The Only Working Example In Existence? Full Restoration Of An Illinois Grade 39

Описание: A 0s, 17 jewel, Illinois grade 39. Without a doubt, this is one of the rarest watches I've had the pleasure of working on. The grade 39, specifically the 17 jewel model 2 variant, has an estimated total production of ~770. These were made in the early 1900's-1910's, so it's hard to say for sure how many have survived intact.

This would've originally been a ladies pocket watch, but at some point it was converted and fitted into a wrist watch case. Unsurprisingly there was a cracked jewel (whch is why pocket watches in wrist watch cases are generally a bad idea).

I've been on the hunt for parts for a little over 3 years now, and I've only seen a barrel bridge come up for sale in that time. As of today, I seem to be the only person who has documented this grade online, so I'm excited to be able to share a watch that almost nobody has seen!

Illinois Grade 39, 17 jewel model 2

Parts repaired, replaced:
Case sleeve (broken, replaced)
Balance wheel (poised)
Balance mean-time screws (broken, replaced)
2nd wheels bridge jewel (cracked, replaced)

Lubricants used:
9010 - Balance, escape wheel, 4th wheel
9415 - Pallet stones
1300 - 3rd wheel, center wheel, barrel arbor, intermediate wheels
8200 - Mainspring
9504 - Keyless works, canon pinion

Main Camera : Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

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