Here at RGM we are continuing to uphold the finest traditions of American horology by introducing the Pennsylvania Tourbillon, our new flagship mechanical movement made here in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. The new Pennsylvania Tourbillon is signified by the state’s symbol, a keystone, surrounding a capital T, which will adorn watches in the first serially produced American Tourbillon watches ever made. Following on the heels of America’s first high grade mechanical movement in four decades, our RGM Caliber 801, the Pennsylvania Tourbillon represents significant advances in domestic watchmaking. The watch is not only made in the U.S.A., but is created and built in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania – one of the few traditional watchmaking centers of American watchmaking since the 1800s.
The new model will be produced in a small numbered series, both as a standard model and for custom orders. Housed in a 43 mm x 12 mm case of either steelor 18k gold, the movement is a symphony of layers, showcasing many of the great elements of traditional watchmaking typical of RGM. Finely polished components share space with brushed elements and perlage. Wheel cocks borrow their shape from the RGM 801 and from classic American movements of yesteryear. The spokes of the wheels continue this theme. A 7-tooth click and winding wheels with wolf’s teeth are immersed in plates with subtle striped damaskeening. The movement is made of the finest quality traditional watchmaking materials such as German Silver, Gold, Silver, and Black Polished Steel.> All of these elements are juxtaposed among that which may be the most surprising of all: the label U.S.A. Never before has an American watchmaker introduced a series of Tourbillon wristwatches based upon a proprietary caliber. To do so, and to create them domestically, is an historic accomplishment.
Additional remarkable features of this watch include hand-applied decoration such as guilloché (done on our antique rose engines), an inset hour and minute dial whose placement nicely balances the exposed Tourbillon, and a small curved sapphire window on the side of the case to allow a third view of the miniature ‘whirlwind’, the Pennsylvania Tourbillon’s cage, which is this model’s namesake.
The Tourbillon is considered to be one of the most challenging of watch mechanisms to make, and is valued for its engineering and hand finishing.
We are one of only a few watchmakers in the world who make custom watches, so customization and personalization are encouraged.
Take a moment to watch this short interview with Roland Murphy as he describes some of the thought process behind the construction of the Pennsylvania Tourbillon.
Join us on June 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the NAWCC Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania, to see this new Tourbillon and the RGM collection first hand.