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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Illinois Watch Co. Grade 184 16s 17j open face pocket watch

Partially verified

This antique open-face pocket watch by Illinois Watch Co. is housed in a 16-size gold-filled case, measuring a total mass of 84.4 grams. According to auction specifications, it contains a 17-jewel Grade 184 movement bearing serial number 1706787, paired with case serial number 6438618. The off-white dial displays black Roman numerals, red outer five-minute numerals, black hands, and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dial exhibits visible hairline cracks and surface flaking, and the auction house notes that the mechanism appears inoperable.

Dial and case front of the Illinois Watch Co. Grade 184 open face pocket watch
Dial and case front of the Illinois Watch Co. Grade 184 open face pocket watch — Mynt Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co.
Reference
Grade 184
Catalogue / lot identifier
0488G
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
1706787

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

Dial Design and Physical Condition

The open-face pocket watch features an off-white dial with a 12-hour display, black Roman numerals, black hands, and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial. Close observation shows cursive script reading 'Illinois Watch Co.' beneath the upper track, red outer five-minute numerals along the perimeter, and 10-second increment markings on the seconds dial.

Significant surface degradation is present across the dial face. Circular cracking and flaking are visible across the inner track, matching the listing's note that the 'dial has several cracks and surface damage.'

Evidence for this section
  • “Off-white dial with black Roman numerals, black hands, and dedicated second dial”
  • “Substantial circular flaking and cracking visible across the inner dial track.”
  • “dial has several cracks and surface damage”

Case Specifications and Decoration

The timepiece is housed in a 16-size case listed under 'Case Material: Gold Filled' and alternately 'Material: Gold Plated'. Visual observation notes a gold-toned case with a fluted winding crown, bow, and textured coin-edge bezel rim oriented near 3 o'clock in the photograph.

According to the auction listing, the case features an 'intricate hand-etched design' and carries case serial number 6438618 with a total mass of 84.4 grams. The case interior and case back are not depicted in the source imagery, leaving internal case stamps and exterior pattern details unrecorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Material: Gold Filled”
  • “Material: Gold Plated”
  • “The case features an intricate hand-etched design.”
  • “Gold-toned case with a fluted winding crown, bow, and textured coin-edge bezel rim at 3 o'clock.”

Reported Movement and Operating Status

Movement specifications are reported by the seller rather than directly observed, as the movement is not photographed. The catalog identifies the caliber as an Illinois Watch Co. Grade 184, 17-jewel movement bearing serial number 1706787.

The auction description notes that the 'mechanism appears to not be working; sold as-is.' No further mechanical evaluation or explanation of operational issues is provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grade: 184”
  • “Jewels: 17 Jewels”
  • “Movement Serial Number: 1706787”
  • “mechanism appears to not be working; sold as-is”

Open research questions

  • What specific markings, trademarks, or metal purity hallmarks are stamped on the interior of case serial number 6438618?
  • What visual pattern or subject is depicted in the hand-etched design reported on the case?
  • What specific mechanical condition or defect prevents Grade 184 movement serial number 1706787 from operating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Co. Grade 184 16s 17j open face pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
BrandIllinois Watch Co.“Brand: Illinois Watch Co.”
Grade184“Grade: 184”
Jewels17 Jewels“Jewels: 17 Jewels”
Size16S“Size: 16S”
Movement Serial Number1706787“Movement Serial Number: 1706787”
Case Serial Number6438618“Case Serial Number: 6438618”
Case MaterialGold Filled“Case Material: Gold Filled”
Total Mass84.4 grams“Total Mass: 84.4 grams”
Case DecorationHand-etched design“The case features an intricate hand-etched design.”
Alternate Material StatedGold Plated“Material: Gold Plated”

Visible details

  • Off-white dial inscribed 'Illinois Watch Co.' in cursive script beneath the upper track.
  • Black Roman numeral hour markers complemented by red five-minute numerals along the outer perimeter.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic numerals in 10-second increments.
  • Substantial circular flaking and cracking visible across the inner dial track.
  • Gold-toned case with a fluted winding crown, bow, and textured coin-edge bezel rim at 3 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and inside case back are not depicted in the provided photograph; movement specifications and serial numbers are source-reported.
  • Auction description states that the mechanism appears to not be working and is sold as-is.

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

Consulted source

Illinois Grade 184 16s 17j Open Face Pocket Watch Gold Filled - Oct 6, 2026 | Mynt Auctions In Ny

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record eb15fb0f7c

Terms in this record

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

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