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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Illinois Watch Co. Grade 405 openface pocket watch

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch is attributed by the source to the Illinois Watch Co. and dated to 1926. It features a size 12s, 17-jewel manual-wind movement designated as Grade 405, Model 3, marked with serial number 4793609, double roller, and adjustments for temperature and three positions. The 43.7 mm white gold-filled case bears S.W.C.Co. markings and serial number 5969189. Visually, the piece presents an engraved patterned bezel and decorative bow, framing a silver-tone textured dial with Arabic numerals, an outer railroad minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position.

Front view of the Illinois openface pocket watch displaying the dial, blued hands, and engraved case
Front view of the Illinois openface pocket watch displaying the dial, blued hands, and engraved case — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co.
Reference
Grade 405, Model 3
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-4901
Source-reported date
1926
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
4793609

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 External Construction

The watch is housed in an open-face, 14K white gold-filled case measuring 43.7 mm in diameter. The exterior is described as featuring an engraved design.

Internal case back markings are reported by the source as 'S.W.C.Co. 14K Gold Filled 25 Years 5969189'. Visual confirmation of these specific markings is not provided in the source photography.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in a 43.7mm round case, all in 14K white gold filled.”
  • “This pocket watch is finished with an elegant, engraved design.”
  • “S.W.C.Co. 14K Gold Filled 25 Years 5969189”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a silver-tone dial with Arabic numerals and an outer railroad-style minute track. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, with numerals marking 10-second intervals.

The handset consists of blued steel hands. The dial is signed 'ILLINOIS'.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original silver-tone dial showcases bold Arabic numerals, a black railroad minute track, and matching blue steel hands.”
  • “The sub-second dial, located at 6 o’clock, has Arabic numerals marking every 10 seconds.”
  • “The dial is beautifully adorned and signed with the Illinois name/logo.”

Movement Specifications

The movement is identified as an Illinois Watch Co. Grade 405, Model 3, 12s, 17-jewel manual-wind caliber. It is reported to be adjusted for 3 positions and temperature, and features a double roller.

The movement is listed with serial number 4793609. The internal movement markings and the condition of the mechanism are as reported by the seller and not directly observable.

Evidence for this section
  • “original Illinois Watch Co. mechanical movement grade 405, including 17 jewels, model 3, 12s”
  • “adjusted 3 positions and temperature”
  • “4793609”
  • “Illinois Watch Co. Springfield Adjusted 17 Jewels Double Roller”

Open research questions

  • Does the 'S.W.C.Co.' marking correspond to a specific case manufacturer contracted by Illinois Watch Co. in 1926?
  • Can the serial number 4793609 be cross-referenced with production logs to verify the 1926 dating?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Co. Grade 405 openface pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeGrade 405“original Illinois Watch Co. mechanical movement grade 405”
Jewel Count17 Jewels“including 17 jewels”
Movement Serial Number4793609“4793609”
Case Serial Number5969189“5969189”
Case Material14K White Gold Filled“14K white gold filled”
Estimated Dating1926“vintage Illinois pocket watch from 1926”
Case Thickness11.7 mm“Case Thickness 11.7”

Visible details

  • Textured silver-tone dial exhibiting mottled patina across the surface
  • Engraved scroll and floral motifs along the bezel, pendant, and bow
  • Blued steel openwork hour hand, slender minute hand, and sub-seconds hand
  • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock marked at 10-second intervals
  • Dial signed 'ILLINOIS' below the 12 o'clock marker

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and inner case back markings are reported by the source seller and not directly visible in the image
  • Display stand visible in the photograph is excluded from the catalogued object

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

Consulted source

1926 ILLINOIS Pocket Watch Openface 12s 17 Jewels Grade 405 Adjusted 1 – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 170b51ebe4

Terms in this record

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

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