I have this Illinois watch and wonder how rare
is this dial?
size 16

Let's see the inside!

nothing special 17 j movement good for parts
only.

I'm guessing that the dial pre-dates that movement by a decade or two. The movement was made in 1931 under Hamilton management. The last year before Hamilton shut down the Illinois factory. Brad

I like the dial and would like to know
type of movement this should
go on.

That dial could be a "redone" dial. It also could be a transparent type of decal that were made to fit and adhere completely over an existing dial that had problems such as cracks, chips, and multiple hairlines.

The numerals and 5 minute diamond markers speak of the 20's-30's-and 40's era. The "Illinois" signature speaks of the early 18sz watches made in the 1880-1890 period. The locomotive speaks of the 1880-90 period also and in that time frame there were only models 1-3 which had a different dial foot positions that wouldn't fit your grade 167 model 7. The Getty model 4-5 dials likewise wouldn't fit your model 7 movement either.

I'm not aware of any dials in that style and configuration made in the 1929-1931 era by the Hamilton/Illinois company.

Dials could be special ordered and configured with anything a buyer wanted such as "private label" dials. And it could be a special ordered dial that you have.

I would pull the dial, check the foot positions, clean the dial, and then see what we have. If it's a painted on or decal on the dial, cleaning will probably take anything not fired on the dial, off.

If I had to venture a guess, I would say that is a transparent decal used to cover and hide a blemished dial that were prevalent in the 50-60-70-80's era. Those were the size of the entire dial face and most were "peel and stick" type that were applied very carefully to match existing center hole, seconds bit & hole and correspond to dial foot positions already in place.

Very interesting......

regards,
bb

Peter, that 1930 vintage watch and dial were made after Illinois W.Co. was sold to Hamilton. It was probably made in the Springfield plant during the move and if the dial is not a decal special, I would guess that it was a fairly rare promotional dial that is worthy to stay with that fairly rare (9000 total made) MARKED grade 167 movement which is Temp and iso adjusted.

In other words it is worthy of restoration as-is.

thanks all.

Peter,

I believe that your dial is a later replacement. I have a few similar to this which have several manufacturers logos. The back has a crinkled silver finish which may or may not have some enamel on it. The feet are soldered on. The back of your dial should tell all!

Kevin

Will get back to ya all once I find time
to get to that watch.
Thank you all

Peter, that dial was made using a standard Waltham pattern,doesn't look like an Illinois dial at all.Probably a refinish job.Best regards, Ted.

well its reproduction as far as I can tale.

but here is why I bought it I know the dial will go nice with this case.