WWI Era Army and Navy Illionis Private Label from 1914
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and is an ultra-rare Army and Navy branded Illions private label.
*This timepiece is in our new case featuring front and back anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals, gaskets ensuring water resistance, and the use of premium 316L stainless steel for superior quality.*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and is an ultra-rare Army and Navy branded Illions private label.
*This timepiece is in our new case featuring front and back anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals, gaskets ensuring water resistance, and the use of premium 316L stainless steel for superior quality.*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 21 jewels and is an ultra-rare Army and Navy branded Illions private label.
*This timepiece is in our new case featuring front and back anti-reflective coated sapphire crystals, gaskets ensuring water resistance, and the use of premium 316L stainless steel for superior quality.*
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 crafted in Springfield, Illinois, and completed in 1914. It is a private-label watch with "Washington Watch Co." engraved on the movement, manufactured in partnership with Montgomery Ward & Co. The movement pays tribute to the Army and Navy, with the branding prominently displayed on the plate. Army and Navy-branded watches are exceptionally rare, and this piece is likely one of only a few in existence. We received this watch in non-running condition, with significant water damage. Repairs included replacing the hairspring, mainspring, and cannon pinion. Although some remnants of water damage remain, we addressed all critical components to ensure reliable timekeeping. The movement has been refinished with blue accents on the screws and hardware, achieved through precise hand-thermal treatment using traditional watchmaking techniques. This piece also retains its original porcelain enamel dial, which unfortunately was damaged beyond repair. To restore the piece’s aesthetic, we replaced the damaged dial with a period-appropriate Illinois dial featuring a circular guilloché pattern at the center. The heat-blued hands provide exceptional contrast against the metal dial.
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.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 250 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: 1921
Dial Material: Metal (guilloche)
Original Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (damaged)
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: No
Serial Number: 2631884
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.