025

  • Friday, Sept 26th

Brent Miller Jewelers - Open 10am to 7pm - Watch Party 5pm to 7pm

Hamilton Boutique - Open 11am to 6pm

NAWCC Museum - Open 10am to 4pm

RedBar Gathering - 7pm to 9pm - E.F. Bowman Building - Reservation required - Contact - Atom@Redbargroup.com

  • Saturday, Sept 27th

RGM Watch Co - Open House - Open 9am to 3pm

NAWCC Museum - Open 10am to 8pm

NAWCC Museum - 4pm Movie Watches Thru My Career - Presentation “2001 : A Space Odyssey” - “The Muse” - “The Dead Poets Society” and more - by Roland Murphy

NAWCC Museum - Enjoy food and refreshments 5:30pm

Hamilton Boutique - Open 11am to 6pm - 11am to 3pm - Unveiling of the new Lancaster Exclusive Edition watch

Brent Miller Jewelers - Open 10am to 5pm

  • Sunday, Sept 28th

E. F. Bowman breakfast and presentation - 9am - Reservation required - Contact marci@brentlmiller.com

HSNY “Horology 101” - 1st Class 9am to 11am, 2nd Class 1pm to 3pm - E.F. Bowman Building - Reservation Required - Click time slot above - Information - info@hs-ny.org

Hamilton Old Factory Tour - 11am to 12pm - Register HamiltonRSVP@swatchgroup.com

NAWCC Museum - Open 10am to 4pm

New Railroad dial Option - Model 222-RR "Ferguson"

RGM Model 222-RR Ferguson (Railroad Style 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 inspired by American railroad watches of 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 - Ferguson Patented Railroad Dial

The Ferguson Patented Dial is one of the most well-known after-market dials, originally patented in 1908 by L. B. Ferguson of Monroe, Louisiana. Louis Buck Ferguson began selling his patented, unique dial to the railroad industry. In 1911, after concluding that his limited market tests had been successful, he organized the Ferguson Dial Company in Monroe, Louisiana.

The first dials were made for Ferguson by the famous O’Hara Dial Company in Waltham, Massachusetts. Mr. Ferguson designed several early variants of his unique railroad dial before settling on the design widely recognized as the standard “Ferguson Dial.” This dial features the essential traits of Ferguson’s design – large five-minute indicators and an inner ring with red hour figures.

Due to the unusual arrangement of the figures, each dial was accompanied by a custom set of hour and minute hands. The hour hand was significantly shorter than the standard hour hand to match the position of the small hour figures within the inner circle of the dial, while the minute hand was of standard length. To assist with accurate time telling, the hour hand was painted red to correspond with the red hour figures

Original Ferguson Dial

“The feature of the dial is the arrangement of the dial marking. The minutes appear in large figures on the outer circumference of the dial, while the hours are shown in smaller figures on the inner dial. To further facilitate easy and accurate reading, the hour figures and the hour hand are colored red.” – Railway Master Mechanic, July 1913.

 

Why is the crown and dial offset?

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 placing the crown position on the wristwatch case at what is normally the 1:30 or 2:00 position.

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 Model 222-RR - Click Here

William Penn Moon-phase Reissue - Limited Availability of 10

RGM Model 121/122-M William Penn Reissue

Back in 1999-2000, we introduced the first William Penn models. There were three versions back then: one with moon-phase, one with date, and another with a sub-second.  The case design was taken from our original model 102J jumping hour watch, the Penn version is a bit larger.

We have parts remaining to make about 10 more moon-phase models; only new Guilloché dials need to be made.

Artwork for new 18K solid gold silvered Dial

The watch is named after William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.


Watches will start shipping on or before February 2026

Click here for more details:

We have made a small change on the dial, as you will see on the artwork, we flipped the numbers on the power-reserve.

Direct Sales - sales@rgmwatches.com

MasterClass in Enameling with Nikoloz Gamkhitashvili - Learn with RGM's Roland Murphy

MasterClass in Enameling with Nikoloz Gamkhitashvili - Sponsored by RGM

We've helped arrange and are sponsoring a very special MasterClass in enameling. If you've ever wanted to try this traditional craft, this is a unique opportunity.

Join me, Roland Murphy, and let's learn together!

Rescheduled dates October 6–10, 2025

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Description:

Join master enamelist Nikoloz Gamkhitashvili for a five-day intensive enameling workshop at the NAWCC School of Horology in Columbia, PA. Starting with the basics of enameling, including materials and tools, this Master Class is geared for the beginner and experienced enamelist alike. Learn to apply wet enamel on metal using three different techniques. Discover exclusive tips and techniques for crafting beautiful, high-quality enamel jewelry. Safety aspects when enameling will also be addressed.

The following topics will be covered in this Master Class:

Cloisonné on silver, preparing blanks, bending wires, and enameling, including theory and discussion of the process

Cloisonné on silver foil

Polishing and finishing techniques

Plique-à-jour enameling

Use of a kiln, hand tools, and polishing equipment

Safety concerns when enameling

Equipment & Materials: All materials and necessary equipment will be provided. Safety glasses and magnifiers (visors) will be supplied for the duration of the class if you do not have your own.

Date: October 6–10, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Location: NAWCC School of Horology, 454 Poplar St., Columbia, PA 17512

Instructor: Nikoloz Gamkhitashvili, born in the country of Georgia, a great center of enameling, will be your instructor for this Master Class.

Enrollment: Limited to 8 participants

NAWCC Member Cost: $1,600.00

Nonmember Cost: $1,750.00

For all inquiries, please email Ken De Lucca, Education Director, at kdelucca@nawcc.org or call 717-684-8261, ext. 237.

RGM's Roland Murphy will be part of a panel discussion with Roger Smith this week

RGM's Roland Murphy will be part of a panel discussion with Roger Smith!

The NAWCC National is this week in York, PA. The public day of the convention is on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 4:00 p.m., with tickets available at the door for only $10.

Throughout the weekend, there will be several talks on various topics, but we would like to highlight a few key events.

"The Future of Watchmaking and Collecting" led by Roger Smith, Roland Murphy, James Lamdin, and John Cote.

The final talk – "The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of British Watchmaking" – will be the keynote address of the Saturday night banquet, with Roger Smith.

https://natcon.nawcc.org/

RGM Sponsored a MasterClass on Movement decoration at the NAWCC in April/May

We were happy to bring Philippe Narbel to Lancaster County from Switzerland to teach a wonderful MasterClass on watch movement decoration using traditional techniques. The course was held at the NAWCC School of Horology, which is across the street from the NAWCC Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, PA.

The NAWCC stands for “National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors”.

We look forward to him coming back to teach another class!

Enjoy a few images from the week-long class.



RGM Model 222-RR - Why is the Crown and Dial Offset?

Modern RGM Model 222-RR (Boxcar Dial)

Our Model 222-RR with the crown and dial offset is often a topic of conversation. Many often wonder where the idea came from and why we made it this way. First, we wanted to keep the orientation of the 12 in line with the sub-second at 6 o'clock. This keeps the classic layout of the railroad-road-inspired dials for this model.

We were also inspired by the WW1-era trench watches, as watch companies transitioned to more wristwatches they often took a ladies’ pendent movement and dial and cased them in a new wristwatch case, many of which had the offset dial and crown.

Our inspiration was not the VC 1921 as some people thought, in fact, VC was inspired by the same WW1-era watches including some of their own, and other watches from that time. The general offset layout was used by many watch companies on both sides of the ocean.

Some wonder if the Model 222-RR is a driver’s watch, which is also not the case, in fact, most drivers watches are designed to be worn on the side of the wrist.

So that’s why the Model 222-RR watches have an offset dial and crown.

Click here for RGM Model 222-RR Watches

WWI Waltham - photo LRF antique watches

WWI Elgin - photo LRF antique watches

Modern VC 1921

Vintage VC

Modern RGM Model 222-RR Watches

WWI Elgin - photo LRF antique watches

WWI Elgin - photo LRF antique watches

WWI Elgin - photo LRF antique watches

RGM Model 222-RR (Montgomery Type 1 Dial)

Left handed and Right handed version




The New RGM Model 801/40 "Our Smaller 40mm 801"

RGM Model 801/40-CE 40mm case

 

The classic architecture and good looks of RGM’s classic 801

in a more svelte case size

 

 

Model 801/40-CE “Classic Enamel” version

RGM’s time-honored 801 series watches look to the grand past of watchmaking for inspiration and base their present not on only the magnificent visuals of America’s bygone heyday of watchmaking, but also various techniques for longevity, precision, and aesthetics. Pennsylvania-based RGM specializes in blending old-world decorative arts with expert modern production capabilities to produce reliable yet beautiful and unique timepieces that radiate a decided feel for America’s horological history.

 

And now this luxurious example of the ever-evolving art of watchmaking is available in a 40.3 mm diameter, the smallest possible to house the 801 movement. Model 801/40 can comfortably and elegantly fit more wrists than ever.

 

RGM Model 801/40: Genuine enamel dial

 

The proportions and details of this RGM design are aesthetic, easy to read, and historically inclined, with the U.S. brand creating a timeless layout on a multilevel “double-sunk” grand feu enamel dial that could just as well have belonged to a vintage pocket watch. The mixture of Arabic numerals marking the minutes and the small seconds and elegant Roman numerals depicting the hours is a classically eye-catching combination. The numerals are joined by a minute track dotted with tiny pyramid-shaped marks for the five-minute intervals, while the small seconds dial follows on with a subtle railroad track.

 

The central dial features a simple, classic brand logo that favors a vintage-style text form additionally denoting the company’s place of origin. The classically beautiful blued-steel hands are Breguet style, for many aficionados – as well as for RGM founder Roland Murphy – the ultimate hand shape.

 

The making of a grand feu enamel dial of this caliber is a long process steeped in tradition. As the dial has three components – the outer ring, the inset central panel, and the doubly inset small seconds subdial (hence the “double-sunk” description) – each must be enameled individually. Each of these components must be independently fired numerous times as the enamel slowly builds up to create the incredible depth that the final product displays. Grand feu is one of the most difficult enameling processes thanks to the many possibilities for something to go wrong in the multiple firing steps: each time a section is fired, a new opportunity for dust, a bubble, or cracking is presented, which could lead to a warped surface.

 

To achieve the perfection seen here, a master enameller carefully works the dial using the prescribed process to obtain crisp, pure white enamel with exquisite depth and sophisticated translucency that cannot be created using any other method. While RGM has extensive experience with guilloche and dial-making in-house, these grand feu enamel dials are produced by a master of the craft in Switzerland.

 

RGM Model 801/40: Case and Crystal

 

The style of model 801/40’s 40.3 x 9.3 mm stainless-steel case is reminiscent of vintage wristwatches, and the box-style sapphire crystal completes the classic look and contributes to the slim design aesthetic. Turning the watch over, the view from the back has watch enthusiasts catching their breath as all the vintage-style beauty from the front is more than mirrored in Caliber 801, which dominates the rear view of this special timepiece.

 

RGM Caliber 801

 

Under the extraordinary dial is RGM’s original in-house movement: Caliber 801 exemplifies all the qualities that RGM holds dear. Inspired by America’s great watchmaking history, this classic movement displays the traditions of America’s greatest manufacturers. Its classic bridge shapes are strongly reminiscent of Keystone-Howard Watch Company’s Edward Howard model. This was a historical watch company in operation from 1902 through 1930 in Waltham, Massachusetts. Caliber 801’s unique winding click was inspired by that found within the Illinois Bunn Special, an American-invented motor barrel the likes of which was only used in highest-grade railroad watches. Its design is beneficial to the quality of the movement as it transmits energy efficiently by reducing friction.

 

The finely finished Caliber 801 was conceived from the start to be customized to the client's wishes in terms of decoration, plating, and other elements. A point of pride for both RGM and its clients, the Caliber 801 is the first serial mechanical watch movement manufactured in the United States since 1969 when Hamilton stopped producing its Caliber 992 B.

 

The classic American architecture is enough to evoke emotion in anyone even remotely interested in watches. Many of the components of Caliber 801 are also made right in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA, and finished by hand; 90 % of this movement is made in the USA.

 

This movement displays RGM’s masterful command of classic watchmaking from an American perspective.

 

Variations and Options

 

Since RGM makes fewer than 300 timepieces annually, customization is one of the great services this American watchmaker can offer. Naturally, other dial and hand versions can be ordered for this watch. It can also feature dials in the style of many existing watches in RGM’s repertoire: the 801/40-COE “Corps of Engineers” offers a World War I-style enamel dial with sweep seconds, while the 801/40-EE displays a unique combination of enamel dial with RGM’s in-house engine-turning applied directly to the movement and showing through from the front. The 801/40-E model has a fully handmade engine-turned dial produced in-house at RGM in Pennsylvania.

 

“We are also happy to make custom versions of this new watch as we do with our other models,” says Murphy of the new 801/40. RGM is known for its custom watches as it can alter not only the appearance of a watch according to a customer’s wishes, but also the movement. RGM offers technical options such as precision hacking seconds (which stops the second hand when the crown is pulled out for precise setting), beautiful wolf’s teeth winding wheels, custom engraving on the balance bridge, RGM’s own motor barrel system, a spring barrel design inspired by older pocket watch movements, and a swan-neck regulator in place of an index.

 

The 801 model watches have thus far been available in 43.3 mm (Pennsylvania series) and 42 mm. The brand-new model 801/40 is the smallest available at 40.3mm.

Model 810/40 page click here

A Custom Hand Engraved Case Back can be very Special - "Luna"

We enjoyed making this watch for our client, with his beloved dog, Luna, hand-engraved on the case-back. It started with a picture and a few requests from the client, and then we worked on a layout and the technique to be used.

We thank our client “J” for trusting us with this personal request and our hand engraver Phil for doing a great job.

Here you can see some of the steps.

RGM Custom Wood Marquetry - Sedona Arizona Landscape

Castillo de San Marcos

When we introduced art dials in 2019, one of the first watches had a wood marquetry dial. Offering real hand-craft techniques to our clients has always been important to us here at RGM.

The first watch had a historic scene of the Castillo de San Marcos in Saint Augustine, FL.



USS Constitution


The second watch also had a historic scene depicting the USS Constitution Leaving Malta in 1804.


Sedona Arizona

Our third wood marquetry watch features a scene from Sedona, Arizona. Our client from South Korea had visited the area and wanted a custom watch depicting the unique landscape. A wood dial is the perfect medium to capture the reds, tans, and browns of the natural landscape.

RGM Watch Company Featured in a New Video

We are happy to share this video which features our watchmaking and how we make some of the parts that go into our RGM watches.

This video is part of a new series called “Great Works” from the Daily Mail.

William Penn Reissue - Limited Availability of 15

RGM Model 121/122-D William Penn Reissue

Back in 1999-2000, we introduced the first William Penn models. There were three versions back then: one with moon-phase, one with date, and another with a sub-second.  The case design was taken from our original model 102J jumping hour watch, the Penn version is a bit larger.

We have parts remaining to make about 15 more date models; only new Guilloché dials need to be made.

The watch is named after the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn.

Artwork for new 18K solid gold silvered Dial



We are now making these watches available for pre-order. Delivery Feb 2025


Click here for more details: https://www.rgmwatches.com/model-122d-reissue

We have made a small change on the dial as you will see on the artwork, we flipped the numbers on the power-reserve and the bottom half of the date ring.

Open-House at RGM Saturday, Oct 5 - Presentation at NAWCC Friday, Oct 4

RGM Open-House Saturday, October 5th

Location - RGM 801 W Main St. Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Time & Date - Drop-in between 9am and 3pm on Oct 5th

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Demonstrations - Engine-Turning (Guilloché) by Hand, Machining, Watchmaking, and Finishing. You can see how we make our watches.

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

RGM Watch Co

  1. New RGM Watches

  2. Pre-Owned RGM Watches

  3. Traded-in watches from other brands like Omega, Rolex, Hamilton, JLC, IWC, Tag Heuer, etc..


    No Reservations needed




Free Presentation Oct 4th:

The day before at 2pm on Oct 4th, RGM’s Roland Murphy will give the slide presentation “RGM Watch Co. Inspirations from America’s Great Watchmaking Past” at the NAWCC Museum

NAWCC Museum

Locations:

Oct 4th at 2pm, NAWCC Museum 514 Poplar St, Columbia, PA

Oct 5th from 9am to 3pm, RGM 801 W Main St. Mount Joy, PA