It’s been a while since I covered watches from North American brand RGM. The company is known for its high quality watches with classic styling and extensive customization. Today we are considering the RGM model 207-EB with a Blue Guilloché dial. That 35mm case isn’t oversized by any means, so it’s a bit less American. However, the watch still makes a big impression due to the beautiful engine-turned decoration on the dial.
Founded in 1992 by Roland G. Murphy for those new to RGM Watch Company. Murphy is a watchmaker trained at both the Bowman School of Technology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (PA) and the Watchmaker (WOSTEP) in the Swiss Training and Education Program. He then worked in product development at Hamilton Watch Co. If you’re interested, it’s worth looking at the watches and brand custom pieces from RGM’s archives. But today we will focus on the RGM model 207-EB of the company’s current collection.
RGM Model 207-EB
The RGM Model 207-EB comes with a 35mm fully powered stainless steel case with a thickness of 8.8mm, including top and bottom sapphire crystals. The rather straight lug ranges from tip to tip to tip to 43.3mm, making it the perfect watch for small wrists. But it certainly isn’t out of place on the bigger wrist. The 107, the predecessor of the Model 207, had a lively onion crown with a crown guard. Instead, it’s a more modern example, with no crown guards.
After that we come to the real show stopper – a beautiful circular brush with a 3 o’clock date window and an engraved blue dial. The RGM Watch Company owns several engine-turning machines. But most importantly, the people there also have the skill, patience and accuracy to apply seductive patterns to the dials of the watch. The RGM Model 207-EB displays a very complex rosette pattern that becomes finer and more finer towards the center of the dial. At 12 o’clock, the RGM brand name is listed, and at 6 o’clock it states the company’s hometown.
Internal cellar
You can see the automatic movement of the Sellita SW300-1 Swiss-made through the watch’s screw-in case. Comes with a customized engraved RGM rotor. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800Vph, features 25 gems and holds a power reserve of about 55 hours. Due to the structure of the watch, it is water resistant to 5 atm (50 meters). However, if you choose to swim together, we recommend switching the rubber crocodile leather straps.
Directly use the RGM model 207-EB
Before arriving at our office, the first time I saw a picture of the RGM Model 207-EB, it was an instant reminder of the Breguet Classique Ref. 5907. That didn’t change when I looked at the watch directly, but there are some notable differences. The RGM case is a little bit more intense than the Breguet case. But it doesn’t bother me at all because it feels like the watch is a little more solid.
I also love the Giroche flower pattern on the dial. It looks very complicated, but is very elegant from a little further apart. I also appreciate that the dial doesn’t have much decorations on the dial, besides the guilochi ring between the hours and minutes tracks. Then the dial is really about that beautiful pattern at its center.
That said, you could have certainly done it without a date window. Its white background also stands out a bit to my taste. But I’m sure some people appreciate it for its functionality and readability. Another thing I will change right away is the rubber alligator strap. I go to the nubuck one without rubber reinforcement. It may be less durable, but I think it’s suitable for the Model 207-EB.
On the wrist
On my average 17cm wrist, the 35mm case of the RGM Model 207-EB works perfectly fine. But that’s not a big surprise. The real surprise is that it also looks great on Jorg’s slightly larger wrists. His 18.5cm wrist is what you see in the picture, and the Model 207-EB doesn’t look out of place at all. This is thanks to the slightly intense case design combined with a straight lug.
The RGM Model 207-EB costs USD 5,950 before tax. There is also a version, Model 207-E, which is not the blue one, but has a silver guillotti dial. You can also get the model 207 without a Guilloché dial. This will reduce the price to USD 2,950 excluding taxes, allowing you to choose between a glossy black or a sunburst blue pilot dial. But of course, ordering custom pieces is also welcome.
In the comments below, let us know what you think about the RGM Model 207-EB.
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