This is 1 of my main reason why RGM is one of my grail watches. Most people have Rolex or Patek watch I have RGM over them. Hopefully I can afford one in the future.
Awesome interview, hearing opinions and advice from an actual expert watchmaker is incredibly informative. One of the things that really stood out for me is that even though his company produces watches and doesn’t need the extra work, they continue to do restorations just to further the experience and expertise of their watchmakers. I hope this company remains private and is never sold to a conglomerate.
Sweet episode today. Love that he's getting some exposure. I live in Philly, made the short trip over to his shop and it's definitely special. Too much to list here, but if you get the chance, go.
I really appreciate the information here, especially the bit about it not being necessary to keep a watch wound. One of my old watches in particular (a beautiful old Deco Benrus) is running, recently cleaned and lubricated. But if anything breaks, my guy tells me that parts will be hard to find. So I've been winding and wearing it only every couple of weeks, hoping that'll stretch out its remaining life. Thanks.
Thank you very much for this great video, it's answer all the questions running in my head. My first watch is a manual winding (Citizen) in my elementary days in the 80's and switch to automatic until my college days. I stop using this type of watch movement for 30 years and I started to going back again to mechanical watch.
ETA movements are perfectly good; I think people are a bit snobbish, and want the movment in their watch to be "special" rather than a generic that tens of thousands of people also have on their wrists. Those exotic movements can cost a fortune to service, which significantly increases the cost of "in house" exclusivity.
That physical abilities question was interesting. As a teen in the mid 60s I really enjoyed disassembling and assembling whatever watches I could obtain, but I began to realize that, even at that age, my hands were not steady enough. I began to realize my coordination would probably not be getting better.
I’m surprised there isn’t more interaction. I’m not smart enough to understand the intricacies of mechanical watch movements even after watching a bunch of watch and learns, autocad visualizations etc. this is a person who knows it all.
I feel current oils can extend the service life of a watch due to them being synthetic and lasting longer. Much of this depends on usage. Roland is one of my favorite watch makers RGM
“Activities to avoid” construction worker using a strong machine to drill holes or cut stones. Those activities killed already 3 of my dads seiko movements.
This man's advice is very practical, where someone else might tell you some random bs that sounds really complicated, he just tells you "use your common sense"
Roland is a great craftsman. Teddy, great questions. You always seem to rock these interviews. Unless your star struck. Then your a great fanboy. I’m glad you don’t interrupt your wonderful guests.
I went to a watch service when I was working for a month in Monte Carlo. Of course, they’re used to having expensive watches. I took them a GC watch and he gave me the look like I didn’t belong among them. After he fixed it and replaced the battery, he goes ‘you need to buy a real watch, not this garbage’ - I said “sir, people have watches for different things, don’t ever say that to someone you don’t know, this watch was gifted to me by my brother and it means something to me, more than the ‘better’ watches in my collection’ and he backtracked and was like ‘sorry, I was only joking 😒😒’ yeah right.
Awesome Video Teddy. Roland confirmed some of my theories about the industy which was nice to hear. Hes not to far from where I live so I may drop by to take a tour if possible. Would love to own an RGM someday....
Glad this video popped up on my screen. My takeaway is to use common sense and not follow what some people say on the watch forums. Specifically, I like the comments about watch winders.
I really enjoyed this video. It adds to my limited background. It's fun to know we have a vibrant high horolagy watch-making and history in the States. It makes me want to start collecting these kinds of watches....great! Another rabit hole...well shit here I go. Lol
I wonder if he knows Clyde Anderson from Tulsa, Oklahoma?...............a.k.a. The Rancher in watch circles! would love to see the two of them have a talk about watches!
I thought the question on inhouse vs. 3rd party movements was interesting. I am in the manufacturing business, and I would assume that volume has a bit part to play in overall quality. So for example a high volume manufacturer like ETA probably has a very good understanding of the reliability of their movement. When they hand it off to a company like Longines and Longines does in-house finishing and balancing of the movement, it seems likely that the combination of the finishing with the mass production capabilities of ETA would produce a very accurate and reliable movement. And in fact, my Longines legand diver looses about 1 second per day. For smaller brands with lower volumes that have true in-house movements I suspect that there is variability. That's not to say that the movements are bad. But the mere fact that they are inhouse doesn't make them "better" (i.e. more reliable, more accurate). It just makes them different. A good exception to that might be Rolex that has volumes on the order of ETA but is also an in-house movement. They have the benefits of both production optimization AND resources to spend to finish the movement properly. At least this is how I've been looking at movements in various watch makers. If this is a reasonable way to look at it, please let me know.
Would anyone recommend a self-service? I know it requires a lot of patience and learning but I am up for the challenge and I would like to service my personal watches instead of having someone else that I might not trust as much… would anyone recommend?
Cycling over cobblestones, probably not good, right? I have a cobbly cycle to work so I've been using it as an excuse to buy various digital watches on top of my mechanical ones. :D
Biggest risk to your watch is when someone dismantles it to a hundred pieces. It'll start running poorly when it requires a service, so leave it alone until it needs it.
This video is one of those rare YT occasions that you can just sit down and listen to what is said. And what is said is meaningful from the very beginning. These type of productions are nothing less than absolute gold in an era that everyone has to shout things out loud to get attention. Brilliant video and dialogue.
I’m an MRI tech and wear my omega seamaster pro 300 everyday to work for about a year. No issues whatsoever. I appreciate Omega’s antimagnetic properties
Well I hope you leave it outside the 5 gauss line or take it off along with the other metal objects that you remove before going into the scanner room. I certainly would not be reaching into the bore with it!
Wanna say many thanks! I’m WatchConnoisseurClub (changed my yt name as I wanted my channel to sound more professional) Anyways very insightful and helpful! Strongly appreciate the information and will be looking into it more in depth! Keep up the good work Teddy, your videos standard, level of professionalism and insight are as good as ever! I hope to be on a similar echelon to you some day!
Such great info. Especially like Teddy said, as collectors we get told to keep movements running to avoid oils "gumming/drying" and after hearing this, I'm definitely stopping all my non daily wear timepieces!!!
Bravo Teddy, another excellent video. I had heard of RGM in passing - mostly through your channel - and now looking deeper into the brand I can say I’m excited for a high horology American brand to one day adorn my wrist. Great video. More RGM content please.
This answers a lot of questions I have and from an unassailable source. Roland is just an awesome guy, I love what he's done, helping to keep American watchmaking alive, and I'm thrilled that he's getting the exposure he deserves. I *definitely* will have an RGM in my collection at some point.
In a future video I'd love to see something along the lines of what attributes of a watch should be "normal" at different price ranges (e.g., accuracy, finishing, power reserve). I recently bought an IWC and was a little disappointed in the movement quality compared to what is available at similar price points. It made me think about what is fair to expect at specific price ranges.
In Germany, you have to go to watchmaking school (3 years with theoretical and practical final exams) to be allowed to call yourself a watchmaker. If you want to open your own repair shop, you have to go even longer to school to become a "Master". This is also why the watchmaker from Federico is called a "Master Watchmaker" because he did all of that ;)
@@thomasa.243 Whereas my guy is in his last year of studies and is therefore affordable, a drawback is I can only describe (at his insistence) watches as "checked & lubricated" or "inspected and tested" as he doesnt wwant me to offer a watch as "serviced" if it has been by him. My other guy is Master watchmaker Neville Clarke and if the works by him I say so in the description.
As an RGM customer, I have to say I’m so happy to see you give Roland his due. IMO, he’s making the best American watches ever. As a Pennsylvanian, I couldn’t be prouder to see our horological heritage continue.
Outstanding discussion! Great questions to ask a master watchmaker, and Roland provided excellent insight! I look forward to meeting Roland soon at his upcoming open house.
For the inherently American question, it’s the assembly line! The Swiss came to America to learn that and applied it to their manufacturing processes. Waltham was the first watch assembly line I believe, which was based off of the Henry Ford model.
Teddy for me as a collector this was one of the most informative videos I have ever watched. Your questions to Roland was what all of us if we had the the chance would love to know. Thank you Teddy for being a real asset to the watch community.
As a business man I'd be interested in hearing the business side of it. How you get source/material, how do you get distribution, overhead, what does design to product look like etc.
RGM is single-handedly keeping real watch making (not just assembly) alive in the US. Incredible video!
Well said.
This is 1 of my main reason why RGM is one of my grail watches. Most people have Rolex or Patek watch I have RGM over them. Hopefully I can afford one in the future.
Awesome interview, hearing opinions and advice from an actual expert watchmaker is incredibly informative. One of the things that really stood out for me is that even though his company produces watches and doesn’t need the extra work, they continue to do restorations just to further the experience and expertise of their watchmakers. I hope this company remains private and is never sold to a conglomerate.
Roland is fantastic to listen to. Would love to see another of these.
I loved him in Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy
HAHAHAHA
Lollll
Loving all these informative videos for us watch nerds. Keep up the great work Teddy 👍🏻
Wow. He’s fantastic and so happy you’ve taped a session with him.
Sweet episode today. Love that he's getting some exposure. I live in Philly, made the short trip over to his shop and it's definitely special. Too much to list here, but if you get the chance, go.
Fantastic - thank you! I visited RGM way back in 2003 and will never forget it. It's time for me to pick up one of their watches.
I really appreciate the information here, especially the bit about it not being necessary to keep a watch wound. One of my old watches in particular (a beautiful old Deco Benrus) is running, recently cleaned and lubricated. But if anything breaks, my guy tells me that parts will be hard to find. So I've been winding and wearing it only every couple of weeks, hoping that'll stretch out its remaining life. Thanks.
I am saving up to purchase a RGM watch! The Model 600 Chrono looks amazing! Always love when Roland is on. Thanks Teddy.
This was a great interview. Hope to see a lot more in the future.
Thank you very much for this great video, it's answer all the questions running in my head. My first watch is a manual winding (Citizen) in my elementary days in the 80's and switch to automatic until my college days. I stop using this type of watch movement for 30 years and I started to going back again to mechanical watch.
ETA movements are perfectly good; I think people are a bit snobbish, and want the movment in their watch to be "special" rather than a generic that tens of thousands of people also have on their wrists. Those exotic movements can cost a fortune to service, which significantly increases the cost of "in house" exclusivity.
Teddy thank you for being awesome and showing us what is really great about the watch world.
Great episode gents and look forward to future talks with Roland! Look forward to seeing him at their open house in a few weeks
That physical abilities question was interesting. As a teen in the mid 60s I really enjoyed disassembling and assembling whatever watches I could obtain, but I began to realize that, even at that age, my hands were not steady enough. I began to realize my coordination would probably not be getting better.
Mr. Murphy is the man! I hope to own a RGM watch one day.
I’m surprised there isn’t more interaction.
I’m not smart enough to understand the intricacies of mechanical watch movements even after watching a bunch of watch and learns, autocad visualizations etc.
this is a person who knows it all.
Fantastic video! Real insight from a longtime expert!
I feel current oils can extend the service life of a watch due to them being synthetic and lasting longer. Much of this depends on usage. Roland is one of my favorite watch makers RGM
I am proud of RGM. They make very fine watches. I am saving up to buy me an 801.
“Activities to avoid”
construction worker using a strong machine to drill holes or cut stones. Those activities killed already 3 of my dads seiko movements.
Great point about not having a screwdown crown when not needed! First time I've heard that. Really got me thinking!
This was a great video. I think this type of video is definitely something that would be interesting to see continue.
I like these interviews. Thank you for sharing these insights with us!
I love to learn from experts in their field. Watch making, basketball. Whatever.. it's so refreshing and entertaining
This man's advice is very practical, where someone else might tell you some random bs that sounds really complicated, he just tells you "use your common sense"
Brilliant video, very informative, thank you
Best video I’ve seen on this channel. Truly amazing guy with great stories and passion for watch making!
Nice camera collection as well! That rolleicord is nice!
Roland is a great craftsman. Teddy, great questions. You always seem to rock these interviews. Unless your star struck. Then your a great fanboy. I’m glad you don’t interrupt your wonderful guests.
Although Teddy does generally ask great questions, the questions weren't from Teddy in this case - they were submissions from viewers.
@@andoletube correct, he gets more questions than he has time for. He has to select the questions from the pile. He also asks questions he has.
So happy to see you bring RGM back
I went to a watch service when I was working for a month in Monte Carlo. Of course, they’re used to having expensive watches. I took them a GC watch and he gave me the look like I didn’t belong among them. After he fixed it and replaced the battery, he goes ‘you need to buy a real watch, not this garbage’ - I said “sir, people have watches for different things, don’t ever say that to someone you don’t know, this watch was gifted to me by my brother and it means something to me, more than the ‘better’ watches in my collection’ and he backtracked and was like ‘sorry, I was only joking 😒😒’ yeah right.
I use my rolex when I play golf, in the sauna, when i train and work. If it breaks it can be fixed.
Amazing episode! Pls do a second one.
More please!
Thankyou so much for this that first question was right on my mind just brought a mechincal watch
Awesome Video Teddy. Roland confirmed some of my theories about the industy which was nice to hear. Hes not to far from where I live so I may drop by to take a tour if possible. Would love to own an RGM someday....
Such a great video. I always enjoy seeing you make videos of this brand. This interview and these questions were great. More please.
That man is a Wizard! Prove me wrong!
Well that time flew by, a great video thankyou. Very interesting and a nice guy too.
Just fantastic content. Thanks!
Thank you Teddy, and Mr. Murphy.
Another class interview. Thanks....this episode and the previous one featuring this genius will ve used as a reference Im sure.
This was very insightful. Thank you for doing this video.
Glad this video popped up on my screen. My takeaway is to use common sense and not follow what some people say on the watch forums. Specifically, I like the comments about watch winders.
I really enjoyed this video. It adds to my limited background. It's fun to know we have a vibrant high horolagy watch-making and history in the States. It makes me want to start collecting these kinds of watches....great! Another rabit hole...well shit here I go. Lol
Thanks for this video. A lot of good info and myth busting here.
I wonder if he knows Clyde Anderson from Tulsa, Oklahoma?...............a.k.a. The Rancher in watch circles!
would love to see the two of them have a talk about watches!
This was fantastic! More please.
Great video and information!
Great episode. Make it a regular series.
I would be happy to see more of these videos.
I thought the question on inhouse vs. 3rd party movements was interesting. I am in the manufacturing business, and I would assume that volume has a bit part to play in overall quality. So for example a high volume manufacturer like ETA probably has a very good understanding of the reliability of their movement. When they hand it off to a company like Longines and Longines does in-house finishing and balancing of the movement, it seems likely that the combination of the finishing with the mass production capabilities of ETA would produce a very accurate and reliable movement. And in fact, my Longines legand diver looses about 1 second per day.
For smaller brands with lower volumes that have true in-house movements I suspect that there is variability. That's not to say that the movements are bad. But the mere fact that they are inhouse doesn't make them "better" (i.e. more reliable, more accurate). It just makes them different.
A good exception to that might be Rolex that has volumes on the order of ETA but is also an in-house movement. They have the benefits of both production optimization AND resources to spend to finish the movement properly.
At least this is how I've been looking at movements in various watch makers. If this is a reasonable way to look at it, please let me know.
Brilliant first Question and answer 👍🏻
zenith cal. 2552 barely used, 1st service after bought 30 yrs. ago
Most helpful. Thanks.
I wish their watches were available outside of their watch shop
As far as activities to avoid, firearms while wearing your mechanical watch might be one. Especially automatic firearms; The vibrations are INTENSE.
You forgot the Swan neck regulator patented in the 1860's and still going strong today.
great addicational vide0!
Wonderful video. Very informative
Would be great to show us what watch you both are wearing at the beginning - always interesting, no ?
What was the name of the course that is taught online?
My dream watch is the RGM PS-801-EE.
It will be the last watch I buy, #12 in the collection, and I'm going to the grave with it.
Would anyone recommend a self-service? I know it requires a lot of patience and learning but I am up for the challenge and I would like to service my personal watches instead of having someone else that I might not trust as much… would anyone recommend?
By proxy you are also keeping American watch making alive Teddy!
Does anyone knows for how long Can a quartz watch run? Will I be able to pass it ti my son?
Cycling over cobblestones, probably not good, right? I have a cobbly cycle to work so I've been using it as an excuse to buy various digital watches on top of my mechanical ones. :D
How would one purchase an RGM watch?
Love it
Very interesting interview. It would be fun to have another set of opinions on similar questions.
Need a Spotify podcast
Does he have a diver
Biggest risk to your watch is when someone dismantles it to a hundred pieces. It'll start running poorly when it requires a service, so leave it alone until it needs it.
Richard Mille, Patek not using in-house in their most complicate watches,
This video is one of those rare YT occasions that you can just sit down and listen to what is said. And what is said is meaningful from the very beginning. These type of productions are nothing less than absolute gold in an era that everyone has to shout things out loud to get attention. Brilliant video and dialogue.
yup rare type vids no BS or ads or any non sense, straight forward meaningful discussion, dialouge, enjoyed every second !
Great content!
@@NemanjaNislijaThank you for the idea
Fantastic, thank you Teddy and Roland!!!
Love what Roland is doing for American Watchmaking! 🇺🇸 Great video Teddy
Yes! We need more "Made in USA" products!
There is a new watch coming that is Built in USA at an affordable price! Stay tuned. 🙏
I’m an MRI tech and wear my omega seamaster pro 300 everyday to work for about a year. No issues whatsoever. I appreciate Omega’s antimagnetic properties
Well I hope you leave it outside the 5 gauss line or take it off along with the other metal objects that you remove before going into the scanner room. I certainly would not be reaching into the bore with it!
A much needed video in the online watch community. A true expert who is down to earth, giving straightforward answers based on vast experience. 👍🏻
This man is a hero for American watch manufacturing. Someday I will own an RGM
Wanna say many thanks! I’m WatchConnoisseurClub (changed my yt name as I wanted my channel to sound more professional)
Anyways very insightful and helpful! Strongly appreciate the information and will be looking into it more in depth! Keep up the good work Teddy, your videos standard, level of professionalism and insight are as good as ever! I hope to be on a similar echelon to you some day!
You will.
Never stop and keep moving forward.
I hate screw down crowns on watches that people will rarely dive with as well, it's so unnecessary
Why? It’s a really good hedge against water damage. Probably the single most vulnerable place on the watch.
Such great info. Especially like Teddy said, as collectors we get told to keep movements running to avoid oils "gumming/drying" and after hearing this, I'm definitely stopping all my non daily wear timepieces!!!
Bravo Teddy, another excellent video. I had heard of RGM in passing - mostly through your channel - and now looking deeper into the brand I can say I’m excited for a high horology American brand to one day adorn my wrist. Great video. More RGM content please.
I love great information from a trusted source and Roland is a very trusted source ! Thanx to both of you !!
This answers a lot of questions I have and from an unassailable source. Roland is just an awesome guy, I love what he's done, helping to keep American watchmaking alive, and I'm thrilled that he's getting the exposure he deserves. I *definitely* will have an RGM in my collection at some point.
Thank you Roland for sharing your knowledge with us. And thanks Teddy for leading a great interview!
Excellent episode. Enjoyed the no nonsense, informative presentation. 👍👍
In a future video I'd love to see something along the lines of what attributes of a watch should be "normal" at different price ranges (e.g., accuracy, finishing, power reserve). I recently bought an IWC and was a little disappointed in the movement quality compared to what is available at similar price points. It made me think about what is fair to expect at specific price ranges.
What was it that you disliked about the movement finishing and what model?
A great Q&A video! Always good to have a master watchmaker’s perspective.
There should be a certification for watch repairers. Some organization for which there is criteria to be a member.
Is there no such thing as being factory certified? Like ETA or something for watches that use their movements, Seiko for theirs, etc.?
Homer, what are you talking about? Theres many, not all watchmakers belong or indeed are qualified. M
WOSTEP and others
In Germany, you have to go to watchmaking school (3 years with theoretical and practical final exams) to be allowed to call yourself a watchmaker. If you want to open your own repair shop, you have to go even longer to school to become a "Master". This is also why the watchmaker from Federico is called a "Master Watchmaker" because he did all of that ;)
@@thomasa.243 Whereas my guy is in his last year of studies and is therefore affordable, a drawback is I can only describe (at his insistence) watches as "checked & lubricated" or "inspected and tested" as he doesnt wwant me to offer a watch as "serviced" if it has been by him. My other guy is Master watchmaker Neville Clarke and if the works by him I say so in the description.
As an RGM customer, I have to say I’m so happy to see you give Roland his due. IMO, he’s making the best American watches ever.
As a Pennsylvanian, I couldn’t be prouder to see our horological heritage continue.
Absolutely perfect video. All questions that I have had for years.
Thanks ,Teddy
Outstanding discussion! Great questions to ask a master watchmaker, and Roland provided excellent insight! I look forward to meeting Roland soon at his upcoming open house.
For the inherently American question, it’s the assembly line! The Swiss came to America to learn that and applied it to their manufacturing processes. Waltham was the first watch assembly line I believe, which was based off of the Henry Ford model.
Teddy for me as a collector this was one of the most informative videos I have ever watched. Your questions to Roland was what all of us if we had the the chance would love to know. Thank you Teddy for being a real asset to the watch community.
Moral of this video, stop freaking over thinking about your watches.
As a business man I'd be interested in hearing the business side of it. How you get source/material, how do you get distribution, overhead, what does design to product look like etc.
I hope to one day own one of his watches, I love what he's doing for American watch making!