I was digging through boxes of old wristwatches that I acquired and found this 19j Illinois 6/0s Grade 907 wrist watch in 14K white gold. From the serial number, 5109843, the watch was made around 1928. I was surprised to find from a 1930 advertisement that the Grade 907 in a 14K cushion case retailed for $78.50!

The watch has a deteriorating band that turned my fingers black and a yellow crystal. But I've learned to look beyond these things and was pleasantly surprised to find the case was a 14K white gold. The Solidarity case has the serial number 588797. The dial and hands have also seen better days, but I like the seconds area at 9:00 and the overall style of the watch.

I am curious if anyone knows how many were made in 14K white gold. I don't know much about wrist watches - I consider it a small miracle if I can successfully remove the case back on some of these - so I don't have any ideas on how common or uncommon a watch like this one might be.

John III

The face without the hideous yellow crystal

Movement needs cleaning, but the watch runs when wound and the hands set as they should.

Case markings

I like the looks of your watch too! I also don't know anything about watches, I saw that on page 865 of the 2008 guide it has a add from 1926 that shows the 907 movement.

In vol 2 of the American pocket watches it says "Grade 907 was widely advertised, beginning in 1915 when it was offered both as a pendant & bracelet watch. This was the 2nd highest quality grade in 6/0 size, following grades 909 & 601" On page 223 it has a 1930 ad, I don't if it is the same ad you saw. it shows the watch in 14K for $75.00

It shows that the serial numbers were 2,782,001-5,304,000 (1915-1930), yours must have been at the end.

Well that is my 2 cents at 2 in the morning.

Tom

I just leafed through Fred F.'s excellent book on Illinois wristwatches. I think that this watch is in a "generic" case not uniquely used by Illinois. It most resembles the watch at the top right of page 146.

All,
Fred is the expert regarding Illinois wrists/////
Tony

The letter I beside the 6/0 designation on the back means that this generic case was intended to hold an Illinois movement. Sometimes you will see them marked E/I which meant they had the proper depth inside the case for Elgin or Illinois movements.

Regards,

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the information. I have to confess I am not familiar with Fred F. or his book. Is there somewhere I can buy it?

John III

The book is The Illinois Watch -- The Life and Times of a Great American Watch Company by Frederic J. Freidberg. It is published by Schiffer. Fred either could sell you a copy or tell you where you could buy one. His e-mail address is fred@illinoiswatches.com.

quote:

The Illinois Watch -- The Life and Times of a Great American Watch Company

Thanks for the information Ethan. I have sent an email to Fred.

John iII