Pocket Watch Database

Rockford Grade 910

Grade 910 is a 21j 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 910 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels21j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model7 or 9
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 910 Production Info

  • Total Production5,410
  • Number of Runs10
  • Production Years1897-1905
  • First Serial506,801
  • Last Serial660,100
  • Largest Run2,100
  • Smallest Run10
  • Most Common Run100

Research Notes

According to Rockford Serial Lists, a total of 5,410 Grade 910 movements were manufactured within ten distinct runs. The Grade 910 and complimentary hunting Grade 810 were positioned below the Grade 805 and 905. The primary difference between the grades besides the damaskeening patterns is the 905 features gold jewel settings and a double roller escapement while the 910 features composition settings and a single roller escapement. The 1907 Rockford Catalog describes the Grade 910 as "adjusted to temperature and five positions."

Early Grade 910 movements are marked "Rockford Watch Co. - 21 Jewels - Adjusted" in a fancy serif style with gold inlay, some with the "RG" insignia. The markings and style varies in later runs with some movements additionally marked with the grade number and positional adjustment in blackletter or serif block style.

Early production of the Grade 910 was during a model transition at the Rockford Watch Company. As the Models 7 and 8 were being phased out, the new Models 9 and 10 were being introduced. The first run [506,801-506,810] of the Grade 910 was completed as a standard Model 7. The following three runs were produced in two variations of the transitional hybrid design before the full transition to the true Model 9 within the third run. The exact serial number at which the change occurred is unclear, as both styles have been recorded with overlapping serial numbers. However, it is safe to conclude that serial number 512,501-518,000 were transitional, serial numbers after 519,001 were true Model 9, and serial numbers 518,001-519,000 are mixed, with earlier movements more likely to be classified as transitional.

Model Transition:
[506,801-506,810]: Model 7 - Hairspring Outer Position and Pressed Balance Cap
[512,501-512,600]: Transitional - Hairspring Outer Position and Screw-Set Balance Cap
[515,501-515,600]: Transitional - Hairspring Outer Position and Screw-Set Balance Cap
[517,201-519,300]: Mixed
- Transitional (517,201-~518,300) Hairspring Inner Position and Screw-Set Balance Cap [Verified: 518276, 518287, 518566]
- Model 9 (~518,301-519,300) [Verified: 518375, 518741, 518775, 518785, 518833, 518872]
[534,601-535,200]: Model 9
[535,401-535,600]: Model 9
[535,801-536,300]: Model 9
[536,701-537,400]: Model 9
[539,401-540,400]: Model 9
[660,001-660,100]: Model 9

Grade 910 Model Production Estimates:
Model 7: 10
Transitional 7/9: 1,000
Ambiguous (Either Transitional or Model 9, Approximately 30%/70% Split): 1,000
True Model 9: 3,400

Associated Grades

810