Illinois Santa Fe Special from 1923

$1,899.00

This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and an incredible porcelain-enamel dial.

*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*

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This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and an incredible porcelain-enamel dial.

*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*

This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and an incredible porcelain-enamel dial.

*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*

Illinois Watch Co. was in operation from 1869-1948 and produced some of the most renowned railroad-grade movements ever manufactured. Watches were produced in their factory in Springfield, Illinois.

This Illinois timepiece was manufactured in Springfield, Illinois, and completed in 1923. It features the Santa Fe Special grade movement, a high-end, 21-jewel in-house movement produced by Illinois in the early 1900s. The movement is in exceptional condition, showcasing stunning radiant damaskeening and golden accents applied during its original manufacture. The hands of the watch remain unrestored, retaining their original heat-blued color. The porcelain-enamel dial boasts bold Arabic numerals and elegant "Santa Fe Special" text at the center, with the rare addition of the "Illinois" logo beneath the minute and hour hands—a unique double branding. The combination of the original heat-blued hands and the intricate dial design creates a striking visual contrast.

The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel wristwatch conversion case, designed with adjustable lugs for ease in winding and setting, ensuring a tailored fit across various wrist sizes. The case includes front, back, and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before participating in water activities. The timepiece comes fully serviced and ready for your upcoming adventures. Because of our dedication to preserving history, the original Illinois Santa Fe Special pocket watch case is included as well.

Watch Performance

  • Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day

  • Amplitude: 300 degrees

  • Beat Error: 1.5 ms

  • Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)

  • Power Reserve: 24-30 hours

  • Complication: Sub second hand

 

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacture: Illinois

  • Location: Springfield, Illinois

  • Year Manufactured: 1923

  • Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)

  • Jewels: 21 jewels

  • Case Diameter: 44 mm

  • Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire

  • Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire

  • Case Material: 316L stainless

  • Lug width: 22 mm

  • Lug to Lug: 47 mm (52 mm with crown)

  • Height: 13 mm

  • Original Case Included: Yes, 25 year gold filled

  • Serial Number: 4379234

  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty

All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.