ANTIQUE COLLECTION _ The Illinois Watch Company's Grade 405 pocket watch from 1922

ailroad Standard: The Grade 405 was built to meet the strict accuracy and durability standards required for railroad service during its era. A malfunctioning watch could cause a train accident, so these were precision instruments.

High Quality Movement:

21 Jewels: This indicates a high-quality, well-protected movement designed for longevity and accuracy.

Adjusted: Crucially, it was adjusted to five positions (and likely temperature), meaning it was calibrated to keep accurate time in different orientations and temperatures – essential for a railroad watch.

Lever-Set: To prevent accidental time changes, railroad watches required pulling out a small lever (near the 1 or 2 o'clock position under the bezel) to set the time. This is a key identifier of a true railroad watch.

16 Size: The standard size for American railroad pocket watches.

Illinois Reputation: Illinois was one of the premier American watch manufacturers, known for high-quality movements, especially their railroad grades. Their movements are highly collectible today.

Rarity (Relative): While Illinois produced many watches, specific high-grade models like the 405 in excellent condition are less common. Production estimates for the Grade 405 are around 3,000 units total (across its production run).

1922 Vintage: Placing it firmly in the heyday of American pocket watch manufacturing and railroad expansion. Watches from this era represent peak craftsmanship before the Great Depression and the rise of wristwatches.

KSS