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.

1888 ROCKFORD  
Double Hunter Case 
Grade 83 
Pocket Watch  
 
This is an antique and very well-preserved timepiece! It is a vintage Rockford double hunter case pocket watch dated from 1888.  
 
It is a manual wind pocket watch featuring an original Rockford Watch Co. movement grade 83, model 8, 15 jewels, 18s, lever set, sub-second, made in U.S.A. 
 
It still has the original white porcelain dial with bold black Breguet numerals, "railroad" minute track and matching blue steel hands. The sub-second is located at 6 o’clock position and the dial is also signed with the Rockford name on top. 
 
Cased in a 54.2mm round hunter case with engraved decorations on it and double hinged back (cuvette), all in 18K yellow gold filled. 

After 135 years, this pocket watch is a perfect collector's item, it is in lovely condition! Runs very well, keeps good time!  

*The pocket watch holder is not included with the purchase of this pocket watch.  

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.  
 
Movement: 
R. W. Co. 
Rockford, ILL.  
290380 

Case Back Markings:  
Fahys Monarch 
25617 
GILES 
ANTI-MAGNETIC 
Shield Pat'D Dec. 4.83
11706

Measurements (mm): 
Case Diameter 54.2  
Case with Crown 71      
Case Thickness 17.7    

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. 

Please view our other listings. 
Thank you for looking!  

WA-4231