Pocket Watch Database

Rockford Grade 70

Grade 70 is a 16j Hunting watch maufacturered by Rockford. The size 18s, Model 8 movement features a twotone finish and is adjusted to isochronism and temperature. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.

Grade 70 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels16j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishTwo-Tone
  • Model8
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes

Grade 70 Production Info

  • Total Production1,600
  • Number of Runs4
  • Production Years1889-1890
  • First Serial300,701
  • Last Serial350,500
  • Largest Run500
  • Smallest Run300
  • Most Common Run300

Research Notes

Rockford Serial Lists designate four distinct runs as Grade 70, built using the Hunting Model 8 design and featuring two-tone plates with 16 jewels in red gold settings. According to factory serial lists, 1,600 Grade 70 movements were produced in the late 1880s and sold into the 1890s. Standard movements are marked "R.W.Co. - Rockford Ill. - Adjusted" in a blackletter ("Old English") style. In the c.1891 M.C. Eppenstein & Co. catalog, the Grade 70 is the finest Rockford grade available, demanding a price of $40.00. The 1896 A.C. Becken catalog describes the Grade 70 as "finely adjusted" and featuring a "large ruby center jewel" and "red gold settings." By 1899, the grade no longer appeared in the A.C. Becken annual catalog, likely discontinued after the 17 Jewel movements became more favorable in the market. Various private labels have been found on Grade 70 movements, many retaining the "R.W.Co. - Rockford Ill." marking in addition to the private label name.

The c.1891 M.C. Eppenstein & Co. catalog describes the Grade 70 as "fully and finely adjusted," indicating the movements were adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and positions.

In the December 1890 issue of The Jewelers' Circular, the "16-Jewel Rockford movement" was reported to be "nearly read for the market" and "pronounced by judges to be very handsome."

Associated Grades

88