A Factory Photo Tour of The RGM Watch Company>>>>>>

[LimeNine9r]

WOW, I'm impressed.
And those engine turning machines are very interesting, considering they are all mechanical.

I'm so accustomed to the CNC machines. . . . I think our last manual engraving machine was carted out of the building 10 or 12 years ago.

We'd use our engraving machine, which was more like a panograph instead of those engine turning machines, to engrave the small lettering seen on the consumer side of easy open containers. We've switched to all CNC equipment now days. We also use laser engravers to inscript identifiaction onto parts. . . We have several "swiss turn lathes" such as "Citizen" brand and "Star" brand to create very small screw's (we manufature orthopedic implants aslo , ie "bone screws")

Those engine turning machines look like a small delicate Hardinge lathe with "cam's" . . .. I'd say those cams transfer the motion through a stylus type finger - to the cutting insert, similar to an old panograph engraving machine. The cam's looked to be made from brass, an easy to machine meterial, easy to create different patterns on.

I'm wondering what type of insert they use? Borazon? Diamond? Carbide? H.S.S?
Here's a tiny borazon insert that I use with a Mitsubishi CNC lathe, except I'm not creating
delicate patterns on watch dials.



Very interesting, and the resulting dial's are classic looking.

Nice!!!

[Ham X Guy]

There is little doubt that these guys from RGM are master craftsman.

They are helping to keep alive a long lost tradtion of handmade watchmaking. And the results are really stunning! I had given-up on new watches and went vintage awhile ago, but I see some real classic looking beauties from this company that I would be proud to wear. Those dials have to be the nicest dials I have ever laid my eyes on. And I'm pretty impressed with those huge mechanical lathes that can make such intricate and delicate engravings in something as small and fragile as a watch dial. Amazing!

From the look's of these watches, I think they can easily compete with the worlds best!

Great job on the tour guys! It's a glimpse into a world that not many people ever get to see...

[cinq]

Thanks very much for this great tour! For me as an European it surely is an eye-opener and I am glad to see so much craftsmanship is saved for posterity!

Thanks again,

Cinq

[JBHII]

Limer - the actually cutting tool doesn't have to cut into anything very hard in most cases - brass, or even gold most of the time. So exotic materials aren't needed.

[RogerP]

Fantastic photo tour - thanks!

Roger

[Warren G.]

Thanks!
This is really wonderful, and nothing but respect for RGM.

[Watchdog]

Great report! There's a couple RGM watches that I'd really love to own and this only makes me want them that much more.

[CGSshorty]

I have been saving for a rather expensive Swiss watch. I am now considering buying one of these instead. It would mean a lot to wear such a quality product that is made in the USA.
I am not too far from Lancaster, I wonder if I could pick up my watch at the factory and wear it home, like when buying a Porsche(or a little kid getting new sneakers).

[Ham X Guy]

I have been saving for a rather expensive Swiss watch. I am now considering buying one of these instead. It would mean a lot to wear such a quality product that is made in the USA.

Yeah, I think once people get a look at these beautiful watches, it will get quite a few people thinking like that...:)

I am not too far from Lancaster, I wonder if I could pick up my watch at the factory and wear it home, like when buying a Porsche(or a little kid getting new sneakers).

It would make for a heck of a great road trip, wouldn't it?!

[stevens]

RGM watches have everything going for them: classic styling, master craftsmanship; they really show the pride of the maker. I can't really afford them, but I hope they succeed!