Illinois Watch Co. Grade 409 – 12-Size, Model 3, 21 Jewels, c.1913, Serial No. 2589934

For those that have asked about the watch that was featured in the post on Christmas day, here is a shot of the movement – c.1913 Grade 409 manufactured at the Illinois Watch Company factory in Springfield, Illinois. This movement represents one of the finest 12-Size watches offered by the company at the time, featuring 21 jewels made from ruby, sapphire, and diamond in raised gold settings and is factory-adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and five positions. Total estimated production rests at a mere 1,150 units.⠀

A closer look at the diamond end stone fitted on the upper balance of the Illinois Grade 409. This feature was reserved for the finest watches in the Illinois product line at the time. The image also exhibits the Breguet hairspring gently resting between the brass pins of the regulator.⠀