I have an Illinois, looks to be a model 7, grade 706, 17j, size 16, open face that appears to be made of aluminum or some other dull metal. Any experts?

Mike,

I think there were such things, but the movement number is necessary to have as a first step in attempting to determine what you have.

Don

quote:

I have an Illinois, looks to be a model 7, grade 706, 17j, size 16, open face that appears to be made of aluminum or some other dull metal. Any experts?

Mike, the Illinois Aluminum watch was a 12 size, 17J., model #3, grade 525 serial # 3,869,251 to 3,869,300.So a total of 50 made.
Cooksey

This movement is SN 3395694. It sure looks different. I'll post some photos later today. This is the odd watch.

Closer look.

A similar watch with normal luster. I'm afraid these photos do not illustrate the actual visual image as well as I would like, it's more apparent in person.