Image 1 of 15
Image 2 of 15
Image 3 of 15
Image 4 of 15
Image 5 of 15
Image 6 of 15
Image 7 of 15
Image 8 of 15
Image 9 of 15
Image 10 of 15
Image 11 of 15
Image 12 of 15
Image 13 of 15
Image 14 of 15
Image 15 of 15
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.
This is the first 23 jewel, 44 mm Illinois conversion we have ever completed and the result is absolutely spectacular. The movement was completed in Springfield, Illinois in 1925 and is powered by the renowned Grade 410, a 23 jewel movement produced by Illinois from 1913 to 1927 with just 3,840 manufactured. It features a jeweled motor barrel, a refinement that reduces friction in the mainspring and reflects the level of engineering Illinois brought to its higher grade movements. The movement was fully serviced and restored in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Each plate was carefully hand polished to remove surface oxidation while preserving the original cross hatch damaskeening pattern, which creates remarkable depth as light moves across the plates. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to revive their warm golden tone while maintaining the character of the original movement. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued one at a time through controlled heating over an alcohol lamp, a traditional watchmaking technique that improves corrosion resistance while adding deep blue contrast to the movement (read more here). The original Illinois metal dial is equally compelling. Finely executed guilloche patterns extend across the dial surface and are paired with elegant Arabic numerals that carry a distinctive calligraphic character typical of Illinois designs from this era. The original hands were polished to a mirror finish to remove corrosion and then thermally colored to restore the rich blue hue Illinois applied at the time of manufacture. Against the textured metal dial, the blue hands create striking contrast, bringing together color, texture, and legibility in a way that feels unmistakably Illinois.
The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel watch conversion case, designed with adjustable lugs for easy winding and setting, ensuring a comfortable 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 engaging in water activities. The timepiece comes fully serviced and ready for your future 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: Jeweled motor barrel
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Illinois
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1925
Dial Material: Metal (guilloche)
Jewels: 23 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
Serial Number: 3921525
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.