I'm hoping the group here can help me gather some information on the year of manufacture and original maker of the movement of this private labeled atch. It belonged to my great grandfather. It's a private label that he purchased from Hyman Berg & Co. in Chicago. The case is by Deuber SN#6568725. The movement is branded to Hyman Berg, so I can't tell who was the orginal maker of that. The serial number of that is #1768845. I'm told it dates back to the early 1900s. But, don't know that for sure.

The watch operates perfectly, and is outstanding condition. I've been fascinated with it since I was a small child. My 80 yr old dad gave it to me for Christmas this year.

Any suggestions or assistance in dating the watch and determining the maker of the movement would be much appreciated.

Adding a picture of the face

The watch has a monogrammed protective cover between the back plate and the rear of the movement

Here is the front

I believe it is a 16 size Grade 184 made by the Illinois Watch Co. in 1905.

Check out this link to the Pocket Watch Data Base

If you are able to provide clearer photos of the case markings we can perhaps determine the metal composition.

Hyman Berg & Co. was a Chicago retailer, check This Thread for a photo of the store interior.

Hi Lorne,

Thanks much for the input. I agree with you, it looks exactly like the photos of some verified Illinois Watch Co movements.

We do know my great grandfather was the original purchaser and that he bought it in Chicago. So, it makes sense that he could have purchased it from Hyman Berg & Co. Additionally, we know that my grandmother remembered the watch from her childhood (she was born in 1908). So, the likely mfg date of 1905 as noted in the database all makes sense.

I looked closer at the case, and I don't see any notations of "14k", etc. I do see a "guaranteed 20 years". I went online to research Dueber cases. Looks like this would have been a gold filled case vs. solid gold. I have another Waltham watch that was gifted to me from 1923 that notes 14k on the case.

Thanks again for the response. I'm going to share the information with my Dad and sisters along with the photo of the store where he purchased it. This is a great web group to find.

One more item of note ,that is a "getty" model Illnois ,some folks really like Getty's.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks. What is special about Getty models? I'm a complete newbie to this whole thing. But, now that I have two watches I figure I'm becoming a collector and should work on my knowledge.

Blair have the watches service COA(clean oil adjust) if you are planning on carry them.
nice 3 fingers Getty

quote:

What is special about Getty models?

Supposedly named after the designer, most notable characteristics are the single ratchet wheel and crescent shaped click.

Peter, also known as "Three Finger Pete" particularly likes these although I should add not all Getty models have the 3 finger train bridge.