Internet Horology Club 185
Illinois Grade 94: 15 or 11 jewel?

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/3003943787

March 28, 2016, 19:02
Bill Manders
Illinois Grade 94: 15 or 11 jewel?
Illinois Grade 94: 15 or 11 jewel?

Hi all,
I know what it states in the Bible, that being a 15 jewel watch, but I have heard from a person who also has one of these rather scarce watches, that when he had his cleaned, he was told it was an 11 jewel. I am just trying to confirm. Has anyone here had one of these watches, and better yet taken it apart and looked at it ?
Just want to know,
Bill
March 29, 2016, 23:12
David Abbe
Bill, my data reports 500, 18 size, Lever Set, Open Face, 15 Jewel Grade 94, s/n's 1,949,501-1,950.000 were produced in 1907. There is no mention of an 11 jewel. As the 11 Jewel watches were often made showing the top plate (only) jeweled with the extra 4 train jewels, the safe "bet" would be to say it had (at least) 11 jewels. In this case that is wrong.
March 31, 2016, 01:29
Bill Manders
Dave,
I had not heard of an 11 jewel in this grade either,
but seeing as there is so few around it is hard to find one taken apart.
I have not seen the one I asked about, but the owner was quite adamant that it was only 11 jewels.
Your explanation does make sense tho.
Thanks,
Bill