📜 Description

Offered here is an antique Illinois Watch Co. Grade 185 pocket watch made around 1903, private-labeled for jeweler G.H. Churchill of Amsterdam, New York. The white double sunk dial is signed "G.H. Churchill, Amsterdam, N.Y." in script and has black Roman numerals with a red Arabic five-minute track. The watch is in a snap bezel case with a snap-on exhibition caseback, so the movement's 3-finger bridge layout and damaskeening are on display.

The 16 size, 17 jewel movement is adjusted to temperature and three positions. Serial 1684788 places it as the 288th movement in a 500-piece production run, run 16 of 70 for this grade/model.

⭐ Key Features

• Maker: Illinois Watch Co., Springfield, Illinois
• Private label: G.H. Churchill, Amsterdam, N.Y.
• Grade 185, Model 4, 16 size, 17 jewels
• Serial number 1684788, estimated production year 1903
• Movement #288 of a 500-piece production run (run 16 of 70; approximately 30,980 total made of this grade/model)
• Adjusted to temperature and 3 positions
• 3/4 bridge plate with 3-finger bridges, nickel finish with damaskeening
• Lever set, hunting movement with crown at 3 o'clock
• Double sunk white dial with Roman numerals and red five-minute markers
• Snap-on bezel and snap-on exhibition caseback
• Case rims bear a name in gothic lettering, possibly "MacMillan" (see close-up photo)

🔎 Condition Report

• Hour and minute hands are missing. The seconds hand is present.
• The movement runs for a few seconds when the balance wheel is gently nudged, which is a good sign for the balance, but it does not run continuously. A cleaning and service should be expected.
• The dial presents well overall. Please review photos closely for any hairlines or chips.
• The case shows wear consistent with age, including light scratches and surface marks.
• The crystal is present. See photos for condition.
• Sold as-is for repair, restoration, or parts.

🏛️ Heritage

The Illinois Watch Company was founded in Springfield, Illinois, in 1869. It became known for high-grade and railroad-quality movements before Hamilton acquired it in 1927. Around the turn of the century, Illinois produced many private-label movements and dials for local jewelers who sold watches under their own names. This piece is one of them, made for G.H. Churchill in Amsterdam, New York, a Mohawk Valley mill city. The Grade 185 was a solid mid-to-upper grade, adjusted to temperature and positions, and its 3-finger bridge layout makes it especially attractive behind an exhibition back.

🕵️‍♂️ Please Note

• This watch is sold as-is for repair. It is not tested for timekeeping and has not been serviced.
• The name on the case rims is our best reading. Please view the close-up photo and draw your own conclusion.
• Photos are part of the description. What you see is what you will receive.
• Please ask any questions before purchasing.
• Best Offers are welcome.