Rockford Grade 72

Rockford Serial Lists only allocate a single run of 100 movements to the Grade 72 [244,301-244,400]. Listed as an 18-Size Hunting Model 6 nickel movement with 15 Jewels, the Grade 72 is so scarce that adequate information is not readily available. The Rockford Grade 49 is also characterized in serial lists as a Model 6 nickel movement with 15 Jewels. The first designated run for the Grade 49 [244,001-244,300] immediately precedes the Grade 72 run. It is unclear how the Grade 49 and 72 are distinctive from one another.

Rockford #199303 was successfully auctioned by Jones & Horan in May 2018 for $950.00. Previously owned by Rockford researcher Dean Olson, the watch was labeled as a "Grade 72." This movement is from an ambiguous run in the Rockford Serial Lists [199,201-199,500], simply designated as a 18-Size Hunting Model 6. The #199303 movement features an elegantly damaskeened finish with raised gold jewel settings. The movement is marked "R.W.Co. - Rockford Ills" in fancy formal script, uniquely contrasting the style of Rockford's standard production. The barrel bridge is marked "15 R," signifying 15 Ruby Jewels. It is unclear how Olson was able to classify this watch as a Grade 72, but the finishing is certainly much finer than the Grade 49.

Using known observations, researcher Greg Frauenhoff has identified the following runs within the early ambiguous serial blocks, indicating actual production as high as 400:
196901-197000 [100]
199201-199400 [200]

[Source: https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/rockford-information.8649/]

Rockford #199236 was sold on eBay in December 2018. The description indicates this movement was also marked 15 R.