My dad had an old Illinois watch in a box #1180757. It doesn't have a crystal the numbers on the dial are almost gone and the hands are broken off. The movement looks alright but doesn't work. From the serial number it appears to be made around 1893. Is this watch worth repairing and if so what would be a ball park cost?

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You have a very collectible Open Face cased, 18 size 15 Jewel model 2 Chalmers Regulated hunter Movement, Grade 61 made in 1893/4. From your picture, this watch is certainly worth restoration! With that regulator, the movement would probably have been considered "Railroad Grade" at that time. The original dial should have been a double-sunk Glass/Enamel type, but it looks like sometime later in the "life" of the watch someone traded off the case and had the dial replaced for a more "Deco" style "radium type" that has since "faded from view".

To "repair" it is of course possible. You could start with just finding a good dial and use it in the present case until a nice 18s Hunter shows up. It's a great looking movement.

To restore it would require finding an appropriate Hunter Case and a usable dial. I show below a similar movement still in the Hunter case with correct dial that I serviced for my own collection. That is about what yours should look like if you can find a case and dial for the restoration.

Thanks David. I am new to all this and stumbled onto this site trying to find information about this watch. What do you think it would cost to have a crystal, dial and hands replaced and leave it in the present case if nothing major was wrong with the movement?

Gary, I have a couple "period correct" single-sunk dials that are worth about $40.00, The Crystal is about $16.00, the Hands are about $20.00, cleaning is $65.00, and if you want a new mainspring add $25.00. So, plus postage that would set you back about $150-$175.00. That is if there is nothng seriously wrong in the watch. At that point you could carry and use it, and wait until a nifty deal shows up for an 18 size Hunter Case.

The repair cost is about low book (with $25.00 added for the Chalmers regulator) for this in "used" condition.

However, that said, "low book" (what eBayers pay now) will often (I guarantee) get you less than what you already have.

David,
That sounds really great! To be able to use this old watch would be quite a treat. I would leave it up to you about the mainspring as I have no idea as to whether it needs replaced. How do I go about getting the watch to you, arranging payment etc.?

Gary, e-mail me at david@glopar.com and we can set it up

Gary,
Have Dave put in a new mainspring and you won't have to worry about it.
That's a good deal you're getting from Dave. I love to see those heirlooms put back in service. So much nicer than sitting in a drawer.
Good Luck,
Brian C.

Thanks, I'm excited about getting it repaired.

Gary,
Trust me when I tell you that many estimates START at $250.00 BEFORE parts, and other repairs.

Great deal!

One HONEY of a watch too! WOW!

I sent the watch off to David this morning by UPS. They thought it would arrive by the end of the week. If David doesn't I'll post some pictures after I get it back.

Well Gary, after 6 weeks of holidays and flu, I got your watch re-staffed and running . . .

So I made a few parts, put in a new main, cleaned it up and did the dial, crystal, hands, replaced some broken screws, etc. After it behaves itself for a few days, I will get it back to you with all the detritus that it does not need any more. Nice watch. 15 Jewel Illinois with a chalmers regulator. "Early Americana". I think it will keep you from being late to sunday school.

Another Great Job, Dave....You continue to amaze....

You are certainly a valuable member of this club.... and we appreciate you....

Regards,
Jerry

Nicely done David.

Keep on Posting Please!

Thanks
Wayne