Big daddy's post offers a unique glimpse into the rigorous selection process for aspiring watchmakers at the Rolex-underwritten Lititz Technicum. His journey also highlights the vibrant American watchmaking scene through a visit to RGM, an independent manufacture. This article provides valuable context for understanding the dedication required to enter the watchmaking profession and the ongoing innovation within U.S.-based brands.
Having just returned from a journey with watches at it's core, I thought I would share with all my PuristS friends. The impetus for the journey from South Carolina starts about a year ago when I was listening and observing my now future son-in-law. I noticed he had rather extraordinary mechanical skills, could figure out mechanical issues, and loved to "tinker". At the time, I suggested he consider watchmaking as a career and gave him a Forbes article from a couple of years back about the extraordinary need for watchmakers globally and the average income levels expected of a beginning watchmaker and the average income 3 years after graduation. He came to me later and told me he was interested in pursuing that career and asked for my help. I knew of the watchmaking schools in the U.S. but I particularly knew of the Lititz Technicum in Lititz, Pennsylvania which is underwritten by Rolex. They take 14 students per year in a rigorous curriculum but the 14 that are chosen have to pay no tuition, just buy their tools and pay for their normal living expenses.
Seth, my future son-in-law applied. He then had to complete a rather unusual application for admittance in essay form and in his hand which he did. Lititz called and offered him a personal interview which narrowed applicants down to 200 slated for interviews for the 14 slots.
This past Friday he dressed in business attire and had his interview from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 16:00 for you 24 hour time PuristS's. The president from Rolex USA was there to supervise. They were solving mechanical issues with a chronograph, a steam engine, an automobile disc brake system...you get the idea. At the end of the interview, he he was confidant had done very well. He should here the results at the end of July when they issue invitations for the fall class of 2012.
Of course, being only a town over in Lancaster County I arranged a tour of RGM with Roland and Rich which was Seth's first tour of an atelier. I evened learned some things about RGM that I did not know! First, business is doing very well. I happened to see two more watches that were introduced to the public the day after our visit, the RGM Professional Diver and the Professional Aviator which are both powered by RGM's caliber 801. The two blues offered in the Diver are just stunning. My wife sure loved them even though they are pretty masculine....not massive, though. Having owned a number of 7750 ETA chronographs I was impressed that the weight was just right. I also saw one with a blue mother-of-pearl dial that was gorgeous and I know that it can be ordered as a Limited Edition.
I also saw the new caliber 20 which the new one run by a motor barrel. It is going to be more expensive than the 801 variations but it is a beautiful but more complicated movement. Rich also showed me the 3-D mockup of the case for the caliber 20 which is the first time I had ever seen a "printed 3-D" image....very impressive. Look for this new watch soon.
RGM's atelier three years ago when I visited was located on two floors of the bank building Roland had bought to house RGM upon returning to Lancaster. Now they have expanded into the basement. All of the operations that expel an exhaust are used here.....polishing, grinding, beveling, CNCing, etc. I also confirmed that the cases for RGM watches are made in Lancaster County by a private firm that has been working with Roland for some years now. While I was there, I saw the Roland's CNC machine cutting about 10 bridges. Almost all of the components used within RGM's manufacture' calibers are now done in-house.
Now let me share some photos with you and I hope you enjoy them!
The entrance to the Technicum!
A Fortress...very much like Rolex
Another passing photo....
Let me mention another opinion about the technicum. It is a fortress....large and built architecturally like some of the barns and silos in Lancaster County. We were allowed a "tour" which was the entrance hall and inside of a sealed door to the administration offices and a few classrooms. It took all of 5 minutes. No photographs could be taken as security was tight. Seth got to see the entire ground floor but none of us, including Seth, got to the second floor as that is where Rolexes are serviced! I can say that Rolex is a bit paranoid about trade secrets.
801 Main Street; Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania
Mr. Roland Murphy on one of his 5 antique rose engines
Roland showing result on brass of his demonstration
CNC Machine
CNC working.....
Roland, myself, and Seth talking watches...imagine that!
One left of a 5 piece limited edition.....
and the reverse.....
How do you like that RGM watch? Partially skeletonized, guillouched dial. It is 14k yellow gold made in a limited edition of 5, this one being the only one left. Within the RGM case is a Christoph Claret movement that has been reversed. It is a tourbillon, minute repeater (which I did hear chime). Absolutely gorgeous! I apologize about the photos but I did the best I could holding the camera with my hands. I had never seen this piece before.
