I just picked up an eminently restorable 2-tone Open Face 17 Jewel 3 adjustment Illinois Grade 89 s/n3591435 in a nice original case with a symbolic BRGA (or "BRAG"?) engraved on the back cover.

With 3 Adjustments and a lever set, this watch could have been certifiable Electric Railway and/or some Steamer RRs in 1919, but who is the "BRGA"? Anybody?

It is the Brotherhood Railroad Carmen of America.

The Brotherhood of Railway Carmen of America repaired Railway Cars Passenger and Freight. they were commonly called Car Knockers. were not required to carry Railroad Approved Watches. Union formed in 1888.

Thank you for that info that this "BRCA" "almost" RR watch was a Car knocker's Special (with a broken staff)! I will restore it and see how good it was after all that "Knockin' around" More soon!