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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[@davidtrachtenberg7095]

Teddy...these are the type of productions that separate you from the other watch channels. Great work.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

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]

@@TeddyBaldassarre wassup teddy!!! 😎✌️

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I agree I've been following Teddy for about Two years he's come a long way and very well deserved !

[@freedom55or95]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Although smaller, isn't Weiss Watches in the same category of American watchmaker with his own in-house movement?

[@prettysoIdier]

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.

[@adventureswithtime]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@alphacause]

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]

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]

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]

If it wasn't mass produced you'd constantly be paying over $3000 for watches.

[@alphacause]

@@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]

@@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.

[@YoRHa_2E]

Such high calibre of watchmaking deserves nothing but admiration and appreciation. This was a lovely little tour, thank you, Teddy.

[@colinmetzler]

their model 300 divers are amazing 🖤

[@jodysilvia2]

RGM is 20 minutes from my house, I'll have to go check them out.

[@eagleosen]

I just checked and they’re 12 min from my house. Definitely going to check them out also

[@DavesWatchLove]

There are several us nearby, sounds like. I'm in Elizabethtown.

[@solomonhanes3751]

Do they do walk ins?

[@jodysilvia2]

@@solomonhanes3751 I don't know but I'd love to have a completely hand made watch made in America .

[@t185bear]

@@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)

[@DavesWatchLove]

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]

Would have loved that tour.

[@phouliscostantinou1767]

Did you ask where the equipment was made? Germany or Switzerland as Americans can not possibly make this kind of peaceful precise machine😂😂😂😂

[@BruceLeeKills1]

​@@phouliscostantinou1767Americans are making the watches. Clearly they're just fine around machining equipment. Try again.

[@phouliscostantinou1767]

@@BruceLeeKills1 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@romanmechetnerful]

​@Phoulis Costantinou where do you think the great railroad watches were made and what equipment? Here in USA obviously, duh

[@stevecuthbert8856]

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.

[@johanvandersandt8904]

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]

Indeed. Just the skill needed to machine cut those dials. One slipup and you need to start all over. Amazing.

[@nickp.4419]

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]

@@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]

@@nickp.4419 also only modern watches?? The ability to make let alone engineer watches hundreds of years ago is insane

[@mholzmann]

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!

[@johnatspray]

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. :-)

[@meznine44]

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]

This is basically Hamilton history vision but modern and on a smaller more detailed scale. He makes Great watches!

[@t185bear]

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]

"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.

[@anthonyuriarte9780]

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

[@WristWatching]

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.

[@bruceleroy8063]

Teddy, I believe you've just introduced me to the brand that makes my grail.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

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]

Totally agree.

[@balesjo]

@@TeddyBaldassarre Their dials alone appear to be serious competition for some of the most iconic Swiss watch companies.

[@unpopularfacts4461]

@@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]

You won't regret it. RGM products are phenomenal to say the least.

[@EEE_MMM]

Being in Europe, i had never heard of this brand before. They do make stunning pieces though, I'm amazed!

[@chriswalls6667]

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.🇺🇸

[@toboldygo5823]

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]

American watches was the best u forgot IWC ..and many more

[@flowershrad1740]

​@@YAYAIL12

[@VnMJack]

100% agree

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

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.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

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]

yeah if ya got a spare 100 k

[@civlyzed]

@@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.

[@3boussgaming481]

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.

[@Javi_C]

Thank you for showing us this Teddy!

[@badmojamma]

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!

[@midas1929]

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!

[@aminreviews2311]

Thanks for this fantastic video. I placed an order for an RGM 801-E last week and could not be more excited!

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

Absolutely stunning watches.. the guilloche at 1:25 is totally superb 👌.. Thanks for the RGM tour coverage Teddy 🧸😁

[@mychetboy]

By far your best and greatest video production to date! What a treat sharing this with your followers!

[@josephliu8183]

This is amazing. Thanks so much for highlighting this watchmaker.

[@BrittPearceWatches]

You are just serving us BANGER AFTER BANGER! Freaking needed this in my life! And I learned so much! Thanks Teddy!

[@XxXHardcoreshredderxXXxxxxxxxx]

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 !

[@mattcorley4622]

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!

[@blackmag17]

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!

[@user-dm2ig3mf3w]

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!

[@18S12]

A tourbillon built in the US! That’s unbelievably amazing!! Thank you!

[@mariog7213]

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

[@Rev1RN2]

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!

[@stevedunning7367]

Great video! The handmade craftsmanship is amazing. Thanks sharing this with us.

[@katiewong2051]

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!

[@calculusentropy]

Kudos. This is without question the most enjoyable video you've ever made Teddy. And props to RGM.

[@richardslater677]

No watch maker/brand has such a high proportion of stunningly beautiful watches than this maker. Outstanding craftsmanship and design.

[@d.c.4030]

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.

[@sfranklin9073]

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.

[@anthonystevens8683]

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.

[@joecheng891]

Amazing Teddy! Love the production, the story, and the people! Keep up the great work!

[@jtnelson89]

This is the most interesting watchmaking tour I have ever seen. Congratulations on this amazing interview!

[@VintageDigitalWatches]

The ONLY professional and not presenter/owner centric youtube channel on watches.

[@mikefortney7879]

Wow...these guys are true artists and professional watch makers. Very impressive. Keep this kind of content coming.

[@papatriot9882]

This is great Teddy. Roland does some amazing work! Thanks for featuring.

[@michaelniemer4449]

Simply amazing. Thank you for sharing this watchmaker with your viewers.

[@KillingTimeWithNorman]

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!

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

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]

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]

hey path less pedaled is here!

[@runningwithshemp]

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]

ATMO!

[@williamreep2244]

Hey there Russ. Had not realized you were a watch nerd too.

[@robertackermann2404]

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.

[@rogermcgregor9621]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing. Love all of the skilled watchmakers and machinery involved in making custom watches.

[@KirksDrumRoom]

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]

I didn't know them at all and looking at the made me want one too.

[@harrygilsphotovideo]

Incredible and beautiful watches. Thanks for this video. Great to see a North American watch maker that produces such astonishing pieces.

[@ffa5153]

Well done, RGM is a master watchmaker thank you for featuring his work. I hope you get a chance to feature other small independents.

[@mattsmiley8156]

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.

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

Great video, Teddy! I could watch a 2 hour documentary on this.

[@bennettthomas1071]

no kidding! I feel like there's so much more that could be said here

[@richardscott5155]

Very interesting great content as always thx

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thanks sir watching Richard!

[@exkal215]

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.👍🏽

[@watchfan3378]

Best video I've seen on the RGM Manufacturer. Thanks for this.

[@TANEM315]

These guys are a true American national treasure, thanks for sharing!

[@whoknows8678]

Do they save/melt down/reuse the shavings and "leavings" left over from machining processes?

[@lesleysmith5623]

Excellent video. Loved the content. More low volume manufacturers please ! Never heard of RGM but very impressed by the company and Mr RGM himself.

[@rfgf72]

Wow. Congrats to Ted and RGM. Great video and content. Looking forward to support this brand.

[@Daavi85]

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!

[@pjpisczak4024]

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.

[@yahyamuamer1]

Excellent! glad you made it!

[@corpr8dystopia778]

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.

[@basilsini9739]

legend has it that teddy says hi to early viewers

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Legend was correct

[@NickSinghSG]

Almost as impressive as MVMT. I heard they produce all their watches in-house too --- by cutting out the middleman.

[@jamestheadvisor1650]

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 🤬

[@mattys1467]

Fabulous video. Really informative and enjoyable. Great to see the work of such artisans.

[@JuanRamirez-po1yo]

What an awesome video teddy👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽... I love the fact that you make different videos and put well deserved ppl on the map

[@jeffchen1931]

Teddy, I just found your channel and subscribed to it. Watching your channel as well as other reviewers, and watching people who do repair and restoration has made me appreciate watches again. This video is mind-blowing and really moving to see that we still have amazing American craftsmanship in the 21st century. I had no idea about RGM, and although most of their watches are WAAAAAAY out of my price range, I wouldn't mind visiting them someday. Where I live in Maryland it's only a two-hour drive. Anyway, keep up the great work!

[@MrJdubbya36]

Beautiful stuff. Great to see true old world craftsmanship being kept alive!!

[@warusk2nd]

Great "insider look" into their manufacturing space! Love it!! great video Teddy!

[@bennettthomas1071]

One of my favorite videos of yours! Thanks for letting us peak into this company!

[@eddiefite4749]

This video is incredible! Thanks so much for posting. I now have RGM on the top of my bucket list!!!

[@RedRoverTW]

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.

[@chazzcombs]

I think that was my favorite video you've done, Teddy. I've never heard of this brand but to know there are still craftsmen like this in the U.S. is awesome.

[@dorkflassbury1164]

Thank you for this video. It makes me happy to see plp taking pride in, and having, the skill and dedication needed to produce such master pieces. Some really nice watches there.

[@ravenandthestranger]

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.

[@simtye88]

Hands down excellent video! It must of been such an honor to interview such a magnificent timepiece artist engineer! What Roland and his magicians create is exactly what the American dream is all about! Thank you for keeping America alive !

[@johnmcgill6480]

Since I purchased the RGM PS-801-CE (Classic Enamel) several months ago, I found the video very interesting and timely. You did a great job covering the company and showing how their watches are made. Keep up your excellent work, Teddy!

[@Bhethar]

This has been an absolute. pleasure to watch. Such refined craftsmanship.

[@vladostankovic4308]

Very good presentation Teddy, truly appreciate for sharing this with us. This is fabulous.

[@greatlakesdoug6121]

Thank you for the introduction to RGM. Absolutely beautiful works of art.

[@specialkfouryou]

Thank you for the great content, I knew about them as a service center but great to see that they are producing such amazing watches in PA!

[@wmbchristie]

What a wonderful tour of this amazing endeavor of what was believed to be a lost art❣️I am truly impressed😳

[@brianmsahin]

This is a great video. It's so good to see the magic that goes on behind the scenes. 👍

[@chrispierce8349]

Thank you Teddy for sharing your amazing trip to both RGM and Hamilton. Both are true icons of American craftsmanship in what is a beautiful small town America, Lancaster Pennsylvania 🇺🇸

[@JD-fn7qf]

Loved this episode of Teddy Baldassarre at RGM! As you so correctly reminded the viewer so much of what they do in their shop is a lost art as the machinery, expertise and original conception to produce a watch of this caliber is truly a rare bird in this country. Thanks so much for sharing RGM’s vision and business with us and treating us to this adventure.

[@waterfordrs22]

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.

[@sligo405]

these guys deserve more love. Thanks for this.

[@aca2410]

Incredible video !! What magnificent work

[@denisdaly1708]

Your best video yet. Well done for providing so much knowledge.

[@jamese1292]

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.

[@KRColson]

Fascinating! Very interesting and truly masters of their craft! I will do more research on RGM timepieces. Thank you.

[@Karsonbarnes11]

Great video Teddy! I was fortunate enough to meet him at JCK in 2019 and he's such a humble and knowledgeable guy! It is crazy to me how few people are aware of him and what he's doing!

[@Dragon_rls]

Mr. Teddy; I think you out did yourself this time. I have to say, this is probably the absolute best video I have ever seen on KZbin. Thanks to everyone involved. Absolute Magic!

[@simsalb]

Absolutely fascinating video Teddy. A real insight into the manufacture of hand made watches. Quite incredible 👏