Pocket Watch Database

Rockford Grade 900

Grade 900 is a 24j Openface watch maufacturered by Rockford. The size 18s, Model 9 movement features a nickel finish and is adjusted to 5 positions, isochronism and temperature. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.

Grade 900 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels24j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model7 or 9
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 900 Production Info

  • Total Production1,100
  • Number of Runs5
  • Production Years1898-1905
  • First Serial519,301
  • Last Serial666,500
  • Largest Run500
  • Smallest Run100
  • Most Common Run100

Research Notes

The Grade 900 represents the highest standard 18-Size openface grade produced by the Rockford Watch Company. According to factory serial lists, a total of 700 Grade 900 movements were manufactured within five distinct runs. However, the last run has been extended by researchers following multiple observations beyond the original designated run of 100. The barrel bridge features the iconic "eye" barrel cap unique to the Grade 800 and 900.

The Transitional First Run:
Despite being listed as a Model 9 in the factory serial lists, the first Grade 900 run was actually produced as a transitional hybrid of the Model 7 and 9. This run features the old style hairspring stud fitted on the barrel-side of the balance cock, differentiating from the opposite side for standard Model 7 movements. As a result, the regulator spring is mirrored compared to a standard Model 7 movement but moved to a position more consistent with the Model 9. Additionally, the old style Model 7 balance cock is used, though the upper balance cap jewel is screw-set instead of pressed, typically a feature of the Model 9. By the beginning of the next run, the movement featured all the traits consistent with the Model 9 designation.

The Extended Last Run:
The c.1907 factory serial lists designates the last run of Grade 900 as consisting of 100 movements [666,001-666,100] with the following serial block beginning at 667,001. Evidence supports that the initial run was extended beyond the published run of 100. Various observations have confirmed that this run is closer to 500 total movements [666,001-666,500]. The highest reported serial number is 666,476. With these conclusions, the estimated total production of the Grade 900 has been increased by 400 to 1,100.

Various plate markings were utilized on the Grade 900 throughout production. The markings typically found for each run are described below.

[519,301-519,400]: "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted"
[525,001-525,100]: "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted - RG"
[535,201-535,400]: "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted - RG" (Some are additionally marked "900")
[542,501-542,700]: "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted - RG - 900 - 5 Positions" or "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted - RG - 900 - 5 Positions - Double Roller"
[666,001-666,500]: "Rockford Watch Co. - U.S.A. - 24 Jewels - Adjusted - RG - 900 - 5 Positions - Double Roller"

The Grade 900 was still being offered by the Rockford Watch Company until the factory closed in 1915.

Associated Grades

800