What makes the Rockford 002 unique: Today, we’re delighted to feature this breathtaking watch that was first released by the Rockford Watch Company over a century ago — the Rockford 002. This watch displays a white, double-sunk dial with stylish, bold black hour numerals and red minute numerals arranged in five-minute increments. It also showcases a matching subdial as well as blued steel extra heavy spade & whip watch hands. We encased this remarkable antique pocket watch within our larger 49mm Machined Titanium case and topped it off with a matching titanium crown to accentuate its refined dial. Our Machined Titanium comes with a transparent back, enabling you to see the pocket watch’s historic 566-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish, gilt inlay color, and pendant setting. The rear side of the watch also boasts gold-plated gears and 17 sumptuous jewels throughout its ¾ plate. We are absolutely mesmerized by the demaskeened pattern that has been carefully machined all throughout this incredible movement, continually keeping your eye moving around to all of the details. Finally, we made this historic piece of American manufacturing history wearable with our comfortable, hand-crafted Black leather watch strap.

The Rockford Watch Company originally manufactured the Rockford 002’s pocket watch in Rockford, Illinois, in 1910 — the same year that Jack Johnson, the first black World Heavyweight Champion, beat James J. Jeffries in the World Heavyweight Championship of Boxing in Reno, Nevada. Jeffries was previously undefeated and came out of retirement to fight Johnson in what’s today known as the “fight of the century.” The fight served as a critical moment in African-American sports history. Leading up to the match, the press and much of the general public referred to James J. Jeffries as the “Great White Hope,” and famous author Jack London wrote that Jeffries was “the chosen representative of the white race.” Much to racist Americans’ dismay, Johnson defeated Jeffries in the fifteenth round. Tragically, a series of race riots targeting black individuals broke out in several cities after the match.