Dial and Visual Presentation
The pocket watch displays a double-sunk white enamel dial signed 'ILLINOIS', featuring primary black Arabic numerals 1 through 12 alongside an inner chapter of red Arabic numerals 13 through 24 for Canadian 24-hour timekeeping. The number '18' is printed within the recessed subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock, complemented by an outer perimeter track marking minutes 1 to 60 with red numerals highlighting every five-minute interval.
Tracking across this layout are blued steel pierced hands described in the auction cataloguing as 'Sangamo' hands. The watch is presented in an open-face, gold-toned case fitted with an acrylic crystal, an engraved decorative bow, and a winding crown situated at the 12 o'clock position.
Evidence for this section
- “White enamel dial signed 'ILLINOIS' featuring bold black Arabic numerals from 1 to 12.”
- “Inner ring displaying red Arabic numerals 13 through 24, with '18' printed within the subsidiary seconds dial.”
- “Outer perimeter tracks showing individual marginal minutes labeled from 1 to 60 with red numerals every five minutes.”
- “Double-sunk dial construction with a recessed center disc and a recessed subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.”
- “Canadian 24 hour arabic numeral, double sunk white enamel dial with marginal minutes”
- “blued steel Sangamo hands”
- “Open face gold-toned case with an engraved decorative bow and winding crown situated at the 12 o'clock position.”
- “Acrylic crystal.”
Reported Movement and Internal Specifications
According to Schmitt Horan & Co., the watch is powered by an Illinois Watch Co. 17-size, 23-jewel movement bearing serial number 4626983. The cataloguer dates the piece to circa 1925 and describes it as a 60-hour stem-wind and lever-set mechanism adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and six positions.
The auction description further states that the movement possesses damascened nickel plates, a lever escapement, a cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, gold jewel settings, a gold wheel train, and a whiplash micrometric regulator. As the movement is enclosed beneath a closed case in the primary observation photograph, these specifications rely on the seller's documentation.
Evidence for this section
- “Illinois Watch Co., Springfield, Illinois, an early 20th century 60 hour "Sangamo Special" pocket watch, 17 size, 23 jewels, stem wind and lever set, adjusted to 6 positions, temperature and isochronism”
- “damascened nickel plate movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance with gold screws, gold jewel settings, gold wheel train, and whiplash micrometric regulator”
- “serial #4626983”
- “circa 1925”
Reported Condition and Physical Wear
The auction house condition report notes several defects and wear characteristics on the case, dial, and movement. The case exhibits dings, small dents, fine scratches on the outer surface, an acrylic crystal, and a hinge noted as having a flat and lacking one plug, with the winding crown showing excessive lateral movement.
Internally, the cuvette is catalogued with case knife scratches and a circular gouge attributed to barrel jewel screws. The movement plates are described as having fine scratches and pin pricks, scratches on the ratchet wheel, a few specks of oxide on the regulator assembly, and one replaced case screw, while the dial has a few faint hairlines and the hands exhibit minor oxide and finish loss. The auctioneer reports the movement in running order, noting it winds, sets, and ticks.
Evidence for this section
- “CASE: Dings and small dents; Hinge with flat and lacking one plug; Fine scratches on outer surface of case; Case knife scratches on cuvette; Circular gouge on interior of cuvette from barrel jewel screws; Crown with excessive lateral movement; Acrylic crystal.”
- “DIAL: A few faint hairlines. HANDS: Minor oxide and loss to blue.”
- “MOVEMENT PLATES: Fine scratches and pin pricks on plate; Ratchet wheel with scratches; Regulator assembly with a few specks of oxide; One case screw replaced.”
- “MOVEMENT FUNCTION: Running order (winds, sets and ticks)”
