1887 Illinois Railroader Pocket Watch 18s Openface Grade 4 11 Jewels 14K Gold Filled

Watch Overview

This Illinois “Railroader” pocket watch from 1887 is an early example of American watchmaking from the late 19th century. It features a 14K yellow gold-filled open-face case with engraved details and a traditional round profile consistent with the era.

The watch is powered by the Illinois Railroader Grade 4 manual-winding movement, an 11-jewel caliber, size 18s from a limited run of 1,000 pieces, with a total production of 2,000 for the grade and model combined. It includes a lever-set mechanism, small-seconds display. The movement has been inspected by our watchmaker and confirmed to run accurately.

The white enamel dial shows light aging, with large Roman numerals, an inner 24-hour track, a “Railroad” minute track, heat-blued steel hands, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock. The layout remains clean, bold, and easy to read.

Housed in a 54.6 mm case with an engraved bezel and screw 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: Railroader
• Year / Era: 1887 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: White
• Features: Roman numerals. Sub-second. "Railroad" minute track. 24-hours dial

Movement

• Type: Manual-winding
• Jewels: 11
• Caliber: Railroader Grade 4
• Some Features:
  • Small-second hand
  • Model 3
  • Grade 4
  • Run quantity 1,000
  • Grade/Model total production 2,000
  • Size 18s
  • Lever-set
  • Movement SN 701770

Case & Band

• Material: 14K Yellow Gold Filled
• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Engraved
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Pull-Push
• Band: -
• Water Resistance: -
• Case Back Markings: Keystone Watch Case Guaranteed J. Boss 14K 25 Years. 5052515
• Closure: Open face
• Other Info: Beautifully engraved case and movement

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 54.6
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 66.5
• Case Thickness: 17.6

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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