Visiting the Greatest American Watchmaker
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One seldom discussed idea in the world of watch enthusiasm is American watchmaking. Hamilton, formerly located in Lancaster, was the last major US manufacturer before shifting its production to Switzerland years ago. However, boutique watchmaking in the United States is alive and well thanks to smaller brands like the one we're covering today. In this video, I visit RGM, one of the last and certainly the greatest American watch manufacturer. We'll take a look at how RGM designs, manufactures, and services its own collection of watches and highly-decorated in-house calibers.
RGM: www.rgmwatches.com
While I was in Lancaster, I also shot a review of the new Hamilton Chronograph H right at Hamilton's former factory and headquarters. Be sure to check it out right here: • The New Hamilton Intra...
More of Teddy's Factory Visits:
Touring Our Watch Strap Factory: • Touring Our Watch Stra...
Visiting Vacheron Constantin: • A Visit To Vacheron Co...
My List Videos Playlist: • Teddy's List Videos
Other Places to Check Out:
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Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
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Teddy...these are the type of productions that separate you from the other watch channels. Great work.
@TeddyBaldassarre
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, David! These tend to never do as well with viewership but I simply enjoy doing productions like this. Roland represents so much of what I love about watches. Thanks for the support, my friend!
@kingadjust5422
3 жыл бұрын
@@TeddyBaldassarre wassup teddy!!! 😎✌️
@juniorjohnson5961
3 жыл бұрын
I agree I've been following Teddy for about Two years he's come a long way and very well deserved !
@freedom55or95
3 жыл бұрын
@@TeddyBaldassarre Although smaller, isn't Weiss Watches in the same category of American watchmaker with his own in-house movement?
@prettysoIdier
3 жыл бұрын
I had the same feeling. The beginning of the video shows you entering the shop with cuts showing the different angles made me think it looks like something straight off of discovery channel. Splendid production.
Roland is a true American craftsman. I had my 100 year old Patek serviced by them. Roland was very helpful discussing with me what should be done with my watch.
@TeddyBaldassarre
3 жыл бұрын
Apart from being a wealth of knowledge he was incredibly kind to us. He spent the entire day being an open book, showed us some of his personal pieces he restored, surprised us with lunch during the shoot, and put up with my constant questions. It was a pleasure meeting him and showcasing what they do.
@adventureswithtime
3 жыл бұрын
@@TeddyBaldassarre Teddy, you are very fortunate to have been granted this time with Roland. I think that speaks to the respect you’ve obtained in the watch community.
Usually when companies throw around the term "American craftmanship" it is usually a trite advertising gimmick bereft of meaning, and most of their products are mass produced through a mostly automated assembly line process. Thank you Teddy for highlighting a company that truly embodies the ethos of American craftmanship.
@bighands69
3 жыл бұрын
Craftsmen can use machines. What separates a craftsman from mass production is the level and scale of production. Craftsmen work in small numbers and not large production outputs. They can still use machines and can still use automation.
@riothero313
2 жыл бұрын
I love the 3 arm seconds hand. I've never seen that before. It reminds me of the wandering hours complications but for seconds. It took me a moment to realize just how simple it was to read(much like a wandering hours) lol.
@TheShockwave44
2 жыл бұрын
If it wasn't mass produced you'd constantly be paying over $3000 for watches.
@alphacause
2 жыл бұрын
@@TheShockwave44 I agree. If watches were hand crafted, they would be cost prohibitive. I wouldn't advocate for that sort of production model. However, I think there should be a distinction made between "American Made", which could be a blanket term for anything made in the United States - whether mass produced or not - and "American Craftsmanship". The latter should denote something that requires more artistry and hands on creation.
@riothero313
2 жыл бұрын
@@alphacause Every country does it. You could buy a 5k bike that says it is "Italian made" and every part came from China and then the premade sections are slapped together in Europe.
Such high calibre of watchmaking deserves nothing but admiration and appreciation. This was a lovely little tour, thank you, Teddy.
@colinmetzler
2 жыл бұрын
their model 300 divers are amazing 🖤
A few of us watch lovers got a four hour personal tour by Roland just before the pandemic. I'm privileged to live ten minutes down the road. Great guy! Great company!
@stevenliggins1623
3 жыл бұрын
Would have loved that tour.
@phouliscostantinou1767
Жыл бұрын
Did you ask where the equipment was made? Germany or Switzerland as Americans can not possibly make this kind of peaceful precise machine😂😂😂😂
@BruceLeeKills1
Жыл бұрын
@@phouliscostantinou1767Americans are making the watches. Clearly they're just fine around machining equipment. Try again.
@phouliscostantinou1767
Жыл бұрын
@@BruceLeeKills1 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@romanmechetnerful
Жыл бұрын
@Phoulis Costantinou where do you think the great railroad watches were made and what equipment? Here in USA obviously, duh
Almost 15 years ago I visited Roland and Rich as part of a group of enthusiast from Equation of Time. We spent a whole day at RGM and another at the Littitz watchmaker school. The passion and dedication Roland possesses is only offset by his hospitality and willingness to teach and educate others. It was a highlight of my journey of collecting!
Teddy, My grandfather was a watch maker and he owned a jewelry store in the early 1900's in his hometown of Ridgway, Pa. I've always been at awe of horology and the fine tools used. I just saw your video of RGM Watch Company and my jaw dropped seeing the gorgeous timepieces Roland and his employees produce. It got me thinking that my grandfather must have attended the Lancaster Watch Company to get his training in this fine art. I only wish I had gotten to know grandpa but he passed away in 1960 when I was only 5 yrs.old. Had I known him I'm sure I would have followed in his footsteps in Horology. I now own a Hamilton pocket watch he made. The face of this watch has his name in place of the dial numbers. The case back and edges are extensively engraved. If you would like to see a photo of it please let me know and I'd be thrilled to show it off with you.
This is astonishing... I don't think people fully understand how complex modern automatics are to create. The amount of passion and dedication is mind blowing.
@dorkflassbury1164
3 жыл бұрын
Indeed. Just the skill needed to machine cut those dials. One slipup and you need to start all over. Amazing.
@nickp.4419
3 жыл бұрын
What are you talking about? God I hate comments like this. I'm pretty sure everyone who looks at a watch understand how complex they are.
@johanvandersandt8904
3 жыл бұрын
@@nickp.4419 There is a big difference between know how and know why. As someone who has extensive knowledge in the mechanical engineering sector I would not be comfortable recreating this. But sure, belittle my admiration for this fine craft.
@thezeek2745
2 жыл бұрын
@@nickp.4419 also only modern watches?? The ability to make let alone engineer watches hundreds of years ago is insane
Never stop doing these styles of videos, Teddy. You really shine the light on the amazing people and stories that represent the soul of this hobby we all love.
RGM is 20 minutes from my house, I'll have to go check them out.
@eagleosen
3 жыл бұрын
I just checked and they’re 12 min from my house. Definitely going to check them out also
@DavesWatchLove
3 жыл бұрын
There are several us nearby, sounds like. I'm in Elizabethtown.
@solomonhanes3751
3 жыл бұрын
Do they do walk ins?
@jodysilvia2
3 жыл бұрын
@@solomonhanes3751 I don't know but I'd love to have a completely hand made watch made in America .
@t185bear
3 жыл бұрын
@@solomonhanes3751 Yes, but you should call first. Pretty much everything is made to order, so they might not have much on hand to show you (they didn't when I was there)
No watch maker/brand has such a high proportion of stunningly beautiful watches than this maker. Outstanding craftsmanship and design.
I live 2 hours from Lancaster and have never heard of this company... thank you Teddy because now I can have a peice of my home (Pennsylvania) on my wrist
In 2019 a group of watch enthusiasts and reviewers after visiting the National Watch Museum were able to get a personal tour from Roland which lasted three hours. He was so accommodating and showed us every phase of the watch making process. Great American company and business owner.🇺🇸
Hand made! This is absolutely amazing in this day and age!!!!!! This is why I love vintage pocket watches, the biggest bargain and most under appreciated type of watch. I expect that vintage pocket watches will skyrocket in value in the very near future.
this guy deserve a huge respect, he is doing something 99% of the people will consider crazy to start with, I wish him all the success.
I didn’t know that there was an American brand at this level. Wow! PS there is something about, people from smaller American cities. Something warm and welcoming, he seems like a good guy. I wish his company the best of success. :-)
45 min from me and close to The National Watch and Clock Museum as well, in nearby Columbia Pa. Wish Hamilton was still there too which would really put Lancaster on the proverbial horological map. Kudos for shining a light on the amazing things being done at RGM.
@jamestheadvisor1650
3 жыл бұрын
This is basically Hamilton history vision but modern and on a smaller more detailed scale. He makes Great watches!
@t185bear
3 жыл бұрын
Roland started out working for Hamilton, which is how he ended up in the Lancaster area. I think he also started the NWC Museum
@seikibrian8641
2 жыл бұрын
"Wish Hamilton was still there too which would really put Lancaster on the proverbial horological map." Don't forget about the Lititz Watch Technicum, located just 9 miles north of Lancaster.
Extreme American craftsmanship and otherworldly skill. What a treat to see precision work at this level. Kudos to Roland and his crew, and very nice work making the excellent video, Teddy!
Thank you for showing us this Teddy!
Working for a Swiss watch company at the time, I was in Lancaster in the 90s. It is great to see that the watch making legacy is alive in Lancaster!
Being in Europe, i had never heard of this brand before. They do make stunning pieces though, I'm amazed!
I have to say i'm blown away by this !! Stunning pieces. I had no idea that watchmakers like this still exists in US. I wish him nothing but the best...and I hope american consumers will appreciate this dying art and buy more of his pieces! Cheers from Italy 🍷
@paulwakeling972
2 жыл бұрын
yeah if ya got a spare 100 k
@civlyzed
2 жыл бұрын
@@paulwakeling972 When I checked the price on that Tourbillon I nearly spit out my drink, but they do make somewhat affordable ones, the Military style model 600 and also the model 151 are around 4k.
Thanks for this fantastic video. I placed an order for an RGM 801-E last week and could not be more excited!
"Just so people watching understand..." Fascinating to hear the watchmaker in between Teddy's interruptions
Teddy, I believe you've just introduced me to the brand that makes my grail.
@TeddyBaldassarre
3 жыл бұрын
Haha happy to help! There are other watchmakers in North America but I am unaware of anyone doing it on the level of RGM.
@914Rocky
3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree.
@balesjo
3 жыл бұрын
@@TeddyBaldassarre Their dials alone appear to be serious competition for some of the most iconic Swiss watch companies.
@unpopularfacts4461
3 жыл бұрын
@@balesjo agreed, checked out their website and a few of the models immediately caught my attention. Absolutely beautiful, and absolutely a very serious product that can compete with 9/10 other watchmakers.
@donutheist
2 жыл бұрын
You won't regret it. RGM products are phenomenal to say the least.
Kudos. This is without question the most enjoyable video you've ever made Teddy. And props to RGM.
That is the spirit of watchmaking. Not insane prices but the spirit. And profound knowledge. Reminds me the old times of G-R. Lang and His Chronoswiss.
Simply amazing. Thank you for sharing this watchmaker with your viewers.
Teddy, these are the videos that truly set you apart from the rest. I love these visits you do. Plus, I had never heard of RGM but they’re definitely in my radar now. Good job my friend
This is amazing. Teddy you've come so far, it's amazing seeing these videos! Keep up showing us the hidden gems of the watch world !
Exquisite workmanship carried out by skilled artisans. These watches are beautiful.
By far your best and greatest video production to date! What a treat sharing this with your followers!
There was a time in the 1800s when America was the leader by far in watchmaking Hamilton waltham Elgin ball Bulova Timex and other watches made in Ohio Pennsylvania and other states in the union. I am so proud tonight to see that this company headed by Roland G Murphy & RGM is making such beautiful watches again bring us back to the forefront of watchmaking✨💪🏻😎🇺🇸✨ The words Pennsylvania Tourbillon is sweet music to my ears✨😘✨
@YAYAIL12
Жыл бұрын
American watches was the best u forgot IWC ..and many more
@flowershrad1740
Жыл бұрын
@@YAYAIL12
@VnMJack
Жыл бұрын
100% agree
The ONLY professional and not presenter/owner centric youtube channel on watches.
Congrats and much respect from a Swiss watch enthusiast to Roland and his manufacturing company and Teddy for portraiting them in this awesome Video! The movements look stellar!
Teddy you’re doing something very special on this channel. My appreciation for the components and history that make up a great watch has grown immensely just from your videos alone. Keep up the great work.
A tourbillon built in the US! That’s unbelievably amazing!! Thank you!
RGM is such an amazing company and they produce the most beautiful watches. I love how their presence is subtle and strong, that movement is so technical giving this appearance that very few watches achieve. I had no idea they made a tourbillon!
RGM embodies what people think of when they think American craftsmanship. It’s something that’s been lost in modern times. I’m definitely going to be saving for an RGM.
Wow! Outstanding American craftsmanship and beautiful design for watches in USA. I bet RGM are very be proud of the pieces they’ve produced and in Dutch country so exquisitely done with RGMwatches customization. Fantastic Roland
You are just serving us BANGER AFTER BANGER! Freaking needed this in my life! And I learned so much! Thanks Teddy!
Oh my goodness... The processes shown in the video are mesmerising to watch... Thank you so much Teddy for introducing me to another underappreciated watchmaker!
Amazing. There is still hope for America! Thank you for showing this.
Roland is such a cool dude. Ask him a question, and a big bold "Sure!" is the answer. Thank you for this VERY interesting tour.
Absolutely stunning watches.. the guilloche at 1:25 is totally superb 👌.. Thanks for the RGM tour coverage Teddy 🧸😁
Wow. This is amazing. Thank you Teddy for bringing an American treasure to us. Being that I am seventh generation nephew to Benjamin Franklin, I can really appreciate the craftsmanship from RGM.
I'm from Philadelphia & have family from Lancaster. I didn't know this place existed. Can't wait to visit and see their watches, which look incredible. Love the PA watch hands and Penna engraving. Thanks for highlighting PA craftsmen.
Thank you for taking the time and spending the energy to give such fine artisans their much earned exposure. I’m originally from eastern PA, have always had a soft spot for Hamilton. It’s great to see watch making at such a high level in Lancaster. Lancaster is simply a great place to visit. There wasn’t much happening there when I was a kid, that certainly has changed.
Once again Teddy not only a great video but an educational one as well. We need more companies like RGM all over the world so we do not loose the skills required to make such great time pieces.
Wow...these guys are true artists and professional watch makers. Very impressive. Keep this kind of content coming.
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. Love all of the skilled watchmakers and machinery involved in making custom watches.
Aside from this video being cute, in the sense of the enthusiasm and the pride of the owner, it warms the heart to see that honest watches are still being made in the place that was once the seat of Hamilton.
This was an amazing video! I wasn't aware of RGM - That is SO cool to see this level of watchmaking come out of America!
Incredible and beautiful watches. Thanks for this video. Great to see a North American watch maker that produces such astonishing pieces.
Amazing that this house exists in America. Thanks hugely for showing them!
Thank you for the introduction to RGM. Absolutely beautiful works of art.
RGM has been on my radar for awhile now. Thanks so much for featuring them. This video just might push me over the edge to finally get one.
@eucitizen78
2 жыл бұрын
I didn't know them at all and looking at the made me want one too.
Great vid! As a cycling youtuber that also is into watches, cool to see the RGM x Richard Sachs GMT collaboration on the website!
@dwightmoore3060
3 жыл бұрын
I've ridden a Richard Sachs bike since the late 90's. I'm also the proud owner of RGM/Richard Sachs GMT watch # 14 of 50. I love RGM's guillochet work and might very well have another RGM in my future.
@TheFhpapa
3 жыл бұрын
hey path less pedaled is here!
@runningwithshemp
3 жыл бұрын
ATMO...! Yeah is a bit of trip to see his name on the watch. Remember watching him on top of big rock at Gloucester cyclo race shouting orders about Jon Page's bike swap through the pit lane (it was muddy that day - 2003). later my one of my coaches Jon Hamblen road on CX team as well. Now as I google old images I see the RGM logo on the kit.
@derosa1989
3 жыл бұрын
ATMO!
@williamreep2244
2 жыл бұрын
Hey there Russ. Had not realized you were a watch nerd too.
This is the most interesting watchmaking tour I have ever seen. Congratulations on this amazing interview!
Congratulations on an excellently communicated message and thank you for putting this out there, Teddy. Few understand the depth of expertise and know-how that goes into creating a quality watch movement and Roland's story really needed to be told by someone else than his busy self, which is why I consider this video as a most valuable contribution to the domestic public.
These guys are a true American national treasure, thanks for sharing!
Great video, Teddy! I could watch a 2 hour documentary on this.
@bennettthomas1071
3 жыл бұрын
no kidding! I feel like there's so much more that could be said here
Best video I've seen on the RGM Manufacturer. Thanks for this.
This is amazing. Thanks so much for highlighting this watchmaker.
Very interesting great content as always thx
@TeddyBaldassarre
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks sir watching Richard!
As an Engineer with 41 years of Design, Cad/FEA and some CNC experience I can say that this company is very impressive. If one understands the statistical nature of machine part tolerances, then one can appreciate the level of expertise they are practicing. Nice to know that Engineering & Art is still thriving in America.
Teddy. Excellent tour. These RGM pieces are top level. The craftsmanship you highlight at RGM is so appreciated. Thank you for the hard work you constantly and consistently put in for us watchheads!
Amazing Teddy! Love the production, the story, and the people! Keep up the great work!
Do they save/melt down/reuse the shavings and "leavings" left over from machining processes?
As a PA native myself I think this was great to see and really cool of you to do Teddy, RGM is a awesome brand and Roland G Murphy is the real deal, he's an American master watchmaker, they don't get enough recognition in my opinion, they make some really beautiful pieces of very high quality, I'd like to own his diver 300 meter matte black dial, it's a serious dive watch. BTW those old machines are incredible, only the highest end of the swiss brands even use these, so cool!
So much respect for watchmakers.
Very good presentation Teddy, truly appreciate for sharing this with us. This is fabulous.
legend has it that teddy says hi to early viewers
@TeddyBaldassarre
3 жыл бұрын
Legend was correct
Almost as impressive as MVMT. I heard they produce all their watches in-house too --- by cutting out the middleman.
@jamestheadvisor1650
3 жыл бұрын
They are not even in the same league as RGM! They do not make their movement when they sell a watch for $95.00. And they are all quartz which is not made in the USA. MVMT is a cheap watch ! I wouldn’t wear or buy them! RGM is a classic hand assembled (some USA made movements) (some USA cases) luxury watch. It’s like saying a Kia is as nice as a Bentley 🤬
This is great Teddy. Roland does some amazing work! Thanks for featuring.
I love those videos about watchmakers, the quality of them!
By far the BEST video of RGM watches. Thank you Teddy!!! The up close shots, Roland's explanations of what each machine does, great work. Now you need to do one with Keaton Myrick!
Wow. Congrats to Ted and RGM. Great video and content. Looking forward to support this brand.
these guys deserve more love. Thanks for this.
Fabulous video. Really informative and enjoyable. Great to see the work of such artisans.
I've been finding the watch repair videos are to cool, but the actual manufacturing is just as interesting. Thank you.
Do more reviews of small high end watch makers like this. Limited runs, in house movements, things that truly inspire
Hell of a video Teddy. Great to see this kind of dedication to the craft in America. I hope more companies pop up with this kind of respect to watchmaking.
Great video! The handmade craftsmanship is amazing. Thanks sharing this with us.
Your best video yet. Well done for providing so much knowledge.
Incredible craftsmanship and dedication, beautiful watches! Excellent video.
This was the best video you've ever done and that is saying a lot. The fact we have an actual watch maker here in the US and the pieces are stunning and prices reasonable. Blown away and will be ordering one from them.
This has been an absolute. pleasure to watch. Such refined craftsmanship.
Excellent! glad you made it!
Man, I love their Pennsylvania tourbillon. Love these guys and what they do. I wish them nothing but success.
Very cool to discover a new brand here from France 🇫🇷
Well done, RGM is a master watchmaker thank you for featuring his work. I hope you get a chance to feature other small independents.
One of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks for letting us peak into this company!
Truly amazing. And thanks for the review of the shop
What an awesome video teddy👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽... I love the fact that you make different videos and put well deserved ppl on the map
just wow. absolutely incredible! so much to be proud of here. the complexity of what they do, the pleasant calm and focus. the intricacies are captivating.
The Rose machines were last seen in the old Bureau of Engraving and Printing when banknote's plates were made by hand.
What a wonderful tour of this amazing endeavor of what was believed to be a lost art❣️I am truly impressed😳
Thanks for this interesting tour, Teddy.
It’s amazing on how much I continue to learn more and more about timepieces and that passion the some people have to make some pieces completely hand built. Thanks Teddy. Great video.👍🏽