Vintage Mens Wristwatch Illinois 1920 Customized Upper Movement Dial

One could argue that the word “RARE” gets tossed around a bit too easily, but I think this is one case where the moniker is well deserved. Offering this CUSTOMIZED UPPER MOVEMENT DIAL watch.

The timepiece features BLACK DIAL, STAINLESS STEEL CASE and high grade FULLY (17) JEWELS original pocket watch MECHANISM with STRAIGHT LINE DAMASKEENING, THREE FINGER BRIDGE, FOUR SCREWED in GOLD JEWEL SETTINGS, GOLD WHEELS, SWAN NECK MICROMETER REGULATOR & BLUE BREGUET BALANCE SPRING.

Indeed, this DROP-DEAD GORGEUS watch was made by WANDOLEC ART STUDIO with movement from the venerable Illinois Watch Company and exists in a SINGLE COPY. 

This beautiful a manual wind timepiece features a handsome BLACK enameled brass dial is in excellent condition. It is an example featuring a 60-minute outer track border, gold enameled Arabic numbering and gold steel Cathedral-style hands. The new dial has been professionally updated, and now is in excellent condition. Signed ILLINOIS below the 12 Also is decorated with GUILLOCHE and GOLD INLAY. 

It is a registered design model that features a three piece STAINLESS STEEL CASE that provides with glass cover of back lid. This watch was converted from pocket watch. The case, new custom made, fantastic, matched specially for this excellent ILLINOIS movement. The lugs are in great condition while the Pumpkin-Style winding crown is in very good shape and operates properly. The case has MINERAL glasses on the front and back side.

Under back lid reveals an inner dust cover lid. This was used to protect the mechanism from dust and debris and to provide an extra layer of protection from shock or moisture. What’s nice about this particular dust cover is how it’s decorated with GOLD INLAY on BLACK background. Was made in the same style with dial. 

This beautiful wristwatch has the pristine ORIGILAL movement is in an excellent status which was very well saved, considering age of this watch. Mechanism has been recently serviced to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping great, accurate time. The manual wind FULLY (17) JEWELS nickel finished high-grade mechanism has STRAIGHT LINE DAMASKEENING, THREE FINGER BRIDGE, FOUR SCREWED in GOLD JEWEL SETTINGS, GOLD WHEELS, SWAN NECK MICROMETER REGULATOR & BLUE BREGUET BALANCE SPRING.

The number of jewels used in watch movements increased over the last 150 years as jewelling grew less expensive and watches grew more accurate. The only bearings that really need to be jeweled in a watch are the ones in the going train - the gear train that transmits force from the mainspring barrel to the balance wheel - since only they are constantly under force from the mainspring. The wheels that turn the hands (the motion work) and the calendar wheels are not under load, while the ones that wind the mainspring (the keyless work) are used very seldom, so they do not wear significantly. Friction has the greatest effect in the wheels that move the fastest, so they benefit most from jewelling. So the first mechanism to be jeweled in watches was the balance wheel pivots, followed by the escapement. As more jeweled bearings were added, they were applied to slower moving wheels, and jewelling progressed up the going train toward the barrel. A 17 jewel watch has every bearing from the balance wheel to the mainspring barrel jeweled, so it was considered a 'fully jeweled' watch.

The movement is signed ILLINOIS WATCH Co – SPRINGFIELD – 17 JEWELS – ADJUSTED – DOUBLE POLLER. The movement serial number #3.749.716, dating the watch to 1920 as per company production records. The movement’s size – 12S and the caliber – #405. 

Because mechanism has been turn upside down, You can see the internal mechanics working as the balance wheel spins. They make an elegant statement on the wrist. Watch aficionados and laymen alike when they see a drop-dead gorgeous Upper movement dial watch recognize its beauty. 

It is fitted on a new 22mm black alligator style genuine leather strap with chromed steel buckle that is vintage style and goes great with this wonderful watch. 

Diameter (with crown):       53.00 mm
Diameter (without crown):  48.00 mm
Watch crystal diameter:      43.00 mm
Thickness:                          16.00 mm 

This cleaned, oiled and regulated antique watch winds and sets very smoothly while keeping very good, accurate time.

Because of the vintage nature of the watch I cannot guarantee its absolute time keeping accuracy even if they are in good running condition and in some rare occasions may require additional adjustment.

Supplied with Gift box, Certificate of Seller's Warranty and instructions for care and use of this watch.