Illinois Federal Grade 405 from 1926

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 Illinois timepiece was crafted in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926. It houses the Federal Grade 405 movement — a 17-jewel, in-house caliber produced by Illinois from 1911 to 1929. Mechanically identical to the well-known Autocrat grade, this version is distinguished by the “Federal” stamping on the movement, a rarer marking that adds historical and collector appeal. The movement features beautifully executed damaskeening (Geneva stripes) across its plates and an exposed gear train, ensuring the artistry of the mechanism is always on display. Each screw and piece of hardware was thermally blued by hand over an open flame, an old-world watchmaking technique that enhances durability, color, and visual contrast (read more here). The watch hands remain in their original heat-blued finish, exactly as they left the Illinois factory. To fully revive the movement’s brilliance, the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster. The metal dial showcases a striking brushed center finish with bold, highly legible numerals around the perimeter. Remarkably, despite nearly a century of age, the dial has not developed significant patina and remains in excellent condition — preserving its original character and beauty.

The timepiece is encased in our 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: Sub second hand

Watch Specifications

• Manufacture: Illinois

• Location: Springfield, Illinois

• Year Manufactured: 1926

• Dial Material: Metal

• 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: No

• Serial Number: 4787914

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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