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1921 Illinois Grade 305 Pocket Watch & Gold Case

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
1921 Illinois Grade 305 Pocket Watch & Gold Case
For your consideration is this 1921 Illinois Grade 305 pocket watch made by the Illinois Watch Company, set in a American Watch Case Company of Toronto 10k gold filled case. John C. Adams and a number of other investors established the Illinois Watch Company in 1870. The Illinois Watch Company, originally known as the Springfield Watch Company, underwent reorganization in 1872 and changed its name. They were among the first American watchmakers to use the Waltham Watch Company's revolutionary interchangeable parts system. This facilitated repairs and enabled more effective production. The "Bunn Special" watch's introduction in 1879 was one significant innovation. The Bunn Special, known for its accuracy and dependability, rose to become one of the most well-known and respected railroad watches. It was produced in a variety of models with various features and grades, and it was given the vice president of the company, Charles H. Bunn, as its name. The Great Depression and the emergence of wristwatches presented difficulties for the Illinois Watch Company. The business made an attempt to enter the wristwatch market but found it difficult to compete with Swiss producers who were able to make more reasonably priced and precise wristwatches. The watch industry was also severely affected by the 1930s economic downturn, which ultimately resulted in the Illinois Watch Company's closure in 1928. The serial number inscribed alongside the movement is numbered, "3950631" indicating it was made in 1921. The pocket watch is a grade 305, 17 jewel, size 16s, model 7 and features a nickel movement finish, a bridge plate and the movement is fitted with a double roller. The watch is not railroad graded. The watch is not working. The case the pocket watch is set in is a American Watch Case Company of Toronto 10k gold filled case. The serial numbers stamped into the case read, "1304573. The watch shows good condition overall with some slight wear to the case, but the face, movements and dials are in good condition. The watch measures 2" in diameter and 2 1/2" in height. The pocket watch weighs 86.7 grams.