I have a grade 99 Illinois serial 294506 it has a interesting screw down crown with what I presume is a key for the stem, since it is a key wind did they produce this style incorporating a key which fit over the stem? Since there is no stem how did the key set the time?

The Model 1 Grade 99 was a KW~KS watch. The same key should wind the watch from the back-side and on the front-side it should fit in the center of the hands on a "square" post and allow one to set the time.

Is that the question as I understand it ??

regards,
bb

At first thought that was what I imagined but in this case the hands are pressed on a round pinion. Unless some one changed this there is no way to set this watch. I was suspecting that the key attached to the crown some how activated the stem?

Before I go ripping things apart I sort of like to have a idea what I should expect. It just is very strange with the screw down crown and what I presumed was a key.

How about posting some pictures of the back, the front with bezel off, the key screwed down in place and the key unscrewed and out of the pendant and perhaps a shot down into the pendant.

It sounds like a "hidden key" case. The key should fit the winding wheel on the back-side ??

regards,
bb

Walter, your Grade 99 is SUPPOSED to be a 5th pinion transitional Key wind movement that is actually made to be lever setting and pendant wound. I had a few of these go through my collection and they all looked sort of like the one below. If yours is actually in a hidden key case, the case is actually worth about ($300.00-$400.00) three times the movement and the movement should be switched to a "normal" Pendant wind lever set OF case.

Thanks David, as that was what I suspicion-ed when I suggested that pictures be added to make certain.

Saving all the pictures that you have over the years David and then posting them when questions arise is very helpful. I for one appreciate that you have saved them and that you post them, and of course your always spot on helpful information so Thanks !!

regards,
bb

Thanks fellows, the watch is the same as the one Dave showed. I guess I will move it up the line and do some tinkering. Always a pleasure to have you share your thoughts and expertise. Thanks again.