Interesting Illinois movement

[Luca]

I've got an Illinois movement that I initially thought was a Frankenwatch due to the fact that the balance cock is gilt (brass?) and the rest of the movement and plates are nickel. When I took it apart I found that all the plate serial numbers match...including the balance cock. No. 3555537. It also has an odd barrel bridge that is cut differently than most - showing part of the barrel beneath. It also says on this bridge "Made Special by Illinois Watch Co Springfield". Is this a private label movement and have others run across this kind? From reading it would seem to otherwise be an average watch...16 size, 15 jewels, supposed to be a grade 59. No dial found as yet (came in big box of stuff).

Luca

[Luca]

I've got an Illinois movement that I initially thought was a Frankenwatch due to the fact that the balance cock is gilt (brass?) and the rest of the movement and plates are nickel. When I took it apart I found that all the plate serial numbers match...including the balance cock. No. 3555537. It also has an odd barrel bridge that is cut differently than most - showing part of the barrel beneath. It also says on this bridge "Made Special by Illinois Watch Co Springfield". Is this a private label movement and have others run across this kind? From reading it would seem to otherwise be an average watch...16 size, 15 jewels, supposed to be a grade 59. No dial found as yet (came in big box of stuff).

Luca

[Jerry Treiman]

Some grade 59s were used as vault timers and were marked like yours. If so, it would not have a typical dial. Take a look at THIS THREAD (http://nawcc-***-mb.infopop.cc/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5656047761/m/7961037671) and see if this is what you might have.

[Luca]

That's it exactly. Very interesting reading and you never know what you'll learn on these forums! Wish I had the rest of the contraption this goes with.

Luca