Vintage pocket watch by Illinois in a display case c1910

This watch comes in a glass backed case. Going back a 100 years ago, salesmen from the watch companies would visit shops to show the latest models and rather house them in cases, where the back would have to be removed, they used these cases which had a snap on back with a glass back so the dial and movement were visible. Shops and prospective owners, would select the dial, movement and then the case they wanted for their watch.

This is a 12 size, grade 219, model 1 pocket watch was made by the Illinois Watch Company, USA.

Movement – the nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator and gold train wheels. The movement is signed “Illinois Watch Co, Springfield, 11 Jewels” # 2308433 and is in 95% mint condition – small marks

Case – the movement comes in a metal open face case, which has a snap on back and front with a glass over the dial and movement. The case is signed “Illinois Watch Co, Springfield”. The case has a smooth plain finish and is in 90% mint condition – several brown trarnish marks coming through the nickel on the case; still a nice attractive example however.

Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Illinois”. The dial is in 90% mint condition – hairlines on the 7-8 and 4-5

The watch has a mineral glass on the back and front

The watch measures 41mm x 13mm deep

The watch is stem wound / stem set