Illinois first model 11-jewel 18-size from 1887
A very well preserved early Illinois Model 1, with low six digit serial number 677403 dating it to 1887. I have a soft spot for Illinois watches and I carried this one for a few days; it runs reliably and keeps fantastic time. On the timegrapher it was coming up just a few seconds fast per day, but was a minute or so fast when I was carrying it. For the age and jewel count this is very good timekeeping.
The movement is the basic Model 1 of Illinois key wind and key set 18-size watches, with 11 jewels. Blue steel mainspring provides ample power. Balance amplitude is well within the acceptable range for a big vintage pocket watch.
The Keystone Watch Case Company’s Silveroid (nickel alloy) case shows the typical wear of 140 years but remains solid with good hinges. Faint engine turning decoration remains on the case back. The crystal has some scratches, and the dial shows some faint hairlines. It’s not in perfect mint condition, even if it is in fully serviceable condition and will faithfully tell the time for you for many decades to come, if not another century.
Would be a great reenacting watch. Will ship with the key.
$215
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Free pick up at the shop in Gettysburg PA, or add $15 for insured shipping within the U.S. (international is more, please contact me first).
The Restoration
At first glance the movement seems in good condition and the balance swung free. But it was not running at all, and the mainspring was completely wound all the way. Something was wrong.
The sunk seconds dial had separated from the rest of the dial, and has some ugly hairlines. I would repair the seconds dial and managed to get the hairlines cleaned up pretty well, though if you look close enough they’re slightly visible still.
The movement was slathered in oil, contaminating the hairspring and causing coils to stick together. This would stop the watch, or at best, cause it to run erratic and ludicrously fast.
Decades of dust and grime accumulates in places that lazy watchmakers don’t bother to clean, such as under the Mainspring arbor bushing.
And here was the problem stopping the watch! A fuzzy piece of lint! It was wedged in the gearing of the fourth wheel and escape wheel, preventing them from turning and stopping the watch cold.
Such a tiny piece of lint was all it took to stop this watch, which had no other mechanical issues. This is why watches need occasional cleaning, to remove the accumulated dust and lint and debris that inevitably works its way inside. The cases are not waterproof or dust proof on these old watches!
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