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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch with power reserve indicator

American Rockford Watch Company Grade 655 'Rockford Indicator' Railroad Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This American Rockford Watch Company railroad pocket watch is housed in a 14K gold-filled Keystone case measuring size 16 (52mm), catalogued to circa 1910. The white porcelain dial is signed 'Rockford Indicator' in script and features bold Arabic hour numerals, individual minute markers on the outer perimeter, blued steel spade and whip hands, a recessed 36-hour 'Up/Down' power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The seller reports that the watch contains a 21-jewel, double roller Grade 655 movement adjusted to 5 positions bearing serial number 915105.

Front view of the Rockford Indicator pocket watch with power reserve subdial at 12 o'clock
Front view of the Rockford Indicator pocket watch with power reserve subdial at 12 o'clock — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Railroad pocket watch with power reserve indicator
Maker / attribution
American Rockford Watch Company
Reference
Grade 655
Catalogue / lot identifier
PCOL W12 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1910
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
915105

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Configuration

The watch features a white porcelain dial with the signature 'Rockford Indicator.' The layout includes bold Arabic hour numerals, a perimeter minute track, and a recessed 36-hour power reserve indicator at the 12 o'clock position labeled with 'UP', 'DOWN', and 'WIND'. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at 6 o'clock.

Timekeeping is indicated by blued steel spade and whip hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “white porcelain dial displays the time on bold Arabic numerals and blued steel spade and whip hands.”
  • “recessed 36-hour power reserve indicator dial is located at the 12 position”
  • “minute markers on the outermost of the chapter ring”

Case Construction

The timepiece is housed in a 14K gold-filled 25 Year Keystone case measuring size 16 (52mm). The external features include beaded trim along the bezel rim, a crown, and a bow.

The source description mentions a scenic depiction on the reverse of the case, though this feature is not visible in the provided primary photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “14K gold-filled 25 Year Keystone case.”
  • “Engraving to the case features beaded trim and a scenic depiction on the reverse.”
  • “Size 16, 52mm”

Movement Specifications

The seller reports the watch contains a 21-jewel double roller movement, marked as Grade 655 and adjusted to 5 positions. The serial number is recorded as 915105.

These technical specifications are not visible in the provided imagery and rely on the seller's description.

Evidence for this section
  • “21 jewel double roller movement with a grade 655 mark is adjusted to 5 positions.”
  • “Serial #915105”

Open research questions

  • What specific archival records confirm the production date for serial number 915105?
  • Does the '18-month warranty' and 'full restoration' claim imply the replacement of original parts?
  • Is there photographic confirmation of the scenic engraving mentioned in the source text?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for American Rockford Watch Company Grade 655 'Rockford Indicator' Railroad Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeGrade 655“grade 655 mark is adjusted to 5 positions”
Jewel Count21 jewels“21 jewel double roller movement”
Movement Serial Number915105“Serial #915105”
Case Specification14K gold-filled 25 Year Keystone case, Size 16 (52mm)“14K gold-filled 25 Year Keystone case”
Indicator Subdial36-hour power reserve indicator“recessed 36-hour power reserve indicator dial is located at the 12 position”
Serial Number915105“Serial #915105”

Visible details

  • White porcelain dial with script signature 'Rockford Indicator'
  • Recessed 36-hour Up/Down power reserve indicator subdial at 12 o'clock labeled 'DOWN', 'UP', and 'WIND'
  • Subsidiary running seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Bold black Arabic hour numerals with perimeter minute track marked 1 to 60 with red accents at 5-minute intervals
  • Blued steel spade and whip hands
  • Gold-colored open-face pocket watch case with beaded detailing along the bezel rim and a top bow and crown

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement specifications (Grade 655, 21 jewels, double roller, 5-position adjustment) and serial number 915105 are not visible in the photo and rely on seller description
  • The case back scenic depiction mentioned in the source is not shown in the primary photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

American Rockford Watch Company Railroad Watch - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record fe2ca37ca4

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.