Image 1 of 16
Image 2 of 16
Image 3 of 16
Image 4 of 16
Image 5 of 16
Image 6 of 16
Image 7 of 16
Image 8 of 16
Image 9 of 16
Image 10 of 16
Image 11 of 16
Image 12 of 16
Image 13 of 16
Image 14 of 16
Image 15 of 16
Image 16 of 16
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.
The original railroad-style porcelain-enamel dial features crisp Arabic numerals with an elegant cursive Illinois signature at center. The bold, high-contrast design delivers the exceptional clarity and legibility American railroad dials were known for. Along the outer minute track, inverted triangles mark each five-minute interval, accompanied by red numerals in increments of five through 60. The seconds subdial repeats the same inverted-triangle motif, creating a cohesive and carefully balanced design. Original plum-finished hands provide striking contrast against the bright white enamel. Powering the watch is Illinois’ Grade 35, a movement produced during the early twentieth century between 1905 and 1915 making this one of the first examples ever manufactured. The grade is distinguished by its striped damaskeening and intricately decorated ratchet and crown wheels. Every component of the movement was carefully restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional techniques to improve corrosion resistance while adding depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone and bring back the contrast of the factory finishing. At just 36 mm, this piece has the proportions and presence of a modern dress watch while preserving the distinctive character and craftsmanship of early twentieth-century American watchmaking.
Housed in our 36 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to preserve the elegance of its vintage aesthetic while offering the refined proportions of a modern dress watch. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). At 36 mm across with a height of just 10 mm, the case wears compact, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and built for reliable everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 275 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 Watch Company
Location: Springfield, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1905
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Height: 10 mm
Serial Number: 1805241
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.