Pocket Watch Database
Rockford Watch Co.
Initial Marking: R.W.Co.
Location: Rockford, Illinois
Years of Operation: 1873-1915
Originated using quipment purchased from Cornell Watch Co.
Production Jewels: 7-24 Jewels
Production Sizes: 18s, 16s, 12s, 6s, 8s, 0s
Total Production: ~1,000,000
Factory Building Status: Still standing. Currently vacant.
Serial Number Lookup
March 4, 1874
The Rockford Watch Co. is organized in Rockford, Illinois with capital of $150,000 by Hosmer P. Holland, Israel Sovereign, and George Troxell. The original equipment was purchased from the Cornell Watch Co. C.W. Parket and P.H. Wheeler, former employees at the Cornell Watch Co., were employed at the Rockford factory.
1876
Construction of the Rockford Watch Co. factory is completed.
May 1876
The first Rockford Watch Co. movement was offered for sale - a 18s gilt fullplate keywind movement.
Fort Wayne Daily Gazette, Fort Wayne, IndianaTuesday, September 13, 1881
September 1881
The Rockford Watch Co. factory is producing 70 watches per day, well behind the market demand.
The Belvidere Standard, Belvidere, IllinoisTuesday, February 10, 1885
1885
The Rockford Watch Co. explores the possibility of relocating the operation to the west coast.
1888
The Rockford Watch Co. is producing around 150 movements per day, and 350 people are employed.
Freeport Journal-Standard, Freeport, IllinoisTuesday, July 31, 1888
1888
Hosmer P. Holland resigns from the Rockford Watch Co.
January 25, 1890
The The Ottawa Free Trader newspaper reports that the Rockford Watch Co. will relocate to another area of town in order to build a larger factory and hotel.
The Inter Ocean, Chicago, IllinoisSunday, May 17, 1896
May 15, 1896
Stockholders declare insolvency and assign all assets and debts of the Rockford Watch Company to Mr. Irwin French.
Belvidere Daily Republican, Belvidere, IllinoisFriday, May 17, 1901
May 1901
The company reorganizes as the Rockford Watch Co. Ltd. and becomes a subsidiary of the Illinois Watch Case Company, headed by Jacob Franks and Max C. Eppenstein.
Dixon Evening Telegraph, Dixon, IllinoisWednesday, July 22, 1903
July 20, 1903
A fire occurs at the Rockford Watch Co. factory.
Dixon Evening Telegraph, Dixon, IllinoisMonday, September 28, 1903
September 26, 1903
The Rockford Watch Co. factory is struck by lightning.
Belvidere Daily Republican, Belvidere, IllinoisSaturday, March 5, 1904
March 1904
The Rockford Watch Co. lays off 75 factory workers due to slowing business.
1915
After manufacturing nearly 1 million watches, the Rockford Watch Co. ceases operations and closes.