Posted 12 years ago
metbid
(1 item)
Hello, I got this pocket watch recently when my father passed away. He got it from his father. From what research I have been able to do, I believe it is a Rockford Plymouth label 'Prince of Wales' size 16, 21 jewels. The back of the case has the personalized letter H on it which is my Grandfather's last name initial.
From D.G.Artzner's book "Review of Rockford Watch Co....." it appears to be what he has labeled the 'Model 5 Special. The serial number on the movement is 663351.
The inside of the back case says 'Plymouth Perfect Warranted' with the serial number 1432254.
The watch is not running at this time. I tried winding it just a little and pulled the stem up and moved the hands to verify it was in working order. I did not wind it more than a couple of short winds, worrying that I might be overwinding it.
I tried to determine the date of origin, but was confused by some of the articles I read having conflicting views, but my best guess from what I read is around 1909. If anyone could help me with the dating of the watch I would appreciate it. I would actually appreciate any input about it that is given. Such as: is it a gold filled case, is there a way to determine what the case is made of, etc.
Thank you.
metbid,
Your serial number entered in this Rockford database does not match your watch.
http://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/rockford/663351
Also does not match Elgin, Hamilton, Illinois, South Bend or Waltham.
Still searching.
Dave
metbid,
It resembles the Rockford Grade 115 shown in this thread:
http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?46029-Rockford-Grade-115-La-Suiza-Rachid-A-Shoucair&highlight=Plymouth
Dave
Thank you for the replies. The movement definitely is not the Grade 115 on the above nawcc thread. The nawcc-ch149.com Article has an exact match on page 14 under the heading 'Model 5 Special', with a serial number quite close to mine and 'Grade 101s' in the description.
I had found & tried the SN data base you mentioned and got the same results that do not seem to apply to my watch, hence some of my confusion on dating it.
I am a total newbie at this, what does 'GRADE' mean and how is it determined?
I found the link to the Rockford Private Label Full List of serial numbers on the NAWCC 149 web site, and my SN falls between several watches manufactured in 1905.
Can anyone tell me if the data base can be added to, if a watch can be verified?
Metbid, I recently saw the sale of a known Prince of Wales at auction. The serial number is not far from yours at 662493, and the pictured movement is identical to yours. Here are the official details you want to know:
Grade: 100 S
Prince of Wales
Estimated Production Year: 1905
Run Quantity: 600
Size: 16s
Jewels: 21j
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Finish: Nickel
Model: ?
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Adjusted: Unknown
Adjusted to Positions: Unknown
Railroad Grade: Unknown
Notes: Prince of Wales
The case on the one that just sold, by the way, is also marked Plymouth Perfect Warranted.
It's a hard-to-find, two-star watch. I hope that helps.