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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Illinois Watch Co. 'A. Lincoln' 16s 21-Jewel Pocket Watch Movement

Partially verified

This is an un-cased 16-size open-face pocket watch movement produced by the Illinois Watch Co. of Springfield, estimated to circa 1908. Catalogued under the grade 'A. Lincoln', the nickel movement is engraved with 21 jewels and adjusted to 5 positions. It features a micrometer regulator, large gold jewel settings, and fine striped damascening. The mechanism operates via stem winding and lever setting. The source also notes an accompanying double-sunk white enamel dial featuring Gothic numerals, a complete set of blued steel hands, and signature inscriptions.

Plate view of the Illinois 'A. Lincoln' 16-size pocket watch movement showing damascening and micrometer regulator
Plate view of the Illinois 'A. Lincoln' 16-size pocket watch movement showing damascening and micrometer regulator — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm274765
Source-reported date
c. 1908
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
2002072

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

Movement Identification and Plate Engravings

This item is an uncased open-face 16-size pocket watch movement manufactured by the Illinois Watch Co. of Springfield, numbered 2002072 and dated by the dealer to circa 1908. Engraved bridge and plate inscriptions record 'A Lincoln Illinois Watch Co, Springfield', alongside '21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions' and serial '# 2002072'. Visual inspection also shows engraved markings for 'DOUBLE ROLLER'.

Direct visual observation shows the nickel movement plates decorated with a striped wave damascening pattern, screwed gold jewel settings, and exposed train wheels. The balance cock exhibits foliate engraving and is fitted with a micrometer regulator carrying an F/S regulation index.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is signed “A Lincoln Illinois Watch Co, Springfield, 21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions” # 2002072”
  • “Engraved details: 'ADJUSTED / 5 / POSITIONS', '21 JEWELS', 'DOUBLE ROLLER', and serial number '2002072'”
  • “Striped wave damascening pattern across nickel plates”
  • “Foliate engraved balance cock with F/S micrometer regulator scale”

Winding Configuration and Accompanying Dial

The movement is described by the dealer as an open-face, stem-wound and lever-set mechanism measuring 43 mm by 8.3 mm. The seller notes that no winding stem or winder is included.

According to the dealer's catalogue description, the movement is fitted with an unpictured double-sunk white enamel dial featuring Gothic numerals and lettering, signed 'Illinois Watch Co' and equipped with a full set of blued steel hands. The seller rates the dial condition at '50% mint condition –many cracks and hairlines'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is an open face, stem wound / lever set”
  • “The movement measures 43mm x 8.3mm”
  • “The movement does not come with a winder.”
  • “Dial – the white enamel dial is double sunk and has Gothic numerals and lettering. The dial has a full set of blue steel hands and is signed “Illinois Watch Co”. The dial is in 50% mint condition –many cracks and hairlines.”

Mechanical Condition and Source Limitations

The seller describes the nickel movement as being in '90% mint condition – light marks and scratches' and states that it 'has a good spring and balance and is ticking', but explicitly notes that it is neither cleaned nor serviced and is sold with no warranty or guarantees.

Available source documentation and imagery depict only the plate side of the uncased movement. Consequently, the condition of the dial, the hand style, and the dial-side keyless works cannot be independently confirmed from the photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement – the high grade nickel full plate movement has a micrometer regulator, large gold jewel settings and is decorated with fine damascening.”
  • “and is in 90% mint condition – light marks and scratches”
  • “This movement has a good spring and balance and is ticking but is not cleaned or serviced and so comes with no warranty or guarantees”

Open research questions

  • Does production ledger data for Illinois Watch Co. serial number 2002072 substantiate the circa 1908 production estimate?
  • What visual pattern and extent of cracking exist on the associated double-sunk enamel dial, which is not shown in the plate photograph?
  • What case style and model was this lever-set movement originally cased in prior to removal?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Co. 'A. Lincoln' 16s 21-Jewel Pocket Watch Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Serial Number2002072“# 2002072”
Jewel Count & Adjustments21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions“21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions”
Movement InscriptionA Lincoln Illinois Watch Co, Springfield, 21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions“signed “A Lincoln Illinois Watch Co, Springfield, 21 Jewels, Adjusted 5 positions””
Dimensions43mm x 8.3mm“The movement measures 43mm x 8.3mm”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The movement is an open face, stem wound / lever set”
Dealer Item CodeMA102 (AB-274765)“Code MA102 (AB-274765)”
Seller Period ClassificationEarly 20th Century“Period Early 20th Century”

Visible details

  • Engraved on bridge: 'A. Lincoln / ILLINOIS WATCH Co. / SPRINGFIELD'
  • Engraved details: 'ADJUSTED / 5 / POSITIONS', '21 JEWELS', 'DOUBLE ROLLER', and serial number '2002072'
  • Striped wave damascening pattern across nickel plates
  • Foliate engraved balance cock with F/S micrometer regulator scale
  • Visible screwed gold chatons and exposed train wheels

Research qualifications

  • Uncased movement sold without winding stem or warranty
  • Source reports the movement is unserviced, though ticking with good spring and balance
  • Source notes the associated dial has many cracks and hairlines (assessed at 50% condition)

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

Consulted source

16s 21J Illinois A Lincoln pocket watch movement c1908 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 8641b4c221

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

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