Rockford Watch Company
The Rockford Watch Company was a watchmaking company based in Rockford, Illinois, that operated from 1874 to 1915. The company was founded by a group of local businessmen, including former employees of the Waterbury Watch Company, who saw an opportunity to establish a new watchmaking enterprise in the Midwest.
At its peak, the Rockford Watch Company was one of the largest producers of high-quality pocket watches in the United States, producing over 300,000 watches during its 41-year history. The company was known for its innovative designs and high-quality movements, which were made entirely in-house.
However, like many American watchmakers of the time, the Rockford Watch Company struggled to compete with imported watches from Switzerland and other countries. The company eventually ceased operations in 1915, with its machinery and remaining inventory sold to other watchmakers.
Today, vintage Rockford watches are highly sought-after by collectors, and the company is remembered as one of the most important American watchmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Rockford Watch Company primarily produced pocket watches rather than wristwatches. This is because wristwatches did not become popular until the early 20th century, and the company had ceased operations by then. However, some pocket watches made by the Rockford Watch Company were later converted into wristwatches, either by the company or by later watchmakers. These converted watches are now considered to be rare and valuable collector's items. Additionally, there have been modern watch companies that have revived the Rockford Watch Company name and produce wristwatches under that brand.
After the company ceased operation, there were some watch and jewelry companies that have used the Rockford name as part of their branding, either as a tribute to the original company or simply as a marketing strategy. They in fact, produced wristwatches under the Rockford name.
1907 ROCKFORD
Grade 180
Trench Watch
This is a beautifully preserved antique timepiece! It is a Rockford Watch Company trench watch, dating back to 1907.
It is a manual-wind trench watch powered by an original Rockford Watch Co. movement, specifically the Grade 180, featuring 7 jewels, a size 0s, and was part of the second production run in 1907. This run produced only 1,000 units, with a total of 2,600 Grade 180 movements made. At the time, wristwatches were rare, primarily worn by women or soldiers, with most movements housed in pocket watch cases. It was crafted in the U.S.A.
Original white porcelain dial, featuring bold black Breguet numerals, a black minute track, and red Arabic numerals marking every five minutes. The matching blue steel hands add a touch of elegance, and the sub-second is displayed at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is also signed with the Rockford name at the top.
Housed in a 32.5mm round case with wire lugs. The watch is beautifully engraved on the center with a diamond in the case back, all in 14K yellow gold-filled material.
It comes on a black leather two-piece strap.
After more than 117 years, this watch is an exceptional collector's piece. It is in good condition, runs smoothly, and keeps excellent time!
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.
Movement:
Rockford Watch Co.
701212
Case Back Markings:
Keystone Watch Case
25 Years
Measurements (mm):
Case 32.5
Case w/Crown 37
Case Lug to Lug 36
Case Thickness 11
Lug Width 11
Band Width 10
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
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Thank you for looking!
WA-4756
