Help ID'ing old Illinois Autocrat

[plm61]

I have just come into possesion of a pocket watch that has been in the family for a long time. I know nothing about pocket watches, so I hope I'm providing enough information here.

Attached are two photos. The first shows the front (with the cracked and yellowing cap removed). It has John C. Hartmetz on it and some crest with writing that appears to be in German. The second shows that back.

Data:
Illinois Watch Co. "The Autocrat"
s/n 3957695
17 jewels

Inside rear case it says "Autocrat Model".

Any info on this watch, especially the date of manufacturer, would be great,

Regards,

Patrick

[Jim Carroll]

Patrick,
Your watch, The Autocrat is known as a 405 Grade made in 1921. The model is of medium quality as The Illinois Watch Co. made thousands between 1916 and 1927 the watches were factory cased.
I don’t think the name and logo were put on at the factory, possibly after the watch was sold.

Jim

[plm61]

Thanks so much for the info, Jim. This gives me the ability to determine that it belonged to my great uncle and not to my 2nd great grandfather.

I very much appreciate your help with this watch.

Regards,

Patrick

[Tom Huber]

I had a 12S South Bend that had the same crest embossed on the metal dial. Don't have it anymore, so can't show a pic of it. Mine was embossed on the dial after the fact.

Also, you mentioned a yellowed plastic crystal. It is recommended that you pop that old yellow crystal out now, and get it replaced with a modern plastic or a glass crystal. The old, original plastic from that era will turn yellow, and when the chemical reaction from the plastic deterioration occurs, they will bleed moisture out into the watch. I believe that the moisture created from your old crystal is what has caused the discoloration on the dial. Newer style plastic crystals will not breakdown and dicolor like the old ones. Plastic crystal replacement is generally easily done at most jewelry stores. Good fitting glass crystals are more difficult to find.

Tom