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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Illinois Watch Co. Grade 187 pocket watch movement no. 1569915

Partially verified

This pocket watch movement was produced by the Illinois Watch Company under Grade 187, Model 4, bearing serial number 1569915 and dated to circa 1901. It is configured in the 16-size Getty style with a single visible winding wheel and three parallel finger bridges supporting the wheel train. The nickel-finished movement plates feature sunburst-pattern damaskeening. Visible markings include 'Adjusted' inside an engraved banner, 'TEMPERATURE / 6 POSITIONS / ISOCHRONISM', and '17 Ruby Jewels' along the outer rim. The movement features a balance with timing screws, an engraved balance cock, and a micrometer regulator mechanism.

Top-plate view of Illinois Grade 187 movement serial number 1569915 showing damaskeening, wheel train bridges, and markings
Top-plate view of Illinois Grade 187 movement serial number 1569915 showing damaskeening, wheel train bridges, and markings — Pocket Watch Database Blog. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
blog.pocketwatchdatabase.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co.
Reference
Grade 187, Model 4
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
ca. 1901
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
1569915

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

Identity and Classification

Movement serial number 1569915 is documented as an Illinois Watch Co. Grade 187, Model 4 hunting movement dating to circa 1901. Earlier factory tables published in reference guides recorded this production run as single-roller mechanisms marked simply 'Adjusted'. However, research identifies this movement as part of an amended mixed run of 200 Model 4 movements ranging from serial numbers 1569801 to 1570000.

Instead of bearing only the standard minimal adjustment marking, movement 1569915 is classified under Line 1b of the amended data as an example bearing specific inscriptions indicating adjustment to six positions.

Evidence for this section
  • “Serial Numbers:  1569909, 1569915 (Figures 4 – 5), ca: 1901, adjusted 6 Positions”
  • “Line 1b – Recent research has revealed that this is actually a mixed run of 200 Model 4 movements (1901) from serial number 1569801 to 1570000 that instead of being single roller, six position movements, marked “Adjusted” are actually: single roller, 6 position movements marked “Adjusted 6 Positions” (refer to Figures 4 & 5)”

Visible Movement Construction and Finishes

The movement is built in the 16-size Getty design configuration, identified by a single visible winding wheel and three distinct parallel finger-style bridges supporting the wheel train. The nickel-finished plates are decorated with a sunburst damaskeening pattern, accompanied by an engraved balance cock, a balance wheel fitted with timing screws, and a micrometer regulator mechanism.

Direct visual inspection reveals serial number 1569915 engraved along the outer plate perimeter, alongside the inscription '17 Ruby Jewels'. The barrel bridge is engraved with 'ADJUSTED' framed within an arched banner above 'TEMPERATURE / 6 POSITIONS / ISOCHRONISM'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The grade 187 was a high quality “Getty” design movement”
  • “Three distinct parallel finger-style bridges support the wheel train above the single visible winding wheel.”
  • “Serial number 1569915 is engraved along the outer edge of the movement plate.”
  • “The barrel bridge is marked 'ADJUSTED' in an arched banner above 'TEMPERATURE / 6 POSITIONS / ISOCHRONISM'.”
  • “Outer plate perimeter is engraved '17 Ruby Jewels'.”

Escapement and Archival Classification Context

Archival listings in the 'Illinois Watch Co Encyclopedia and Price Guide' and the 'Illinois Database' originally classified movements in this serial range as single-roller escapements marked only 'Adjusted'. Photographic evidence for movement 1569915 demonstrates an expanded marking reading 'Adjusted Temperature 6 Positions Isochronism'.

The source classifies this movement as retaining a single roller escapement. However, internal roller table components beneath the balance assembly are not directly observable in the top-plate view and rely on the source's cataloguing and production run analysis.

Evidence for this section
  • “The “Illinois Watch Co Encyclopedia and Price Guide” as well as the “Illinois Database” clearly identify these two movements as having a single roller escapement, adjusted to 6 positions, and simply marked “Adjusted”.  However, they are clearly marked “Adjusted to 6 positions”.”
  • “Marked “Adjusted Temperature 6 Positions Isochronism””

Open research questions

  • Does physical disassembly and examination of the roller table on movement 1569915 confirm a single roller escapement rather than a later conversion?
  • Is the pillar plate beneath the dial or balance wheel marked with the grade number '187' or the factory signature 'Illinois Watch Co.'?
  • Are the wheel train gears gold alloy with rounded spokes as described in factory catalog specifications for Grade 187?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Co. Grade 187 pocket watch movement no. 1569915
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIllinois Watch Co.“Illinois Watch Co; Springfield, IL, produced the 16s, 17j, grade 187.”
Dateca. 1901“ca: 1901, adjusted 6 Positions”
MarkingsAdjusted Temperature 6 Positions Isochronism“Marked “Adjusted Temperature 6 Positions Isochronism””
Jewel count17 jewels“16s, 17j, grade 187”
Design architectureGetty design (single visible winding wheel)“The grade 187 was a high quality “Getty” design movement”
Escapement typeSingle roller (source-reported)“single roller, 6 position movements marked “Adjusted 6 Positions” (refer to Figures 4 & 5)”
Damaskeening patternSunburst pattern“The “sunburst pattern” damaskeening seen on grade 187 movements is exceptionally striking.”

Visible details

  • Serial number 1569915 is engraved along the outer edge of the movement plate.
  • The barrel bridge is marked 'ADJUSTED' in an arched banner above 'TEMPERATURE / 6 POSITIONS / ISOCHRONISM'.
  • Outer plate perimeter is engraved '17 Ruby Jewels'.
  • Three distinct parallel finger-style bridges support the wheel train above the single visible winding wheel.

Research qualifications

  • The movement is shown uncased without an accompanying dial, hands, or case.
  • Specific image photographer credit is not individually cited for Figure 5.

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

Consulted source

Illinois 16s, 17j, Grade 187: Single and Double Roller, Adjusted to Temperature, Isochronism, and 5 or 6 Positions - Pocket Watch Database Blog

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1618ca02b0

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