This pocket watch was given to me last Christmas by my wife. I am seeking assistance on the history/origins of the piece. I know that Jos Schuster worked for a watch company but this watch doesn't show in the records I have been able to source. I would appreciate any assistance.
New member to IHC185.

Thanks Phil

looks to be private label watch made by Illinois Watch Co.
no more them 11 jewels .
show us the dial side.

Welcome to a new member! Your watch is an Illinois and I agree probably 11 jewels. Of interest it is a Getty model Illinois, one of my favorites. Note the half moon click which is a distinguishing feature on the Getty models. Very nice and made during the golden age of American watchmaking.

I would agree that it is a private label Illinois. Joseph John Schuster was a jeweler in Cleveland Ohio. He was born about November 1842 in Germany and arrived in this country about 1873. I find him in the Cleveland City Directories starting about 1876, starting about 1900 there is a Joseph Schuster Junior who is a jeweler in the city.

If possible a photo of the dial would be nice.

Also welcome to the site.

If I read the serial # correctly the database shows it as:
Grade: 171

Movement Serial Number:1321200
Estimated Production Year: 1896
Run Quantity: 600
Size: 16s
Jewels: 11j
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Finish: Gilt
Model: 4
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Barrel: Going
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No
Notes: Remington Watch Company Possible Bridge Plate Design. Getty Model.

This could be him
Schuster, Joseph J.; jeweler and optician; born, Cleveland, May 18, 1881; son of Joseph and Lena Bissman Schuster; graduated from the following schools; public, Edminston Business College, 1897, Northern Illinois College of Opthamology and Otology; also, Northern Illinois College of Engraving, 1901, and Canadian Herological Institute, 1900; married, Cleveland, March 16, 1910, Martha C. Schwebke, one daughter; for several years has been watch inspector for the Erie R. R.; member American Assn of Opticians, Ohio Optical ***'n, and American National Retail Jewelers ***'n.
Although, the dates really dont pan out with the 1897 production year

Ray
That is the Jr. I mentioned, his parents were Joseph & Lena. Senior was born about 1842 In Germany. He had the store in Cleveland starting about 1876 or earlier.

Here is the dial

Thanks for the information, so far. I am very keen to learn more am maybe buy more pieces too. I have friends in FL, VA, CA, PA and my boss is an exchange USAF officer. So I have access to APO postal service. The knowledge of these watches is scarce in Australia.

Very nice Phillip, thanks for posting.

This is an article from the Jewelers Circular Nov. 30, 1921 about the death of the senior Schuster.

Tom, That is another piece to the history of Jos Schuster for my watch. I am hoping to get access to a database of his works and maybe even buy another example. I've loaded another photo.

Phillip

In case you are not familiar with what is know as "private label watches" The watch companies in the US, Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, Illinois and many others, would take orders from jewelers and put what ever name the jeweler wanted on the dial or movement or both.

So your watch was made by the Illinois Watch Company for Joseph Schuster contracted with them to make the watch for him. There are no records to how many they made for him or for how many years. It could be yours alone but could be in the 100's. More than likely he ordered a few over the years.

If you search this site for the words "private label" you will find 1000's of examples for other jewelers.

Tom

Thanks again Tom, I will keep searching.
I have a modern 'cheap' pocket watch that I brought at Gettysburg in May 2010, while visiting the USA. I wear it everyday as wrist watches cause dermatitis so it is pocket watches for the life.

Good luck Phillip. It is hard to own just one pocket watch, they get in your blood and you keep finding another one you need.

Tom

Welcome aboard Philip. Especially, it is the original American made pocket watches that get into your blood. They're fascinating!

Thanks for the welcome and I am looking for my next pocket watch.