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Illinois Watch Co pocket watch

  • 24-02-2021 12:04am
    #1
    beherenow
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭


    Well folks,

    Any one know much about the history of this particular pocket watch from The Illinois Watch Co..?

    It’s a 15 jewel and early 1900’s I believe.. Was in the family and brought back from America in the 40’s..

    It doesn’t appear to be running..

    Don’t know much about these in general but would it be worth having a professional look at it with a view to see if it can be got to run again..?

    544775.jpg

    544774.jpg


Comments

  • #2
    Wibbs
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,065 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Judging by the serial it was made in 1915 and 15 jewel like you say. Not the very top railroad grade, but not too shabby either. The hairspring looks a bit fecked in the picture, but it could be the balance wheel pivot broken too, about the most common reason for old pre shock proof watches to break. I've no idea what it would be worth money wise, but if it has sentimental value it might be worth fixing?

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • #3
    Oink
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 2,150 Mod ✭✭✭✭Oink


    Wibbs wrote: »
    Judging by the serial it was made in 1915 and 15 jewel like you say. Not the very top railroad grade, but not too shabby either. The hairspring looks a bit fecked in the picture, but it could be the balance wheel pivot broken too, about the most common reason for old pre shock proof watches to break. I've no idea what it would be worth money wise, but if it has sentimental value it might be worth fixing?

    I know nothing about watches but I would certainly pay to fix this one. Even if it costs more than the watch itself. You can’t let a thing like that die if it can be helped! Especially if it’s called “1915 Illinois Watch Co.”!


  • #4
    Wibbs
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 60,065 Mod ✭✭✭✭Wibbs


    Oh I'd be the very same O. I hate seeing something like this end up stuck in the back of a drawer. Against that is it's been my experience with friends and relatives getting pocketwatches back up and running and often at some expense, they still end up in the back of a drawer anyway. Old wristwatches not nearly so much as they're still wearable. Very few men today would wear a pocketwatch.

    Rejoice in the awareness of feeling stupid, for that’s how you end up learning new things. If you’re not aware you’re stupid, you probably are.



  • #5
    Oink
    Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 2,150 Mod ✭✭✭✭Oink


    Wibbs wrote: »
    they still end up in the back of a drawer anyway.

    Urgh. Ain’t that the truth.

    I used to wear (a cheap) one in college, but the chain kept breaking from pulling on it like a brute so I gave up. I only like the ones with a lid. That satisfying feeling of pressing on the button to open it and then the click when you close it again...


  • #6
    beherenow
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭beherenow


    Thanks for the input,

    It's more for keepsake purposes as much as anything though any history etc is always a bonus.

    Would any general watch repair suffice or would it be more specialised?


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  • #7
    david
    Registered Users Posts: 3,684 ✭✭✭david


    Just seeing the Illinois Watch Co. branding reminded me of Vortic watches. They take heirloom/pocket watches and turn them into very unique looking wristwatches - not sure if I had seen it posted here or elsewhere. Nice alternative to the back of a drawer for something with big sentimental value.

    https://vorticwatches.com/pages/convert-your-watch


  • #8
    Trigger Happy
    Registered Users Posts: 6,064 ✭✭✭Trigger Happy


    david wrote: »
    Just seeing the Illinois Watch Co. branding reminded me of Vortic watches. They take heirloom/pocket watches and turn them into very unique looking wristwatches - not sure if I had seen it posted here or elsewhere. Nice alternative to the back of a drawer for something with big sentimental value.

    https://vorticwatches.com/pages/convert-your-watch

    They are called Marraige watches. There seems to be a bunch of Ukrainian lads making a living out of taking old pocket watch movements from big brands and putting them in wrist watch cases with new hands dial and then flogging them on ebay.
    I believe the big issue is that there is no shock proofing in those movements and so not suited to the rough and tumble of wrist wearing.

    An example:
    https://www.ebay.ie/itm/1896-IWC-International-Watch-Schaffhausen-Marriage-watch-16j-movement-Cal53H7/254873162693?hash=item3b579fd3c5:g:ZFUAAOSw87ZgL7kw


  • #9
    beherenow
    Registered Users Posts: 91 ✭✭beherenow


    Sorry for reviving an oldish thread but this is where the knowledge is...!


    Any recommendations for a professional repair for this pocket watch in Ireland..?



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