Expert: Melvin Mills - 3/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: My father just gave me an Illinois Watch Co pocket watch that was passed along to him. It is a keywind pocket watch. Directly inside the back cover (dust cover?) is the number 113092. The movement portion of the watch lists the serial number as 805078. I have searched the internet but have found nothing out about this watch. I would appreciate any information you could provide. I will attach a photo. I have other photos as well, but can only attach one.

ANSWER: Wow,

This is a nice looking watch.  Congratulations.  

Illinois Watch Co. was around for many years.  There made excellent quality watches.  Some watch collectors will focus on this brand exclusively.

Here is a brief history.

The Illinois Watch Company was founded on December 23, 1870, in Springfield, Illinois by J.C. Adams, John W. Bunn and various financiers. Twenty years later, Jacob Bunn, Jr. took over and ran the company until his death in 1926. The family name was used in their most famous railroad watch, the Illinois "Bunn Special".

The passing of Bunn, Jr. threw Illinois Watch into disarray. In 1928, the company was purchased by the Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which continued to operate the factory under the Illinois name and shifted the emphasis from pocket to wrist watch production. By 1932, the Great Depression forced Hamilton to close the Illinois factory, though they retained possession of the brand name.

Here is a link to more details if you like.

http://www.antique-pocket-watch.com/illinois-pocket-watch.html

In addition to the information about the watch, I would suggest writing down the watch's personal history as well.
Write down the owners, their dates of birth and death, occupation, where they lived. As much as you can.  Then, when you pass it down, it will mean that much more to the new owner.

Kind regards,

Melvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I really appreciate the information that you provided. I was actually looking for what type of Illinois watch this might be. I had read the history of the company, but this particular watch I cannot find anywhere online. When was it made, what model is it, what is it made out of etc. My father actually had three pocket watches and gave one to each of his three sons. His father and his father's father both worked on a railroad and I see a lot of mention connecting pocket watches and the railroad. I understand that you can't be expected to know all things about all watches, but any help you could give a person who has found a new interest in old watches would be appreciated. I am going to attach one more picture showing the front of the watch.

Answer
Send me back everything that is written on the movement.  Try to measure the dial and the entire case.  Give me the measurements to the nearest 1/30th of an inch.  I am not trying to give you a hard time.  The reason for this is that the different between a 16 size and an 18 size watch is 2/30 of an inch.  a size 16 is 1 21/30, a size 18 is 1 23/30.  That will help me track down more information.

Based on the serial number on the watch, 805078, this watch was made in 1888.  The picture of the movement showed that the gears were completely covered.  That is called a full plate movement.  

Do you see anywhere on the case where it has writing indicating years, such as guaranteed 25 years?  

Let me know.  I will be able to give you more information on this watch I am sure.

Kind regards,

Melvin