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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.
The original porcelain-enamel dial features beautiful blue Gothic numerals. At its center is the signature "Klein & Fink / Ft. Smith, Ark." The Illinois Watch Company produced this watch specifically for Klein & Fink, a jeweler established in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 1887. The numerals are crisp, clean, and exhibit the exceptional legibility for which American dials are known. The outer minute track features inverted triangles at each five-minute interval, while the seconds subdial carries the same inverted triangle motif, creating a cohesive design. The result is an incredible dial commissioned for one of Fort Smith's historic jewelers, preserving a unique piece of Arkansas watchmaking history. This piece is powered by Illinois Grade 35, a movement produced during the early 1900s from 1907 and 1917. The grade is known for its striped damaskeening and decorated ratchet and crown wheels. Every movement component was carefully restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional methods 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. At just 36 mm, this piece carries the styling and proportions of a modern dress watch while preserving the character of a vintage American movement.
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 just 36 mm across with a slim profile, 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: 1908
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: 2046372
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.