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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.
This Illinois timepiece was crafted in Springfield, Illinois, in 1920. It features the Autocrat grade movement, a 17-jewel in-house caliber produced by Illinois from 1911 to 1929. The movement has been fully restored after being found in a condition most watchmakers would consider suitable only for parts. We never see a lost cause—just opportunities to preserve American horology. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster. The plates were carefully cleaned and polished by hand to remove corrosion while preserving the original damaskeening (Geneva stripes) and enamel-filled lettering. The watch hands remain unrestored and retain their original heat-blued finish. The metal Illinois dial features a central guilloché motif surrounded by bold, elegant numerals that remain highly legible—true to the artistry of vintage American design.
The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel 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: 1920
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: No
Serial Number: 3749629
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.