Introduced in February 2025, the RGM 801/40-CE puts a three-level white Grand Feu enamel dial and RGM’s hand-wound Caliber 801 into a 40.3 mm stainless-steel case. Its proportions are smaller than earlier 801 cases, though the 49.5 mm lug-to-lug span and box-style sapphire crystal still give it presence on the wrist. RGM announced the steel version at US$14,900; that is its launch price, not a verified current quote.
What makes the RGM 801/40-CE distinctive?
The 801/40-CE is the classic enamel configuration in RGM’s 801/40 family. Its main attraction is the white, multilevel Grand Feu dial, set against a hand-wound movement visible through the sapphire caseback. RGM introduced the 801/40 as the smallest case it then offered for Caliber 801.
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The stainless-steel case measures 40.3 mm across and 9.3 mm high according to RGM. Fratello reports a 49.5 mm lug-to-lug measurement and a 10.5 mm thickness when the box-style sapphire crystal is included. The lug width is 20 mm. These measurements describe different aspects of fit: diameter is not a substitute for lug span, and the two thickness figures use different measurement conventions. Fratello also lists 50 m (5 ATM) water resistance.
How is the Grand Feu dial constructed?
The dial is built from three separately enamelled elements: an outer ring, a recessed central panel, and a doubly recessed small-seconds register. RGM describes it as a three-level, double-sunk dial. Roman numerals mark the hours, while Arabic numerals and railroad-style tracks indicate minutes and seconds. Blued-steel Breguet-style hands complete the display; the crown bears a Keystone insignia.
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- VH SWEEP QUARTZ MOVEMENT: Powered by a VH31/VH60 quartz movement, this ML05 variation delivers smooth sweep-style seconds motion with the convenience and dependable timekeeping of quartz. The fluid hand movement gives the dial a refined mechanical-style appearance, while battery-powered operation keeps everyday use simple and low maintenance.
- SUPER C3 GREEN LUME FOR CLEAR READING: Super C3 luminous material is applied to key dial elements to support quick time reading after exposure to light. The green glow complements the bold Arabic numerals and 12/24-hour field layout without changing the restrained vintage character of the dial, making the display easy to follow during changing light conditions.
- 100M WATER RESISTANCE AND SCREW-DOWN CROWN: The ML05 is rated to 100M for added confidence around handwashing, rain and routine daily water exposure. Its screw-down crown helps reinforce the case seal and is an important distinction of the ML05 design. Keep the crown fully secured before water contact, and do not operate it while wet or submerged.
- COMPACT 38MM PROPORTIONS: The case measures 38mm in diameter without the crown, approximately 46–47.5mm lug to lug depending on the case style, and 10.5mm thick including the domed crystal, with a 20mm lug width. These balanced dimensions give this men’s field watch a compact wrist presence while keeping the dial clear and easy to read.
- SANDBLASTED 316L STEEL FIELD-WATCH DESIGN: The low-reflection case finish, bold Arabic numerals and inner 12/24-hour scale give the ML05 a functional vintage character. Its restrained profile works easily as an everyday field watch, while the 20mm lug width makes it simple to pair with a wide range of compatible straps.
RGM says a master enameller in Switzerland makes these Grand Feu dials. The company also produces other dials and guilloché in-house, but that should not be conflated with the sourcing of this particular enamel dial. The watch itself is made by Pennsylvania-based RGM.
What movement does it use?
Caliber 801 is a hand-wound movement. RGM specifies 19 jewels, a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, and a 40–44-hour power reserve; Fratello lists 44 hours for the featured reference. The official range is the more careful figure to use rather than treating 44 hours as a guaranteed result.
RGM describes the movement’s finish as including circular damaskeening, perlage, and anglage. The company says the bridge shapes take inspiration from Keystone-Howard’s Edward Howard model and the winding click from the Illinois Bunn Special. Those are stated design inspirations, not evidence of shared components or a direct historical lineage.
What does RGM mean by “90% made in the USA”?
RGM says 90% of Caliber 801 is made in the United States, with many components produced in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Monochrome also reports the percentage as RGM’s claim and notes that some parts, including the balance spring and jewels, come from elsewhere.
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The figure is a manufacturer claim: the available coverage does not establish an independent audit or explain the calculation method. It is best understood as RGM’s description of the movement’s sourcing, not as an independently verified production statistic or a claim that every component is American-made.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the 801/40-CE cost at launch?
RGM’s February 2025 announcement listed the stainless-steel 801/40-CE at US$14,900, a figure also reported by Fratello. This is historical launch pricing, not a verified price or offer for October 2026. Current price, stock, and ordering details are not established here; contact RGM for a current quote.
Can the watch be customized?
RGM says it can make custom versions and lists possibilities such as hacking seconds, wolf’s-teeth winding wheels, custom balance-bridge engraving, an RGM motor barrel, and a swan-neck regulator. The release also names 801/40-COE, 801/40-EE, and 801/40-E variants. It does not state option prices, lead times, or which choices are currently available, so confirm the details directly with RGM.
RGM describes the model’s custom approach this way: “We are also happy to make custom versions of this new watch as we do with our other models,” says Murphy of the new 801/40.
Quick Recap
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | RGM 801/40-CE |
|---|---|
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Case diameter | 40.3 mm (RGM, 2025) |
| Case height | 9.3 mm, RGM’s figure; 10.5 mm including the box-style crystal, per Fratello (2025) |
| Lug-to-lug | 49.5 mm (Fratello, 2025) |
| Lug width | 20 mm (RGM, 2025) |
| Water resistance | 50 m / 5 ATM (Fratello, 2025) |
| Dial | White, three-level double-sunk Grand Feu enamel; Swiss-made enamel dial, according to RGM |
| Movement | RGM Caliber 801, hand-wound |
| Jewels and frequency | 19 jewels; 18,000 vph (RGM, 2025) |
| Power reserve | 40–44 hours (RGM, 2025); Fratello states 44 hours for the reference |
| Strap | Brown alligator leather, 20 mm wide (Fratello, 2025) |
| Launch price | US$14,900 for the stainless-steel version, announced by RGM in February 2025; not a current quote |
Sources
- RGM Watch Company, “PRESS 801/40” (February 2025)
- Fratello Watches, “Introducing: The New RGM 801/40-CE” (February 28, 2025)
- Monochrome Watches, “Introducing: The American-Made RGM 801 Classic Enamel now in 40mm” (2025)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
