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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement record · United States

Illinois Sangamo Special

Partially verified

High-grade bridge railroad movement

Technical specifications

Diameter
16 size
Height
Not recorded in the sources consulted
Jewels
21 to 23 depending on grade
Frequency
18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve
Approx. 40 hours
Winding
Stem wind
Setting
Lever set
Escapement
Swiss lever
Balance
Compensation balance with micrometric regulation
Complications
Subsidiary seconds

Identification features

  • Grade name engraved on the movement
  • Elaborate damascening and gold jewel settings on higher grades

Known variants

  • Sangamo
  • Sangamo Special
  • Bunn Special relations

Servicing notes

Cleaning, lubrication, mainspring and pivot work belong with a qualified watchmaker working from calibre-specific documentation. Conserve original parts: replacing a worn component with a modern substitute changes the object, and refinishing plates or dials destroys evidence.

General guidance only. Antique movements should be serviced by a qualified watchmaker.

Historical significance

Among the most highly finished American railroad grades, and a benchmark for late American factory precision work.

Photographs

Vintage Illinois Watch Company, Springfield Illinois, Gold-Filled Pocket Watch, Bunn Special, 21 Jewels, B&B Royal 20-Year Case, A. Lincoln Grade Movement (9174547388)
Vintage Illinois Watch Company, Springfield Illinois, Gold-Filled Pocket Watch, Bunn Special, 21 Jewels, B&B Royal 20-Year Case, A. Lincoln Grade Movement (9174547388) — Joe Haupt from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons file page
Vintage Illinois Springfield Watch Company Open Face Pocket Watch, Key Wind & Set, 9 Jewels, Size 18s, Grade - Hoyt, Baystate Imperial Coin Silver Case, Circa 1874 (14788963233)
Vintage Illinois Springfield Watch Company Open Face Pocket Watch, Key Wind & Set, 9 Jewels, Size 18s, Grade - Hoyt, Baystate Imperial Coin Silver Case, Circa 1874 (14788963233) — Joe Haupt from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons file page
Vintage Illinois Springfield Watch Company Open Face Pocket Watch, Key Wind & Set, 9 Jewels, Size 18s, Grade - Hoyt, Baystate Imperial Coin Silver Case, Circa 1874 (14769107055)
Vintage Illinois Springfield Watch Company Open Face Pocket Watch, Key Wind & Set, 9 Jewels, Size 18s, Grade - Hoyt, Baystate Imperial Coin Silver Case, Circa 1874 (14769107055) — Joe Haupt from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0. Wikimedia Commons file page

Photographs are illustrative examples of the type, not necessarily the exact object described. Verify details against the source file page.

Sources & references

  1. de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
  2. Period trade material catalogues and calibre reference compilations (edition-dependent)
  3. Published manufacturer technical documentation where available

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.