RGM Releases First Model of Its 25th Anniversary Year - Limited Edition of 25 Pieces
In May 1859, American Chess Master Paul Morphy was presented with a pocket watch from the Testimonial Committee of the New York Chess Club as a tribute to his genius and worth. Morphy had recently returned from Europe where his dominant play gave rise to a hero's welcome back home in America. The watch, made by American Watch Company, was an elegant specimen of art and ingenuity. Unfortunately, it vanished sometime after 1921. Not much is known about what happened to the pocket watch given to Morphy for his achievements; today only the original dial survives, on display at the NAWCC Watch and Clock museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania.
It was here that RGM's Roland Murphy first saw this unique enamel dial that he knew would one day be the inspiration in an RGM model. Instead of the usual Roman numerals on the dial, various chess pieces represent the hours, finely done in red and black. The Black King stands at twelve, the Red King at six, the Queens at one and eleven, Bishops at two and ten, Knights at three and nine, Castles at four and eight, and Pawns at five and seven. RGM chose to create their enamel dial with similar chess pieces indicating the hours.
"Chess in Enamel" also marks the first time RGM has released a double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial in one of its models. The watch features RGM's original in-house movement: Caliber 801, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2017.
Inspired by America's great watchmaking history, the 801 highlights classic bridge shapes, reminiscent of Keystone Howard Watch Company's "Edward Howard" model. The unique winding click is inspired by the Illinois "Bunn Special." Like the great Railroad watches from America's past, the 801 features a high-grade finish that denotes the quality of its construction, including polished and blued steel components. The movement can also be customized.
Technical Specifications:
The case, American-made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and done in stainless steel, measures 43.3mm x 12.3mm. It has double sapphire crystals.
Movement is the American manual-wind RGM in-house caliber 801 with 19 jewels, 18,000 vph and a power reserve of 44 hours. Rhodium or gold plated, with circular Damaskeening, perlage and anglage, Seven tooth winding click. Optional wolf's tooth winding wheels available.
Grand Feu white enamel double-sunk dial. Black and red chess piece indices, fired in enamel. Subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel Keystone hands.
It comes on a 22mm black alligator leather strap.
MSRP is $13,900. Gold and platinum cases available by request.
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