Rockford Grade 86

The Grade 86 was one of the most popular products of the Rockford Watch Company during the 1890s. This affordable mid-grade option offered customers a great value, and many private labels are found marked on Grade 86 movements. The grade was available as unadjusted (Grade 86) and adjusted to temperature (Grade 86x), though no differentiation is indicated in the Rockford Serial Lists. In the 1896 A.C. Becken catalog, the adjusted Grade 86x was sold at a $4.00 premium over the standard Grade 86. By 1899, the Grade 86x was no longer offered in the annual A.C. Becken catalog. However, the standard Grade 86 could still be purchased for $11.70. Despite the different levels of adjustment, all Grade 86 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 86 production.

The Lever-Set/Pendant-Set switching mechanism was fitted on some Grade 86 movements, usually seen in the middle runs. For research purposes, these abbreviations are "LS" for pure lever-set movement, "LP" for movements fitted with the switching mechanism, and "LS/LP" for a mixed run.

Observations have confirmed that most runs are consistent, featuring nickel plates, 15 Jewels, and a micrometric regulator. Adjusted (Grade 86x) and Unadjusted (Grade 86) movements are mixed in a variety of runs. Though, the unadjusted variation is far more common.