RGM
RGM is an American watch company founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. It makes mechanical watches in small numbers, including models with its own proprietary movements and hand engine-turned dials.
| Founded | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Roland G. Murphy |
| Location | Mount Joy, Pennsylvania |
| Annual output | About 200 watches |
| Website | rgmwatches.com |
What is RGM?
RGM Watch Co. is an independent watchmaker founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy. It is based in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, and is one of the few companies making high-end mechanical watches in the United States. The brand name is formed from the founder's initials.
Products and positioning
RGM's speciality is decorative craft, especially engine turning, the geometric engraving used to decorate dials and movement parts. The company has developed three proprietary movements, which power its higher-priced models, and has adapted a calibre for a special watch created with the guitar maker Martin.
Production
RGM produces around 200 watches a year, about a quarter of them built to customers' specifications. A watch with a custom movement can take several months to complete.
Why it matters
RGM keeps American watchmaking alive at a craft scale, showing that in-house movements and hand decoration are possible outside the traditional Swiss and German centres.
Frequently asked questions
Where are RGM watches made?
RGM watches are made in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
Who founded RGM?
RGM was founded in 1992 by watchmaker Roland G. Murphy, whose initials give the brand its name.