Expert: Melvin Mills - 1/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was given this watch by my Grand father about 40 years ago and has been in my drawer ever since, it comes out about every 10 years or so to see if I can find out any info about it but never had much luck,I know it was made by the Illinois watch Co. in Springfield IL and on the back movement it has the serial # of 278098 was this watch made in 1879 and does it have any value other than sentimental? Thanks   Also say Solid Gold on it and 6977

ANSWER: Tim,

This watch was made in approximately 1879.

First, if this watch is solid gold, it has value for that reason alone.

Next, only 5% of watches were made with solid gold cases. That means even as watches go, this is rare.

Illinois watch company made watches that are desirable and highly collectible nowadays. All things considered, your watch does have value besides the sentimental kind.

Kind regards,

Melvin

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

QUESTION: Melvin  thanks for taking time to respond to my question. How would I go about finding out more about the watch? Would you recommend  a good appraiser?

Answer
Tim,

what additional information would you like to get?

I would only suggest an appraiser if you plan on having your watch added to an insurance policy. The appraised value is different than the market value. The appraised value is what you can get from an insurance company if you make a claim. The market value is what you can sell it for. In practically every case, the appraised value is  greater.  

If you would just like to know the market value, my greatest advice would be go to eBay and look at similar watches. What they sell for is truly the market value of the watch. You want to look at Illinois pocket watches that have a solid gold case. Find out how many jewels are in your watch by looking at the movement. It should be written right on the movement. Look at all solid gold, Illinois watch company, watches with a similar jewel count. That will give you an accurate idea of the market value.

Kind regards,

Melvin