Reference Library
Pocket Watch Railroad Classification System: Levels of Railroad Approval
The "Railroad Grade" classification has been loosely applied to American watches despite the complexity of the changes in railroad approval requirements over time.
In many cases, the term "Railroad Grade" cannot be defined as a binary classification. For this reason, a modern classification system has been created to provide context related to the different levels of railroad approval over time.
Pocket Watch Railroad Grade Classifications
| Classification | Level of Approval |
|---|---|
| A |
Advertised for RR Service, Perpetually Qualified The movement was specifically advertised for railroad service and approved on all major railroads. The features would have qualified the movement perpetually, meeting all requirements even when general railroad specifications were modified, or the grade specifications were improved along with new railroad requirements. |
| B |
Directly Recommended by RR Inspectors, Perpetually Qualified The movement was directly listed as an approved watch by at least one major railroad. The features would have qualified the movement perpetually, meeting all requirements even when general railroad specifications were modified, or the grade specifications were improved along with new railroad requirements. |
| C |
Advertised for RR Service, Disqualified in Later Eras The movement was specifically advertised for railroad service and approved on all major railroads. However, one or more features would have disqualified the movement from railroad service after requirements were generally revised. If the watch was already in service, it was likely grandfathered in as long as it maintained proper time within the specified tolerance (typically +/- 30 seconds per week). |
| D |
Directly Recommended by RR Inspectors, Disqualified in Later Eras The movement was directly listed as an approved watch by at least one major railroad. However, one or more features would have disqualified the movement from railroad service after requirements were generally revised. If the watch was already in service, it was likely grandfathered in as long as it maintained proper time within the specified tolerance (typically +/- 30 seconds per week). |
| E |
Generally Accepted for RR Service The movement is generally regarded by collectors as railroad grade, and all characteristics support railroad approval. |
| F |
Technically Qualifies, Wide RR Usage Unlikely The movement would technically meet the qualifications for railroad service. However, it was not advertised nor designed to be used in railroad service. Wide usage on American railroad is highly unlikely. |
| G |
Limited Approval The movement qualified on some American railroads. However, one or more features would have disqualified it from railroad service on the majority of railroads. Some watches in this class may have been advertised for railroad men in specific markets where railroads did not require adjustment to five positions. |
| H |
Railroad Quality, Disqualified For RR Service The movement is produced at the same quality level as a similar grade designed for railroad service. However, one or more features would have disqualified it from railroad service on the majority of railroads. Some collectors improperly apply the term "railroad grade" to describe this category. |
| I |
Trolly Approval The movement was generally approved for trolly service but would not qualify for railroad service. |
| J |
Would Not Qualify for RR Service The movement would not qualify for railroad service. |