Illinois Autocrat from 1925 with original Box, Papers, and Case

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 timepiece, manufactured in Springfield, Illinois in 1925, is powered by the Autocrat grade movement—a 17-jewel Illinois in-house mechanism produced between 1921 and 1927. It comes with its original box, papers, and pocket watch case—a rare achievement and the first time we've secured original documentation for an Illinois timepiece. To honor the completeness and authenticity of this set, we chose not to apply thermal coloring to the movement, despite its reversible nature. This decision was made to maintain the watch exactly as it left the factory. The movement is still beautifully adorned with radiant damaskeening and features a bridge plate design, fully exposing the gear train. The original golden-finished hands remain untouched. The Illinois dial is metal with golden indices, and all parts are original, with matching serial numbers of the movement and case documented in the papers.

The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel pocket 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. Because of our dedication to preserving history, the timepiece comes with the original pocket watch case, box, and papers.

Watch Performance

• Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day

• Amplitude: 305 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: 1925

• Dial Material: Metal (guilloche)

• Jewels: 17 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: Yes, 14 karat gold filled

• Original Box and Papers: Yes, box and papers

• Serial Number: 4616950

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.