RGM adds a new railroad dial — based on a 1920 dial design patent — to the Model 222-RR series.
The Type II Montgomery Marginal Minute Dial Model 222-RR (Railroad) comes in a stainless steel case measuring 41 mm x 12 mm (with a 22 mm interlug width). Uniquely, the onion-shaped fluted steel crown is located on the caseband where 2 o’clock typically is on most watches, and the dial has been oriented so that the 10 o’clock marker is where noon usually sits.
This distinct dial and case arrangement coupled with the layout of the previously patented railroad dial, a white glass enamel Grand Feu dial, and blued steel railroad hands — evoke the feeling of early 20th-century railroad pocket watches.
In fact, the original dial design patent (pictured) was for a pocket, not a wristwatch. Moreover, this new RGM Railroad watch is powered by your choice of a vintage Hamilton manually wound size 10 caliber 921 or 923 caliber pocket watch movement. The Model 222-RR is a modern wristwatch with a vintage heart, and RGM was the first to use these pocket watch calibers in a wristwatch.
According to RGM, “Our vintage Hamilton movements are rebuilt using parts that are in optimum condition, including a new mainspring made for this movement. We flat polish the steel parts by hand on a tin block to better-than-original condition. The entire process of careful reassembly to the precise adjustment of the movement is managed by one watchmaker. The grade 921 movement has 21 jewels and was made in large quantities whereas the grade 923 has 23 jewels and is rare, with less than 4,000 movements manufactured.”
Each movement is rhodium plated and has circular striping on the bridges. However, the Hamilton 923 features an elevated finish with circular Demaskeening on the mainspring barrel, blued screws, and hand beveled and polished edges.
Inspired by American railroad watches from the past, Henry S. Montgomery was the General Watch & Clock Inspector of the AT&SF Railroad from 1896 to 1923. Mr. Montgomery patented his first marginal minute safety dial design Type-I around 1906. RGM’s dial is inspired by the rare Type-II dial variation that was patented in 1920.
“A Montgomery dial displays minutes 1-60 along the outer edge, with every fifth number in red. Some collectors say that a “true” Montgomery dial must have an hour number 6 visible inside the seconds register. Dials approved for use on the railroads needed to be functional and readable, even under adverse conditions. Most American watch companies used Montgomery dials on many of their railroad-grade watches.”
The RGM Type II “Montgomery Marginal Minute Dial” Model 222-RR has an interlug width of 22 mm and comes with a thick brown leather strap with contrast stitching. Water-resistance is 50 meters. The retail price is $5,950 with the 921 movement and $7950 with the 923.
Learn more at RGM.
