First unveiled at WatchTime New York a few weeks ago, the newest models from Pennsylvania-based RGM feature artistry and delicate hand craftsmanship on their visually striking dials. Here is a look at the four new timepieces, two aimed at men, the other two at ladies.
The men’s models, released under the name of Model 25 Art Watches, are in 40-mm polished stainless steel cases with vintage-look coin edged sides, sapphire crystals in the front and back, and RGM’s keystone insignia (a reference to historic Lancaster, PA, where brand founder and namesake Roland G. Murphy established the company, and where he still manufactures the cases and some movement parts) on the crown. One of the dials has a cloisonne rendering of a pastoral sailing scene inspired by Claude Monet’s painting Regatta at Argenteuil. The other features a wood marquetry dial depicting the Castillo San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine, Florida. Both men’s watches are outiftted with a Swiss-made, self-winding caliber, enhanced with haute horlogerie decorations including a solid gold rotor made in-house by RGM, and storing a power reserve of 42 hours. The watches are mounted on alligator leather straps and priced at $13,900.
Two styles of miniature hand painting are showcased in the Lady RGM Art Watches, whose classically small 28-mm cases are in Swiss-made 18k rose gold (with American-made stainless steel as an option). One of the dials depicts a colorful lotus flower executed in Super-LumiNova paint, which lends depth and a dazzling glow to the image in low light. The other dial is mother-of-pearl, hand-painted with a floral image framing a blue titmouse bird. The movement used in the ladies’ watches is a Swiss-made, manual-wound ETA/Peseux 7001, decorated with Geneva waves, perlage and anglage, and holding a 42-hour power reserve. Also offered on alligator straps, the watches are priced at $15,900 for the luminous painted dial and $24,900 for the hand-painted mother-of-pearl dial. RGM also hastens to add that it will also produce bespoke pieces for clients on commission.
