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?
Posts: 18 | Location: Southwestern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 28, 2008
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.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
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?
Posts: 18 | Location: Southwestern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 28, 2008
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.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
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.?
Posts: 18 | Location: Southwestern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 28, 2008
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.
Posts: 1857 | Location: Epsom, New Hampshire USA | Registered: December 14, 2002
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.
Posts: 18 | Location: Southwestern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 28, 2008
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.
Posts: 6492 | Location: Southern California in the USA | Registered: July 19, 2007
and we appreciate you....
