As an online auction was ending. Every watch that I was interested in was way over bid. Except for this fancy little size 12 Illinois Pocket Watch. The auctioneer auctioning these watches off doesn’t seem to know much about watches. In fact all listings are listed via the brand only, eg. Illinois Pocket Watch, Hamilton Wristwatch. None were listed with any pertinent information. Just a few fairly crude photographs of each, just good enough to get an idea of the condition and decipher a serial number.
So as this auction was ending my focus was no longer on any of the other watches. I did some quick research on the Illinois watch . I found that less than 1000 Size 12 Model 3’s in Grade 270 were manufactured, ever. Exclusively on the basis of rarity, I submitted a bid. Hoping no one else had taken the time to research it and apparently no one else did, because I secured the watch at my entering bid.
As for it’s condition, this watch is in very nice condition. It’s 14K white gold filled Philadelphia Case Co case is clean with sharp design details and no brassing. The dial itself is also very nice with minimal imperfections around the edges of the dial. The movement is very clean with a decent amount of original luster. Overall I would say that this scarce Illinois Grade 270 pocket watch is in fine condition!
Additionally this Illinois watch is running and is still very accurate. Which was a surprise, most watches I find in the wild need some level of work to bring them back to life. While on the topic of the movement. I want to mention the Geneve striped 3/4 plate movement. At 21 Jewels and Adjusted 3 positions this Model 3 Grade 270 is a very respectable and accurate time piece. Not railroad grade, but very accurate.
If you are interested in owning this scarce Illinois Model 3 Grade 270. Please go to my Ebay store here!
