Rockfords

[peg leg]

I had inherited a couple of Rockfords that I keep serviced and have had minimal problems with (a 910 and an 835). I purchased one model 6 on EBAY that turned out to be a Franken watch with some mis-matching parts (my watch maker serviced it and re-staffed it and by some miricle it keeps good time). I carry the watch and it will stay with me in my collection (side winder). I also sent him a model 3 that he's still looking for parts for (EBAY watch). I assume NAWCC members who collect Rockfords (out side of ebay) experience the same issues regarding mis-matched parts or parts availability? With the reality of parts for Rockfords being scarce, do NAWCC members limit their collections on Rockfords because of this, or am I just looking in the wrong places for Rockfords..........Rockford collector advice would be appreciated..........I do love Rockfords though.

[peg leg]

I had inherited a couple of Rockfords that I keep serviced and have had minimal problems with (a 910 and an 835). I purchased one model 6 on EBAY that turned out to be a Franken watch with some mis-matching parts (my watch maker serviced it and re-staffed it and by some miricle it keeps good time). I carry the watch and it will stay with me in my collection (side winder). I also sent him a model 3 that he's still looking for parts for (EBAY watch). I assume NAWCC members who collect Rockfords (out side of ebay) experience the same issues regarding mis-matched parts or parts availability? With the reality of parts for Rockfords being scarce, do NAWCC members limit their collections on Rockfords because of this, or am I just looking in the wrong places for Rockfords..........Rockford collector advice would be appreciated..........I do love Rockfords though.

[Jon Hanson]

Hi,

I guess it is safe to say you are buying form the wrong place, or there the sellers can get away with this kind of deceit through mail sales.

In my opinion it is best to know with whom you are doing business and that is tough without a face on fleabay! By the time your figure out what has been done to you it is too late to return the item! There are honest sellers out there but YOU have to locate them.

Wy not try the nawcc emart, but first you have to join the nawcc to use this free service.

Personally I have had great success selling duplicates on the nawcc free emart as well as web horology (also free).

Jon

PS I like Rockfords, too; but I do not want "switched" and molested puttogethers in my collection--what will you do if you ever have a need to sell them?

[Greg Frauenhoff]

Peg Leg,

I too like Rockfords. They're my second favorite make (behind Aurora).

As for mismatched parts, this is not a problem unique to Rockford. Nor is it a problem exclusive to eBay. Watchmakers, collectors, and dealers have been trying to get broken and/or incomplete watches running with the tools and parts at hand since the watches were made. How much of an issue this is is personal. Some people care a whole bunch about 100% total absolute originality (however one cares to determine or define it) and some don't.

As for Rockford parts, I have some and will gladly take a look for any that you might need. Just drop me an email.

[peg leg]

Jon, I took your advice. I just joined NAWCC electronicly.Thanks for taking time to respond. I will say I've purchased some good watches from ebay (Waltham and Elgin key winds and the sellers were NAWCC members). My new watch maker is an NAWCC member ...........9 watches and counting,(and I really like doing business with him). Guess I'm just a little gun shy on parts for Rockfords after my ebay experience (pleased with Waltham and Elgins though, all but one belonged to NAWCC). I'll still screen through ebay, but if seller is not NAWCC I'll pass.

Rockford parts availabilty still concerns me though. Look forward to my new membership and emart experience........ Keith

[Jon Hanson]

What parts do you need? (I have many)

Caution--membership does not insure anything--there are plenty of bad apples everywhere! Credibility lies in the person, not the affiliation but assoc membership is a beginning--next you will want to join 149 the leading and premier research chapter and provider of educational tools!

[peg leg]

Thanks again Jon, I would agree with your statement. My watch maker/repairman is Wes at pocketwatchsite.com. He has extended an invitation to 149 also, which I accepted and will follow up on and complete today.

[Jon Hanson]

Thanks and together we can make it happen!

[Wes]

Hey Keith
WELCOME to the NAWCC!
Without giving away too much info on Keith's collection, I would like to say that many Waltham fans here would be envious of Keith's Waltham collection!

[Jon Hanson]

KWs, SWs, fancy dials, RRs???

[peg leg]

Team, thanks for the welcome. My secret horde of Walthams are key winds from the early to mid 60's and key winds from the 70's (all model 57's). Carrying favorite is a model 83 kw. Now Wes may not admit it, but he does a bang up job on Elgin key winds also. Look forward to our association in NAWCC and 149 (assuming you accept this hard head in 149). Keith

[Jon Hanson]

We take care of our people!

Welcome!

[HenryB]

Welcome then to the NAWCC and Chapter 149.

I buy some watches from Ebay, and have not had any problem thusfar.

However, normally I just buy working watches, to ensure that I have a basis for a return, if the watch is not running.

You must check the members ranking on Ebay, in order to ensure yourself, that the seller is reliable.
For instance, if I buy from Jeff Hess's site, I know in advance that the watch will be exactly as advertised, because of his Ebay Platinum status.

Be sure you have adequate pictures of the watch to ensure you know what you are buying.

Of course, you could still have non-factory parts, or mis-matched plates, that is a risk you take.

Concerning Rockfords, many of the parts were interchangle by model numbers, so parts are available.

I like the BIG old Rockfords also. Thing is about Rockfords, is often due to a scarity of factory records, identication can be tough. However, these guys on this site can identify most of them, as they have collected or specialized in Rockfords for years.

Again welcome to the CLUB