Independent Thinking - Roland G Murphy of @rgmwatches talks independent watchmaking and American horology

Another episode of the Independent Thinking Show for FifthWrist Radio. This is a place dedicate to showcasing the great people doing interesting and cool things in the world of horology. Host: Roman (@TimesRomanAU) and Adam (@mediumwatch) Guest: Roland G Murphy (@rgmwatches) In this episode, we chat with a very special guest - American independent watchmaker Roland G Murphy of RGM Watch Company. Join us for a conversation about independent watchmaking, American horological history, the art of engine-turning; and Roland’s forthright advice for watchmakers and collectors based on his nearly 30-year career as an independent horologist. If you are passionate about watches, horological art and independent watchmaking – you do not want miss this one! Shout-outs in this episode to friend of Fifth Wrist Radio: Jochen Benzinger (@benzingerwatches), David Walter (@davide.walter) and Joshua Shapiro (@jnshapiro_watches). Recommendations from this episode Roland: Book: “American Watchmaking: A Technical History of the American Watch Industry, 1850-1930” by Michael C Harrold  Adam: Otto Frei Store (https://www.ottofrei.com/) Roman: @apam002 Follow Roland on Instagram @rgmwatches or rgmwatches.com New Theme Music for 2021: Circle Round by Spinning Clocks (via YouTube Free Music Channel) Follow us on Instagram: @FifthWrist Fifth Wrist website and Fifth Wrist Radio podcast are projects run entirely by a bunch of enthusiasts, watchmakers and collectors. We pride ourselves on being by the watch community and for the watch community. We have zero sponsorship or advertising and welcome all honest and unbiased opinions. We reject all forms of outside brand intervention and take no cash, watches or other goods from watch companies. SHOW NOTES: 01:00 - Introduction 03:37 - American watchmaking history 07:29 - Roland’s journey into watchmaking and starting RGM Watches 13:30 - Setting the style of RGM Watches from the outset 19:45 - Guilloche and a shout-out to Jochen Benzinger 22:34 - Design language of RGM watches 26:00 - In-house movements 30:20 - Customisation and offering the customers more choice 36:45 - Made in America and importance of being transparent 41:25 - RGM EOT Deck watch 42:35 - Core customer base 46:35 - RGM watches and their connection to American culture 47:10 - Enamel dials; RGM Corps of Engineers, Baseball and Chess watch 53:25 - American independent watchmaking now 55:25 - Designing the RGM Watches logo 59:20 - Promoting your work in the current media space 1:04:15 - Best strategies to sell watches 1:06:35 - Roland’s advice to young independent watchmakers just starting out 1:18:45 - Outlook for the future 1:20:30 - Cultural recommendations: Roland, Adam and Roman 1:24:35 - Closing