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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Illinois 20th Century Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Illinois pocket watch is identified as a 20th-century timepiece. The watch is constructed with a 10k case, which measures 43.2 mm in width and 24 mm in length. It features a round case shape with a round caseback and operates via a manual winding mechanism. The watch face is characterized by an ivory-colored dial with numerical hour markers and a subsidiary seconds sub-dial at the six o'clock position. The hands for the main dial and the seconds hand exhibit contrasting finishes. The object is described as a pre-owned, vintage item in excellent condition. No specific serial or reference numbers are provided in the source documentation.

Front view of the Illinois pocket watch showing the ivory dial, subsidiary seconds register, and 10k gold-toned case.
Front view of the Illinois pocket watch showing the ivory dial, subsidiary seconds register, and 10k gold-toned case. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
20th Century
Source-reported place
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The pocket watch is housed in a round case measuring 43.2 mm in width and 24 mm in length. The case is constructed from 10k metal and includes a bow for suspension. The design includes a round caseback, intended for manual handling.

The dial is an ivory-colored surface featuring large Arabic numerals for the hours. A separate subsidiary dial is located at the base, calibrated for sixty seconds, with its own independent hand. The primary hands are styled to contrast with the ivory dial background.

Evidence for this section
  • “43.2mm round case”
  • “ivory number dial”
  • “finely crafted in 10k”
  • “round caseback”

Movement and Operation

The internal mechanism of this timepiece is a manual winding movement. This configuration requires the user to manually wind the watch to store potential energy for the timekeeping functions. It is a traditional system without automated or battery-powered assist components.

The documentation indicates that the watch is a functional vintage piece from the 20th century.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual winding mechanism”
  • “Movement: Manual Wind”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is identified as a pre-owned, vintage item produced during the 20th century. The specific date of manufacture remains unknown, although the auction house classifies the object as being in excellent condition.

The watch is attributed to the Illinois brand. It is currently categorized as a collectible timepiece with historical characteristics, though no specific ownership provenance or records are listed in the provided documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “Certified as pre-owned and vintage”
  • “Date of Manufacture: Unknown”
  • “Condition: Excellent”

Open research questions

  • Does the 10k designation refer to solid gold or a gold-filled/rolled gold plate construction?
  • What is the specific movement caliber used within this Illinois case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois 20th Century Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIllinois“Creator: Illinois”
Case material10k“finely crafted in 10k”
Case width43.2 mm“Width: 43.2 mm (1.71 in)”
Movement typeManual wind“Movement: Manual Wind”
Dial colorIvory“ivory number dial”
ConditionExcellent“Condition: Excellent”

Visible details

  • The watch features a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.
  • The main dial has gold-toned Arabic numerals on an ivory-colored background.
  • The watch hands are skeletal with distinct tips.

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of manufacture is stated as unknown.
  • The metal composition of 10k does not specify if it is solid gold or gold-filled/plated.
  • The movement specifications beyond the manual winding mechanism are not provided.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Illinois Pocket Watch - 20th Century

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2e80393916

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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