Many a modern watch collaboration is born from a combination of content creation and independent watchmaking; larger companies are often not as open to letting YouTubers or other creators see their inner workings, leaving microbrands and independents (who need the press) as the ideal subjects of mini documentaries and deep dives. Because of this, many creators forge relationships with the folks who run those smaller companies, which paves the way for collaboration efforts that go beyond YouTube or podcasts. Teddy Baldassarre is one of the most recognizable talking heads on horological YouTube, and has taken his passion into the world of retail as well, heading his own website and business and rocketing his name into upper reaches of watch enthusiasm. So, it makes sense that Baldassarre has sought to link his name with actual timepieces as well, and the new RGM Watch Co. 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition hits the market as his second collaboration with an established watchmaker.
Forged through a years-long friendship with RGM namesake Roland G. Murphy, the 5011 Teddy Baldassarre Edition takes the already eye-catching 501 model, and adds a touch of Baldassarre’s personality to the mix. First, though, it may be helpful to know a little bit about RGM as a brand: founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1992 by Murphy, an ex-Hamilton master watchmaker, RGM has long produced bespoke, custom-made watches with in-house movements. The company emphasizes domestic production of all parts, and in 2007, created the first American-made high-grade mechanical movement since 1969. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Teddy Baldassarre has a discerning eye for collaboration opportunities, and RGM makes a lot of sense, given their smaller-scale, highly custom process of watchmaking.
Now, onto the watch itself. A completely new model, appearing only as a custom-made one-off prior to this collaboration, the 501 features a 39mm stainless steel case, measuring 49mm lug-to-lug and 11.3mm in thickness (at the crystal). This plants it firmly in dress watch territory, though the watch is anything but simple. A multi-piece dial with hand-cut rose engine guilloche and blue galvanic treatment on the center piece and subdial, the design is further elevated by elegant Breguet numerals that turn outwards, and hybrid leaf/sword hands, a stepped bezel, and a raised box-style sapphire crystal. On the back, an RGM x Teddy caseback engraving encircles the exhibition window, showcasing the RGM-Schwarz-Etienne ASE 200 movement, which bears 33 jewels, a rhodium finish with cote de Geneve and perlage, and an 86-hour power reserve. The provided Jean Rousseau brown alligator strap adds a final touch of prestige and vintage flair.
While the idea of a high-end, custom-built collaboration watch may be sneezed at by some, the minimal branding on the 501, along with its status as a new design, not just a retread of something established, adds a significantly higher level of excitement to the release. Teddy Baldassarre’s own status as a well-liked and trusted personality in the watch community will help, even with the steep price of the piece likely to turn off a large pool of potential buyers.
The RGM Watch Co. 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition retails for $13,900, with an initial limited run of 25 pieces. RGM
Elodie Townsend
2026-01-15 15:00:00