The Exclusive RGM 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition: A Confluence of Luxury Horology and Prominent Influence

The RGM Watch Company, a notable American watchmaker, boasts of a unique attribute – it is part of an elite and limited group that is truly vertically integrated. Nestled away in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, the core of Roland G. Murphy’s creativity comes alive. It is here that the company produces a multitude of in-house calibres and complex, artisanal Guilloché dials carefully crafted using antique rose engine lathes.

Teddy Baldassarre, a towering figure in the world of watches, has a magnetic following under his belt with a staggering 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. He also operates a thriving online store, and a flagship boutique located in Westlake, Ohio - featuring top-tier brands like Grand Seiko, Omega, Breitling, and Glashütte Original.

The 501 case, although previously crafted as a custom piece for a client, introduced a fresh, unreleased model for the brand. It features a 39mm diameter x 11.3mm height stainless steel structure with a unique stepped bezel design. Box-style sapphire crystal proudly protects the dial, also featuring a slightly oversized crown as a new addition. The case back, adorned with engraved RGM and Teddy logos, commemorates the initial production run with the number ‘25’, although this model is not limited edition.

The dial unveils two unmistakable patterns of Guilloché – a central section and a smaller sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Both blue galvanic-plated patterns are encircled by silver chapter rings featuring reversed black Breguet numerals at 3 and 9 o’clock. The silver hour and minute hands express a hybrid leaf/sword design, while dial text is pared down to ‘RGM WATCH CO’.

In terms of movement, the model reveals the Swiss-made RGM-Schwarz Etienne ASE 200 calibre, a meticulous micro-rotor automatic that fills the entire case back, offering unparalleled visual enchantment. This time-only movement consists of 33 jewels, beats at 21,600vph and comes with an impressive 86-hour power reserve. The micro-rotor bears a small, curved inscription of the city of Lancaster in Pennsylvania – a testament to the watchmaking history of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Retailing for USD 13,900, the new RGM 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition watch provides excellent value for the connoisseur, featuring a multi-piece, hand-cut Guilloché dial and well-finished micro-rotor calibre by Swiss independent watch and movement maker Schwarz Etienne, all sparked by Baldassarre’s design input.