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Illinois Watch Co. was in operation from 1869-1948 and produced some of the most renowned railroad-grade movements ever manufactured. Watches were produced in their factory in Springfield, Illinois.
Crafted by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois, for Washington Watch Co., this 1917 timepiece pays tribute to American service during World War I. The movement proudly bears the Army and Navy engraving across its plate—a rare private-label designation honoring both branches of the military. These watches are exceptionally uncommon, and this is only the second example we have ever worked on. During restoration, the movement was completely disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled using traditional watchmaking techniques. The screws and hardware were hand-thermally blued over an open flame to achieve a deep iridescent finish that enhances both contrast and durability (read more here). Jewel settings, the gear train, and balance components were hand-polished to revive their original luster. The original porcelain-enamel dial was too damaged to preserve. To maintain the period aesthetic, we fitted a genuine Illinois porcelain-enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals in a railroad style—mirroring the crisp readability prized in early 20th-century military and railroad watches. The heat-blued hands provide perfect contrast against the bright white enamel, completing a restoration that blends craftsmanship, history, and enduring American design.
The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel wristwatch conversion case, designed with adjustable lugs for ease in winding and setting, ensuring a tailored fit across various wrist sizes. The case includes front, back, and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before participating in water activities. The timepiece comes fully serviced and ready for your upcoming adventures.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 300 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Illinois
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1917 (WWI)
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
Original Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (damaged)
Jewels: 21 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm (52 mm with crown)
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 3145271
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.