Rockford 18S 15J lever set (LS) adj. grade 87 pocket watch #346473, beautiful full plate 2-tone nickel movement with screw-down jewel settings and a distinctive damascene pattern of geometric elements accented with concentric circle and radiant elements that are then finished with gold, single sunk (SS) porcelain enamel dial with black Roman numerals, a black outer minute marker register, an inner black imitation double sunk (DS) line and a black-marked subsidiary seconds register has some notable hairlines, fancy blue steel crescent (hour) & Fleur de Lis (minute) hands, re-cased into a heavy white base metal (WBM) smooth polish friction fit salesman's display case with thick glass crystals, a sculpted pendant and a heavy bow, case is showing light even wear with some small scratches and spots of discoloration on the frame, measures approx. 52mm in diameter x 75mm in length x 20mm thick (crystals included). A wonderful example of a Rockford from the 1880s, cased to showcase the detail put into their movement finishes, in excellent overall condition!
- Year Made: 1889-1890
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Company:
Rockford
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Movement Size:
0318S
- Jewels: 1315J
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Setting/Movement Type:
lever set
- Adjustments: 1-3 positions
- Model/Grade: 87
- Serial #: 346473
- Movement Finish: 2-tone
- Movement Details: screw-down jewel settings
- Dial Material: porcelain enamel
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Dial Details:
imitation double sunk (DS) accent line
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Hand Style:
crescent, fleur de lis
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Case Style:
GB&B display case, friction fit
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Case Material:
Base Metal - Silver/White
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Case Details:
re-cased, thick glass crystal, GB&B display case
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Case Width/Diameter:
52mm (2.05 inches)
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Case Length, bow included:
75mm (2.95 inches)
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Case Thickness:
20mm (0.79 inches)
- Crystal Material: glass
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Condition:
Excellent
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Gender:
Gentlemen's
The Rockford Watch Company, located in Rockford, Illinois, was in business from 1873 until 1915 and produced approximately one million watches. Rockford produced a wide range of watch grades, including some very desirable high- and/or railroad-grade watches including a number of 24J, 25J and 26J models. Rockford also set themselves apart from other watch companies with the numerous variations of detailed movement damascene finishing options they offered.
As an additional resource, we've posted a
Serial Number Production List which includes information for Rockford serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a
comprehensive article about the company.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of November 28th, 2025, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
This watch comes complete with an appropriate, intact glass crystal; however, on request PM Time Service can replace the current crystal on this pocket watch for you. We offer a number of new and vintage crystal choices for pocket watches; you can select your desired choice from the dropdown menu below.
Please note that the average turnaround time for all pocket watch crystal replacements will be two days from the placement of the order.
Contact us with any further questions or for an estimate on any shipping delays.
Please note: if you add this watch with a crystal and/or band exchange option to your
shopping cart but later change your mind on the crystal and/or band selection type, you'll need to remove the watch from the cart in order to make a new selection. Once that is done, you can return to this page and add that new crystal and/or band combination to the cart. We apologize for the limitations to our system that prevent you from making that change within the shopping cart.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
printer-optimized page.
