The RGM 801/40-CE is the smaller-case version of the brand’s hand-wound Classic Enamel, with a 40.3 mm stainless-steel case and a three-part, double-sunk Grand Feu enamel dial. RGM says 90% of its Caliber 801 movement is made in the United States; the enamel dial, however, is made by a specialist in Switzerland.
What is different about the 801/40-CE?
RGM describes the 801/40 as its smallest case size for Caliber 801. Its brushed and polished 316L stainless-steel case measures 40.3 mm across and 9.3 mm thick, or 10.5 mm including the box-style front sapphire crystal. Lug-to-lug is 49.5 mm, with a 20 mm lug width. RGM lists the watch at 2.0 oz.
Compared with the 42 mm 801-CE, the 801/40-CE offers a smaller diameter; the two are separate variants, and RGM’s broader 801 page lists the 42 mm model at a different price. For fit, the 49.5 mm lug-to-lug measurement and 10.5 mm total height are useful complements to the headline 40 mm size.
How is the enamel dial made, and what does it look like?
The white dial is made from three glass-enamel components: an outer ring, an inset center, and a doubly inset small-seconds subdial. RGM says each component is enameled individually and repeatedly fired, creating the dial’s layered, double-sunk appearance. The small-seconds recess is part of the construction, not merely a printed detail.
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- Unique Watch: The enamel dial features a gradient crack pattern. The screw-in crown and case back enhance its water resistance. A date window is located at the 6 o'clock position. With 60 second markers, it allows for more precise timekeeping
- Precision Movement: Japanese 8215 mechanical movement, with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), hacking seconds device, One-Way automatic winding and manual winding, 21 jewels, and a 41-hour power reserve
- Easy Read Watch: The K1 mineral glass is several times harder than regular mineral glass, paired with a Swiss AR coating, ensuring clear visibility even in bright conditions. The BGW9 super lume blue glow allows for easy time reading in the dark
- Versatile Wrist Watch: With 100 m waterproof, it can be worn in rainy, for showering, surfing, swimming. Its elegant and minimalist design makes it suitable as a casual watch for daily wear, work, travel, and outdoor activities
- Size: Case diameter 39 mm, lug to lug 48 mm, thickness 13 mm, lug width 20 mm, 81g. Lightweight FKM strap, fits wrists up to 8.5 inches, perfect fit for a variety of wearing needs
The design pairs Roman hour numerals with Arabic minute and small-seconds numerals, a dotted minute track, and blued-steel Breguet-style hands. RGM says a master enameller in Switzerland makes these dials. That detail matters when interpreting “American-made”: the watch combines an extensively US-made movement with a Swiss-made enamel dial.
What movement does it use?
Inside is RGM’s in-house, manual-wind Caliber 801. RGM lists 19 jewels and a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph), and says 90% of the movement is made in the USA, with many components produced in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The 90% figure applies to the movement, not to the entire watch.
Rank #2
- PT5000 AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the self-winding mechanical movement produces a smooth seconds display. Manual winding and stop-seconds adjustment make time setting convenient.
- COMPACT 36MM PROPORTIONS: A 36mm case, 43.5mm lug-to-lug profile and 10.5mm thickness provide a balanced fit for smaller wrists and classic-size preferences. The polished fixed bezel keeps the dial visually open.
- ENAMEL DIAL & BGW9 LUME: Glossy black and blue enamel dials pair applied 3-6-9 numerals with clear markers. BGW9 Super lume on the hands and markers provides blue visibility in low light.
- AR SAPPHIRE & 100M WATER RESISTANCE: The AR-coated sapphire crystal supports clarity and everyday scratch resistance. A screw-down crown and stainless steel case provide 100M water resistance.
- SOLID STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET: The 316L stainless steel bracelet tapers from 20mm to 16mm for a cleaner wrist profile. Its milled fly-adjustable clasp allows quick fit changes without removing links.
RGM’s February 2025 release gives a stated power reserve of 40–44 hours and describes the movement as rhodium- or gold-plated, with circular damaskeening, perlage, anglage, and a five-tooth winding click. These are manufacturer descriptions and specifications. RGM also says the bridge shapes draw on the Keystone Howard Watch Company’s Edward Howard model and the winding click takes inspiration from Illinois Watch Company designs. Its claim that Caliber 801 was the first serial mechanical watch movement manufactured in the United States since Hamilton stopped producing Caliber 992 B in 1969 should be understood as RGM’s historical claim.
Is the RGM 801/40 American-made?
It is reasonable to describe the 801/40 as an American-made watch with an important qualification: RGM says 90% of the Caliber 801 movement is made in the United States, while the enamel dial is made in Switzerland. The 90% statement does not establish that 90% of the whole watch, or every component, is US-made. RGM also describes hand finishing and says many movement components are made in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
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Rank #3
- PT5000 AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the self-winding mechanical movement produces a smooth seconds display. Manual winding and stop-seconds adjustment make time setting convenient.
- COMPACT 36MM PROPORTIONS: A 36mm case, 43.5mm lug-to-lug profile and 10.5mm thickness provide a balanced fit for smaller wrists and classic-size preferences. The polished fixed bezel keeps the dial visually open.
- ENAMEL DIAL & BGW9 LUME: Glossy black and blue enamel dials pair applied 3-6-9 numerals with clear markers. BGW9 Super lume on the hands and markers provides blue visibility in low light.
- AR SAPPHIRE & 100M WATER RESISTANCE: The AR-coated sapphire crystal supports clarity and everyday scratch resistance. A screw-down crown and stainless steel case provide 100M water resistance.
- SOLID STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET: The 316L stainless steel bracelet tapers from 20mm to 16mm for a cleaner wrist profile. Its milled fly-adjustable clasp allows quick fit changes without removing links.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | RGM’s stated detail |
|---|---|
| Model | 801/40-CE “Classic Enamel” |
| Case | Brushed and polished 316L stainless steel |
| Diameter | 40.3 mm |
| Thickness | 9.3 mm; 10.5 mm over the box-style front sapphire crystal |
| Lug-to-lug | 49.5 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire front and flat sapphire caseback |
| Water resistance | 5 ATM |
| Movement | Manual-wind RGM Caliber 801; 19 jewels; 18,000 vph |
| Power reserve | 40–44 hours, as stated in RGM’s February 2025 release |
| Movement origin | RGM says 90% is made in the USA; this is not a whole-watch percentage |
| Dial | White, three-component, double-sunk Grand Feu glass enamel; made by a Swiss master enameller, according to RGM |
| Weight | 2.0 oz, as listed by RGM |
These are manufacturer specifications rather than independent measurements or test results. In particular, the stated 5 ATM water resistance is not evidence of independent testing.
Price and customization
RGM’s current 801/40 product page displays a price of $17,900 for the stainless-steel 801/40-CE. Its February 2025 release listed a $14,900 launch price for the stainless-steel version. Those are dated manufacturer figures, not a like-for-like price guarantee; check the RGM 801/40-CE product page for the current displayed amount. The separate 42 mm 801-CE appears on RGM’s broader 801 page at $17,950, so that price should not be confused with the 801/40-CE price.
Rank #4
- 3D Bark Textured Dial: Features an enamel-finished dial with intricate tree bark texture, enhancing artistic depth and high-gloss reflection. Perfect for business meetings, formal events, or as a luxury gift watch
- Premium Material: 316L steel bracelet and case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with blue AR coating minimizes glare for clear visibility in office lighting or outdoor weddings
- Super Luminous: Multi-faceted hour markers are filled with BGW9 super luminous material provide subtle nighttime readability during evening commutes or dining in dim restaurants, ensuring clear readability in low light
- Movement：Features a Japanese NH35A automatic movement, 3-hand layout, date display, 21,600 vibrations per hour, and 41-hour power reserve for accurate timekeeping, and smooth date function – ideal for daily office wear and travel.
- Specifications: 39 mm diameter, 13.5 mm thick, crown diameter 5.5mm, 147.5 g weight. The lugs are 20 mm wide and fit most replacement straps. Water resistant to 100 m
RGM describes customization options that include other dial and hand versions, hacking seconds, custom balance-bridge engraving, a motor barrel system, and a swan-neck regulator. The company does not establish a lead time or in-stock status in the cited product information. Roland Murphy, RGM founder, said in the February 2025 release: “We are also happy to make custom versions of this new watch as we do with our other models.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to assess it against other watches
The most useful comparison points are not simply diameter or the “American-made” label. Consider how the smaller case wears alongside its 49.5 mm lug-to-lug length, whether the layered enamel dial and hand finishing suit your priorities, and how the stated 5 ATM rating fits your intended use. Then compare movement origin and construction, customization choices, and the current price of the exact variant. Those checks help distinguish the 801/40-CE from the 42 mm 801-CE and from watches that use a different dial material or movement supply chain.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- STUNNING 20-LAYER ENAMEL DIAL: This men automatic mechanical watch features a dial with a rich dark-red to wine-red gradient with smoked edges (Fumé craft), creating a bold, mysterious, and deeply textured look
- AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL MOVEMENT: Powered by the reliable PT5000 automatic self-winding movement, this men wristwatch delivers precise timekeeping without the need for batteries. Simply wear it daily to keep it running, showcasing the pure charm of mechanical watchmaking
- SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL WITH AR COATING: The men's mechanical watch is built with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and an anti-reflective AR coating, helping provide a clearer view of the dial in different lighting conditions
- BGW9 LUMINOUS DISPLAY: The self winding men watch adopts BGW9 luminous material on the hands and hour markers, providing bright, long-lasting visibility in low-light and nighttime environments
- 316L STAINLESS STEEL & 100M WATER RESISTANCE: This mens automatic luminous watch is crafted with a durable 316L stainless steel case and designed with 100M water resistance, making it suitable for everyday wear, work, travel and outdoor activities
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.
