Hopefully someone here can help with a few questions on an Illinois 16s OF PS movement - see photo.

The first question is regarding the "Victory" that is seen on the bridge. What does this mean. According to the movement number 3966442 the watch was made in 1921, so that doesn't seem to signify the victory in WW1...but what does it mean?

Additionally, I've identified this as a Model 7, and is either a 307 or possibly a 306 movement; it is apparently a Commercial Grade as far as I can determine.

I would appreciate any addition information or corrections as I like to get as many details as possible on my watches.

Thanks for your help.

Norm

Norm, Welcome to IHC! My records show your Illinois is a 1925 Vintage, Model 7, grade 306 as you suspected. With three adjustments it could be used by a trolley conductor. The gold fitments and general condition of this example makes it certainly worthy of any good collection and a pleasure to carry and show.

Between 1911 and 1925 Illinois produced 28,680 of these in 71 different production runs. In 1920, one 200 piece run, s/n's 3731801-3732000 was signed "Interurban Special" to recognize the possible use of the watch in transportation.

What a great place! And what great folks here on the 185 forum!

As my questions reflect, I am very new to American pocket watches, and finding information is a very real challenge for me. With members advice, I have been using the Complete Price Guide to Watches, and the Meggers/Ehrhardt Illinois Watch Co CD from IHC Member Bill Selover "partimeart" on eBay, but things are not always clear to me.

That still leaves the "Victory" on the bridge unexplained. Was this a particular submodel from the factory, or was it added later, or is there another explanation?

Thanks!

Norm, Illinois Watch Co. was probably the most prolific "Naming" outfit in JEWELLED American Pocket watches (un-jewelled "dollar" watches had a "name a day" going).
That said, "Victory" may have been still left over from a sort of celebration for the end of WW I. Megger's Ehrhardt olnly shows that name used in Dollar watches, so it could be fairly rare that was added to some movements of this run of 200 for one client Jeweler.

Norm it is a very nice better quality watch. As my dear friend Dave Abbe says Illinois turned out many "named models" and I do not think we have found all of them! I have a real nice 19j 16s Illinois listed on Ebay that looks to be the twin of yours and it is not named. If I am lucky no one buys it and I get to keep it!

I just opened my first 306. Has Governor on the bridge plate. DS red dot dial...

Found the smoking gun immediately... I believe this a broken "shipper spring"... I will be on the hunt for one of those in a bit.

The coolest part though is the gold plated gear train. This watch is a: stout and b: pretty.

I love round spoke trains anyway... and to open one that is plated like this is a special treat.

And the gold train. They got to 19J by capping the escape wheel. Looks like the 4th wheel jewel may have been replaced at some point in time... it is much more "ruby" than the rest of the fitment.

They are pretty, aren't they?

This is the second watch I ever bought. I had to buy another one; the first bounced a foot off the floor.

OK Eric,

As soon as I get her together... were going off to the studio, my 306 and I, for a photo session...

your photos are incredible.

Paul

Thanks, Paul

See what you can do with leftover 35mm film?