My great-uncle passed away back in the early '70s from emphysema, when my great-aunt passed away in the '90s this was gifted to me. Engraved on the watch movement is 'FEDERAL ILLINOIS WATCH CO.' 'SPRINGFIELD' '21 JEWELS'. According to the serial number it was made in 1922, you can see that he had his initials engraved in a space provided on the back. I don't how accurately it keeps time, however I do know that it still runs. I've thought about taking it to a watch shop and having it cleaned, but, you know, I don't really mind it having a little lint under the crystal, either. Collectors aren't valuing these timepieces very high, for me, however it is priceless. Just thought I'd share it with the forum.

I just want to add that it occurred to me that I could remove the bezel in the same way that the back comes off (duh), so I did so and was able to clean the speckles of lint from the crystal and I gave the face of the watch a gentle cleaning,too.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: clubleaf206,

Beautiful. I recently passed on my grandfather's Illinois to my oldest son. GF was a railroad man and they valued their pocket watches maybe more highly than the average joe.

I should have taken pictures before I sent it to him.

RMD