Re-introducing RGM “Baseball in Enamel” 801-BB in a Sleeker 42mm Stainless Steel Case
An opportunity to acquire a quintessential piece of American watchmaking, complete with a made-in-USA movement and a dial celebrating America's favorite pastime
"RGM" stands for Roland G. Murphy, a distinguished independent American watchmaker who established his brand in 1992. Headquartered in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the company is a small operation with fewer than 18 employees and an annual output of 200 to 300 timepieces. This region can arguably be dubbed a "Watch Valley", given that it's also the birthplace of the Hamilton Watch Company, founded in 1892.
Roland Murphy honed his watchmaking skills in Switzerland at the acclaimed WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program). Upon his return to the US, he joined the Hamilton Watch Company, rising to the position of Technical Manager. Echoing the journey of numerous independent watchmakers, he left the big brand to launch his own shop in 1992.
The prowess of Roland Murphy’s watchmaking can be best illustrated by a few RGM high complication pieces that appeared in recent auctions. There were a platinum minute repeater and perpetual calendar (see below), a pink gold minute repeater and tourbillon, and a skeletonized tourbillon. RGM has developed in-house movements (90% made in America) and performs intricate guilloché (engine-turning) in house.
The USA holds the title of the world's top watch market, boasting a multitude of watch enthusiasts and collectors. If you're seeking an authentic piece of American watchmaking, look no further. Here lies an RGM timepiece that may be the perfect fit for you. While the original release has been sold out for some time, a rare opportunity now presents itself for you to acquire this watch in a refined, slimmer case. Availability is limited, so please continue reading and act swiftly if this piece sings to you. Let’s play ball!
PS-801-BB “Baseball in Enamel”
In 2012, the National Watch & Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania showcased a unique exhibition illustrating the significance of time in sports. A featured item was a Waltham Watch Company pocket watch from 1892, boasting a baseball-themed enamel dial (see below). This exquisite timepiece, with baseball players artistically represented at the hour markers, sparked an idea in Roland. He resolved to create an identical wristwatch.
Fast forward to October 2014, Roland unveiled the PS-801-BB “Baseball in Enamel” at the National Watch & Clock Museum. "PS" signifies the “Pennsylvania Series,” denoting RGM's premium 43.5mm case designs. "801" represents the in-house 801 movement, while "BB" stands for Baseball. The watch is a spectacular recreation of the historical pocket watch, with meticulous attention to detail.
The artistry involved in crafting an enamel dial is challenging and fraught with risk. This technique involves applying colored powdered glass to a metal plate, which is then heated until the powder melts and forms a new surface. Enamel artists are a rare breed. It took Roland considerable time to find a retired enamel dial maker in Switzerland who was up to the task.
The timepiece houses RGM’s in-house Caliber 801, named after the company's office location at 801 West Main St., Mount Joy. Reflecting America’s rich watchmaking history, the 801 showcases classic bridge shapes, polished or blued steel components, and is entirely hand-finished and decorated. It is manually wound, contains 19 jewels, offers a 44-hour power reserve, and operates at 18,000 vph. Geneva stripes uniformly adorn the movement in a circular pattern, irrespective of bridge cut. Perlage enhances the plate beneath, while the bridges are beautifully beveled. Engraved lettering proudly displaying “Lancaster, Penna U.S.A.'' is bold, clear, and gleaming.
Clients have an array of options and upgrades to customize the movement, including a hacking second, wolf's tooth winding wheels, a motor barrel system, a swan neck regulator, a swan neck regulator with a solid gold hand-engraved balance bridge, and custom engraving on the balance bridge.
Given the rarity of the enamel dials, this model was introduced in limited editions: 10 pieces in stainless steel, 5 in 18K rose gold, and 3 in platinum. The stainless steel edition quickly sold out following its release.
An Intriguing Timepiece Held by an MLB Owner (#4 of 10)
The #4 piece of the limited stainless steel edition was specially ordered for Major League Baseball (MLB) owner, Mr. Ted Nathan Lerner (1925 - 2023). Mr. Lerner was the Managing Principal Owner of the Washington Nationals from 2006 to 2018. Interestingly, a member of the Lerner organization, also affiliated with the National Watch & Clock Museum, received a museum publication featuring the baseball watch on its cover. This led to the decision to order a customized version for Mr. Lerner.
The personalized touches comprised the “W” (the Nationals team logo) at 12 o'clock, Mr. Lerner's initials, TNL, at the dial's center, the “W” inscribed on the movement bridge, and the “Washington Nationals” inscribed on the case back. The fact that a MLB owner possessed one of the rare RGM baseball-themed watches added to its allure. Moreover, two Minor League baseball owners also count this exclusive watch among their collections.
A Decade Later: Chance to Own a Steel Baseball Watch
Roland mentioned in his blog, "The RGM Baseball watch turned out to be one of my favorite RGM's.” This sentiment echoes amongst many watch aficionados, particularly those in the US. However, the extremely limited run of 10 pieces quickly sold out, and only once has such a baseball watch appeared in an auction, back in 2017.
But here's the exciting news! Roland has decided to reintroduce the Baseball in Enamel watches in a 42mm steel case. Note that RGM’s in-house 801 movement has only been incorporated in two case sizes to date: the 43.5mm and the 42mm. The 43.5mm Pennsylvania Series case comes with a coin-edged finish and a thickness of 12.3mm. While it's a majestic piece, the size might be somewhat large for some individuals.
The models 801-CE, 801-EE, 801-E, and 801-COE are outfitted with a 42mm case, and the thickness of these watches is 10.5mm. This slimmer case size will be a welcome news for folks with smaller wrists. The new baseball model, referred to as the 801-BB, can be ordered directly from RGM. Priced at $13,400 (without any options), interested parties can reach out to them via email at sales@rgmwatches.com or office@rgmwatches.com. The delivery time is 12-14 months.
Regrettably, I don’t possess an image or rendering of the 801-BB. However, it will feature the same baseball enamel dial housed in the case of the 801-CE (shown below).
Final Words
The 801-BB certainly checks a lot of boxes for me. I don't own any American-made watches, let alone those with an in-house movement. I also lack watches with an enamel dial in my collection. This dial, depicting a vintage representation of America's favorite pastime, is handcrafted by a retired dial maker in Switzerland. The movement, designed and manufactured in America, is deeply rooted in historical American watch design. The keystone hands, too, are original American designs, as the keystone is a popular symbol of Pennsylvania. Without a doubt, it will be an exciting addition to anyone’s collection.
While new watch releases seem to be a near-daily occurrence, the steel 801-BB in a sleeker case stands out as a truly special piece. It isn't merely a timepiece, but a nod to history, an example of exquisite craftsmanship, and a testament to the love for independent watchmaking.
That’s pretty cool! Hadn’t even heard of the brand before today. Thanks for sharing