I recently purchased an Illinois, 17J, serial 4028673. The case is stamped Illinois Watch Case Co Elgin Tivoli Gold F 14K guarantee. I can't discover as much info on the Illinois like I could on the Elgin's and Waltham. I think it may be a 1906. That's all I know. It's on the way here. I got it at a good deal, so I could not resist, almost spontaneous. I will post a few pics also.

And I would appreciate any info. I don't even know what size it is....Thank's
Stevan

movement:

case:

It's got some wear but it looks clean and a hair line around the 20/30 second reading. I may have to replace the window and have it cleaned up. Don't know yet, but that's ok, If need be, I will send out in Texas.
Stevan

quote:

4028673

Stevan,
Your watch should be a 12s, 17j, Mod.3, Of, sw/ss, adjusted, double roller, circa 1922. Hope this helps.
Brian C.

Thank YOu Brian,
I'm new here and an amateur to pocket watches. I'm still learning so what does sw/ss mean? And I'm guessing Of is Office? The 1922 threw me because I looked up the serial number in the Illinois data base and saw where it indicated 1906 for that serial number. Thanks for the information.
Stevan

Stevan,

sw/ss means it is stem wound and stem set as opposed to one that would have a lever under the dial and then would be called lever set. the Of here is referred to Open Face as opposed to a hunter cases that has a lid over the face.

Steve

Thanks Steve,

I need to study up on this sort of stuff!

Stevan