Illinois Secometer from 1926 with Plum Hands

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.

Completed in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926, this Illinois timepiece features the exceptionally rare secometer complication. While other American manufacturers, such as Hamilton and Waltham, produced secometers in greater numbers, Illinois was far more selective in incorporating this complication into its movements. The secometer disc advances five ticks per second, completing 300 ticks per minute. The result is an almost fluid motion as the disc rotates within the dial. The original hands showed significant corrosion, so they were carefully mirror polished and then thermally colored to a rich plum hue. We decided to restore the hands in plum rather than the more traditional blue to further distinguish this rare Illinois secometer. As the hands catch the light, they reveal different shades of plum, creating exceptional contrast against the dial. The result is a particularly unique example of American watchmaking, combining a rare mechanical complication with an equally distinctive aesthetic.

Beneath the dial is Illinois' Grade 270, a movement produced only in 1926 to just 1,000 examples making this one of the most rare grades we have converted. The movement features beautiful striped damaskeening complemented by original golden hardware and jewel chatons that catch the light as the timepiece moves. Every component was carefully restored in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Each plate, jewel chaton, gear, balance, and balance weight was individually hand polished to restore its original brilliance. Great care was taken to preserve the factory-applied striped finishing, allowing the golden hardware and jewel chatons to stand out against the nickel-plated surfaces. All gold-tone movement accents remain exactly as Illinois applied them over a century ago. The result is a timepiece that brings together the exceptional secometer complication and decorative finishing that defined American watchmaking in the early 20th century.

The timepiece is encased in our 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: Secometer

Watch Specifications

• Manufacture: Illinois

• Location: Springfield, Illinois

• Year Manufactured: 1926

• Dial Material: Metal

• 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

• Serial Number: 4847420

• Water Resistance: 50 meters

• Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

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