1927 Illinois Marquis Autocrat Dress Pocket Watch Openface 12s Grade 522 17 Jewels Adj. 3 Pos.

Watch Overview

This Illinois “Marquis Autocrat” pocket watch from 1927 is a well-preserved example of American watchmaking from the late 1920s. It features a 14K white gold-filled open-face case with engraved details and a square profile typical of the era.

The watch is powered by the Illinois Grade 522 manual-winding movement, a 17-jewel caliber from a limited production run of 1,000 pieces. It includes a small-seconds display and three adjustments. The mechanism has been inspected and confirmed to run reliably.

The white dial shows light age and patina, with gold-tone Roman numerals, a matching minute track, gold hands, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock that also uses Roman numerals. The layout is clean and easy to read.

Housed in a 44 mm case with an engraved bezel and snap back, this pocket watch retains its original design and remains in good vintage condition with normal wear for its age. Fully authenticated and ready to enjoy or add to a collection.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Illinois
• Type: Pocket Watch
• Model: The Marquis Autocrat
• Year / Era: 1927 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: White
• Features: Roman numerals. Sub-second. Minute track

Movement

• Type: Manual-winding
• Jewels: 17
• Caliber: Marquis Autocrat Grade 522
• Some Features:
  • Small-second hand
  • Model 3XT
  • Grade 522
  • Run quantity 1,000
  • Grade/Model total production 1,000
  • Size 12s
  • Adjusted 3 Positions
  • Movement SN 4922048

Case & Band

• Material: 14K White Gold Filled
• Case Shape: Square
• Bezel: Engraved
• Back: Snap
• Crown: Pull-Push
• Band: -
• Water Resistance: -
• Case Back Markings: Wadsworth Quality 14 KARAT Gold Filled 8029328
• Closure: Open face
• Other Info: Beautifully engraved case

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 44
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 47.2
• Case Thickness: 7.7

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The pocket watch is in good condition, some signs of wear consistent with its age and use, a solid case, bezel and dial. The pocket watch holder is not included in the purchase.
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear and enjoy.

History & Legacy of Illinois Watch Co.

The Illinois Watch Company was one of the premier American watch manufactures. It was founded on December 23, 1870, in Springfield, Illinois by John C. Adams, John Whitfield Bun, and various additional financiers. Twenty years later, Jacob Bunn, Jr. took over and ran the company until his death in 1926.

"Today, these watches are prized by collectors and designers for their look and reliability. Engineered during a time when the automobile still sported wooden spokes, this futuristic wrist-machine is glorious."

Illinois Watch Company was not behind to see the good reception that wristwatches received during WWI and felt the time has come for expanded wristwatch manufacturing. Without a doubt, the company maintained an obsession for every detail, producing

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

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