Pocket Watch Database

Rockford Grade 85


Photo Contributed By Diverguy64
Grade 85 is a 15j Hunting watch maufacturered by the Rockford Watch Company. The size 18s, Model 8 movement features a gilt finish, and most Grade 85 movements are unadjusted. However, an upgraded option, sold as the "85x," was also available at a premium and was adjusted to temperature (marked "Adjusted").

Grade 85 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishGilt
  • Model8
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedMixed

Grade 85 Production Info

  • Total Production9,800
  • Number of Runs12
  • Production Years1887-1894
  • First Serial270,001
  • Last Serial435,500
  • Largest Run1,000
  • Smallest Run500
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

According to various catalogs, the Rockford Grade 85 is the gilt version of the nickel Grade 83. Produced in 12 distinct runs, the Grade 85 features gilt plates with 15 jewels in settings. The grade was offered as unadjusted (Grade 85) and adjusted to temperature (Grade 85x), though no differentiation is indicated in the Rockford Serial Lists. In the 1896 A.C. Becken catalog, the adjusted Grade 85x was sold at a $3.00 premium over the standard Grade 86. By 1899, the Grade 85x was no longer offered in the annual A.C. Becken catalog. However, the standard Grade 85 could still be purchased for $9.00. While the adjusted Grade 85 was offered, very few movements have been recorded that are marked "Adjusted." Despite the different levels of adjustment, all Grade 85 movements were fitted with a micrometric regulator. Early runs feature the "Type 4" regulator while later runs feature the "Type 5" and then the "Type 6" near the end of the Grade 85 production.

Anomalies:
#293378: Verified as featuring a center jewel, yielding 16 jewels instead of 15. The center jeweling appears slightly different than the other train jewels, so it is possibly a post-factory upgrade.

Associated Grades

89 83