Illinois Grade 299 from 1911 Only 1,110 Manufactured

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 completed in Springfield, Illinois in 1911 and features the ultra-rare Grade 299 movement—a 21-jewel in-house caliber produced between 1905 and 1912, with only 1,110 ever made. When production numbers for American watches fall near the thousand mark, you are looking at some of the rarest examples ever built. The movement has been meticulously restored with blue accents applied to the screws and hardware using precise hand-thermal treatment—a traditional watchmaking method that enhances both visual depth and corrosion resistance (read more here). This same technique was extended to the crown and ratchet wheels, producing circular bands of blue that highlight their engraving. Our proprietary process allows selective coloring across a component’s surface, creating striking contrast and dimension. The watch hands were restored using the same thermal coloring, achieving a deep, lustrous blue. Each jewel setting, gear, balance, and balance weight was hand-polished to restore their original golden glow. The porcelain-enamel dial captures the essence of early 20th-century railroad design with bold black Arabic numerals, a red minute track around the perimeter, and a precise sub-seconds dial. Simple yet refined, it embodies the clarity and functionality that defined American railroad-grade timepieces. The restored heat-blued hands stand out vividly against the white enamel backdrop, offering impressive contrast and legibility.

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. Because of our dedication to preserving history, the original 14 karat gold filled pocket watch case is included as well.

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: 1911

• Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)

• Jewels: 21 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: 2281631

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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