I purchased a private label 3 fingered Illinois Getty model 186. It is dirty but does run. Serial number 2519910. I know nothing of this model other than what is in the big watch book and wondered why they made a 4 pos Getty with fancy gold flashing/ Nice looking and intriguing for me. The dial is labeled Fred J Westby Buffalo New York but not the movement. Thanks to all.

These PL watches are always interesting when they're from your hometown ... and you've never heard of them.

Has anybody ever run across a PL where the jeweler's great-grandson is still in business under the original name?

From what I can find they apparently only made that watch for a short time 1910-1913. Your serial number would date to 1913. There were a total of 7 runs with 1420 made. Yours was from the next to the last run made, there were 2 runs in 1913 both for 200 movements.

In the 1910 census for Buffalo, Erie, NY
Westby, Fred J. born about 1868 in England listed as a jeweler in jewelery shop.
He is married & has several children including a son Harold who is also listed as a jeweler.

I have a Canadian PL that the jewelers great grandson and his cousin still run a jewelry store under the same name in the next town from the original jeweler.

Hey Deacon,

Can you post a picture of your Grade 186 movement?

John III