Pocket Watch Database

Illinois Grade 51

Grade 51 is a 15j Openface watch maufacturered by Illinois. The size 18s, movement features a nickel finish.

Grade 51 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model2 or 6 or 5
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedNo
  • Railroad GradeNo

Grade 51 Production Info

  • Total Production35,855
  • Number of Runs189
  • Production Years1895-1903
  • First Serial1,263,301
  • Last Serial1,672,800
  • Largest Run1,000
  • Smallest Run5
  • Most Common Run200

Research Notes

1896 ACB:
"Half nickel, 15 jewels (4 pairs in settings), compensation balance, patent regulator, Breguet hair spring. $12.50."

Meggers/Ehrhardt list omits the jewel count from several runs. These have been filled in with "15 Jewels" in the database to be consistent with catalog descriptions.

The Grade 51 was produced as an unadjusted nickel movement in three district 18-Size Models: 2, 5, and 6. Each movement features 15 jewels in settings with a patent regulator.

Meggers/Ehrhardt also claim the Grade 51 was adjusted to temperature, positions, and isochronism. However, catalog descriptions do not support this claim and it was likely derived from misclassified runs.