Description

Manufacturer: Illinois
Manufacturer Location: Springfield, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 507477
Grade: 65
Model: 3
Class: 3
Estimated Production Year: 1889
Run Quantity: 50
Grade/Model Run: 11 of 12
Total Production: 900
Size: 18s
Jewels: 17j
Jewel Setting: Screw-Set
Movement Configuration: Open face
Movement Finish: Nickel
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Train: Coarse
Regulator: Patent
Hairspring: Breguet
Standard Dial Type: Double-Sunk
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Position: Yes
Adjusted to Temperature: Yes
Adjusted to Isochronism: Yes
Railroad Grade: Yes

Illinois Watch Company for Wilson Brothers “King of the Road” Railroad Grade Pocket Watch

Manufactured in December 1889 by the Illinois Watch Co., this rare piece is part of a private- label run for Wilson Bros. of Boston, Massachusetts. Like many American watchmakers of the era, the Illinois Watch Company produced special-order runs featuring custom movements and distinctive engraved designs. These limited productions gave jewelers and retailers exclusive models that carried both prestige and added desirability. The Wilson Brothers “King of the Road” pocket watch was one such private-label commission, with an production of only 900 pieces, making it a rare and highly collectible example of Illinois Watch Company craftsmanship.

This watch features a stunning double sunk dial with highly desired Roman numerals and highlighted with exquisite Breguet Moon hands. A watch from this period with the Roman numerals is a scarce find these days. At the turn of the century, railroad grade watches with their required Arabic numeral font eclipsed the Roman numeral font in popularity. 

This was also a time when the pocket watch was as popular as a smartphone is today. The Roman numeral font has witnessed a resurgence in popularity due to its elegant appearance that gives the watch a sense of early twentieth-century gravitas. 

The movement is lever set, a typical feature of earlier pocket watches. It shows beautifully as the warmth of its case and dial emanates, giving it a rich viewing experience. This watch makes a wonderful addition to any collection or as an heirloom gift to someone special because of its rich history and appearance. 

$1,575

In stock

DETAILS

Overall Condition: Very Good
Case: B&B Royal 20 year Yellow gold fill – excellent
Dial: Enamel Double Sunk – good – some crazing
Movement: Excellent

Warranty: Full one-year warranty.
Service: All our treasured timepieces are completely disassembled, expertly cleaned, and oiled using the finest quality watch oil and gear grease and adjusted for accuracy.

Included with all orders: quality gift box, velvet pouch, tarnish-free paper, display stand (pictured), and polishing cloth
Orders under: $2,500 are shipped FedEx 2 day with signature confirmation.
Orders over: $2,500 are shipped FedEx Overnight with signature confirmation.

Description

Manufacturer: Illinois
Manufacturer Location: Springfield, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 507477
Grade: 65
Model: 3
Class: 3
Estimated Production Year: 1889
Run Quantity: 50
Grade/Model Run: 11 of 12
Total Production: 900
Size: 18s
Jewels: 17j
Jewel Setting: Screw-Set
Movement Configuration: Open face
Movement Finish: Nickel
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Train: Coarse
Regulator: Patent
Hairspring: Breguet
Standard Dial Type: Double-Sunk
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Position: Yes
Adjusted to Temperature: Yes
Adjusted to Isochronism: Yes
Railroad Grade: Yes