Internet Horology Club 185
Illinois ww Question
May 29, 2009, 02:03
Sheila GilbertIllinois ww Question
Hi All,
I know nothing about wristwatches so I need to ask about one of mine. I purchased it some time ago, and would like to know more.
Illinois Serial Number 5003733
Has the seconds hand at the 9:00 position, the movement is marked 15J, Springfield.
I have a program that says it's a grade 903, 6/0 made in 1928, but you know how that is, I'm not sure of the program I have, so can someone tell me if the information I have is correct?
I will post pictures as soon as I get a decent one to post.
Sheila
May 29, 2009, 07:33
Brian C.Sheila,
Your info is correct. 6/0s, 15 ruby jewels, open face, grade 903, made 1928.
May 30, 2009, 01:11
Sheila GilbertBrian,
Thank you so much. My watch program is old, and I never used it, but thought I would give it a try. I really didn't know if any of the information was correct.
This is my Illinois, and I want to get it serviced so that I can wear it!!!!

I like the watch a lot and decided it's crazy to have them and not use them.
I always like larger watches anyway, so this one is great.
SN 5003733
Sheila
May 30, 2009, 01:14
Sheila GilbertDial
Sheila
May 30, 2009, 01:15
Sheila GilbertMovement
Sheila
May 30, 2009, 01:19
Sheila GilbertDial in case
Sheila
May 30, 2009, 09:54
Lawrence FureHi Sheila,
I sent an email to you offering my services.
Larry
May 30, 2009, 13:55
Lindell V. Riddle
Very pretty and unusual design Sheila, I love the shape and I am sure Larry would do a nice job on servicing it. Brian is correct, your movement is indeed a 6/0-size from 1928 production. In the Illinois Grade Sheets there are many runs of the 15-Jewel Grade 903 like yours and for that matter the 17-Jewel 905 listed, they were clearly very popular movements and likely sold in a number of configurations.
Anything in rose gold catches my eye, this one is a beauty!

May 30, 2009, 21:43
Sheila GilbertLindell,
I just love the unusual shape too, and I'm also quite taken with rose gold.
It's, no question, a man's watch, but I like it too much to just get it serviced, and not wear it myself.
Not only do I like the watch, but it sure helps with my being able to SEE the dial too.
Times, they are a changin! (especially my eyes)
Yep! This watch now goes to be serviced!
Sheila
May 30, 2009, 22:47
Steve GossardFredric J. Friedberg wrote a great book all about Illinois wristwatches, titled The Illinois Watch, the Life and Times of a Great American Watch Company. It's worth looking that one up if you don't already have it.
Steve G.
May 31, 2009, 00:21
Jerry KingSheila, a great old watch and one that you will enjoy wearing for years to come....
I am also sure that Larry will do a great job for you in the sevice department....I can't wait to see the results of his work for you....
Good luck and wear it with great pride, as I'm sure you will....
BTW, I, too, really like the rose gold....
Regards,
Jerry
May 31, 2009, 14:00
Clive DriscollSheila
A lovely watch I really like watches that are out of the ordinary and this is certainly that.
Like you I wouldn't have the heart to sell it either.
Kind Regards
Clive
May 31, 2009, 19:10
William ThomasIf you like 6/o Illinois wristwatches I would recommend buying up derelict movements to develop a good back up stock of setting parts. Material houses are likely no longer able to supply detent (setting) levers. IMHO 6/0 Illinois setting mechanisms were not particularly successful.
May 31, 2009, 21:45
Sheila GilbertJerry,
It goes out tomorrow and I will post it when I get it back, and yep, I do take great pride in all of my watches. It's nice to be on a board where everyone enjoys them.
Clive,
I have quite a few unusual watches, but I love any watch that's 50 years old or of a type that I remember when I was young.
Some do just jump out at you though huh? lolol
William,
Ya know, I did do that with a few of my watches,
(good back up stock)
but didn't think of it for a few of my wristwatches. Thank you for the reminder.
I'm more of a pocket watch collector, but I do have quite a few wrist watches. I better get out some of my wrist watches and see what I need.
Steve,
I checked out the book, and it's on the list.
Looks pretty good!
Sheila