Watch Description
What makes the Rockford 008 unique:
A true testament to early American watchmaking, this 1914 Rockford timepiece exudes classic charm with its pristine white double-sunk dial—a rare and elegant feature that adds striking depth. The black serif numerals stand in crisp contrast, while the red five-minute markers add a subtle yet bold pop of color. Paired with beautifully sculpted blued steel hands, this dial is a masterclass in legibility and craftsmanship.
Inside, the movement showcases gold-filled engraving and gold-plated gears, gleaming against its meticulously striped bridges—a stunning example of the artistry found in early Rockford timepieces. The Geneva striping was a hallmark of fine watchmaking, emphasizing precision and beauty in equal measure.
Encased in a stonewashed stainless steel case, this watch seamlessly blends vintage heritage with modern durability. The smooth bezel and knurled crown complete the look, while an Oxblood Horween leather strap with contrast stitching brings warmth and sophistication to the design.
Historical Fact from 1914:
The year this watch was crafted, the world was on the brink of monumental change. In 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened, revolutionizing global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Just as this canal reshaped commerce, American watchmakers like Rockford were transforming timekeeping, pushing the boundaries of precision and accessibility.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Rockford Watch Company. We call this model "The Rockford" because the company was located in Rockford Illinois.
The Rockford Watch Company began operation in 1873 with equipment purchased from the Cornell Watch Company. Four hundred local businesses and individuals pledged $150,000 (over $3mil with inflation) of support to stimulate the growth of their town. The company struggled to keep up with demand early on, and eventually went bankrupt. Rockford was rejuvenated in 1901, but a major fire and lightning strike slowed the company further in 1903. By 1915 the company closed its doors, though the building still stands vacant.
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Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug to Lug: 55mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: Stonewashed Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Rockford Watch Company
- Serial Number: 931994
- Manufacture Year: 1914
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Rockford 008 unique:
A true testament to early American watchmaking, this 1914 Rockford timepiece exudes classic charm with its pristine white double-sunk dial—a rare and elegant feature that adds striking depth. The black serif numerals stand in crisp contrast, while the red five-minute markers add a subtle yet bold pop of color. Paired with beautifully sculpted blued steel hands, this dial is a masterclass in legibility and craftsmanship.
Inside, the movement showcases gold-filled engraving and gold-plated gears, gleaming against its meticulously striped bridges—a stunning example of the artistry found in early Rockford timepieces. The Geneva striping was a hallmark of fine watchmaking, emphasizing precision and beauty in equal measure.
Encased in a stonewashed stainless steel case, this watch seamlessly blends vintage heritage with modern durability. The smooth bezel and knurled crown complete the look, while an Oxblood Horween leather strap with contrast stitching brings warmth and sophistication to the design.
Historical Fact from 1914:
The year this watch was crafted, the world was on the brink of monumental change. In 1914, the Panama Canal officially opened, revolutionizing global trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Just as this canal reshaped commerce, American watchmakers like Rockford were transforming timekeeping, pushing the boundaries of precision and accessibility.
Let customers speak for us
The Movement
The engine that powers this watch is an antique American pocket watch movement. All the gears and springs that make it tell time are roughly 100 years old on average. We call these watches the American Artisan Series because we're celebrating the history and legacy of the artisan watchmakers who built this engineering marvel a century ago in the United States.
The Story
Today most pocket watches are scrapped for the gold or silver of the case (the outside of the antique timepiece), leaving the inside (what we call the "movement") as trash.
We take pride in upcycling these pieces of American history by salvaging as many as we can, then preserving them inside our wristwatches.
Our expert team of watchmakers restores the antique movement and then we manufacture a custom wristwatch case here in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Strap
We partnered with Worn & Wound to produce a custom set of straps for our American Artisan Series watches. We now have 15 different colors to choose from including our two Horween Shell Cordovan options. These straps are made in the USA and are based on the Windup Model 2 Premium strap that Worn and Wound offers.
