Pocket Watch Database

Illinois Grade 65

Grade 65 is a 15j Openface watch maufacturered by Illinois. The size 18s, Model 6 movement features a nickel finish and is adjusted to isochronism and temperature. Illinois introduced this particular grade to the market Spring 1887. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.

Grade 65 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 65 Production Info

  • Total Production17,630
  • Number of Runs174
  • IntroducedSpring 1887
  • Production Years1883-1918
  • First Serial300,701
  • Last Serial3,392,880
  • Largest Run400
  • Smallest Run10
  • Most Common Run100

Research Notes

Most early and open face Grade 65 production would be considered railroad grade. Some later and hunting movements would not have qualified on many railroads.

The May 1887 issue of The Keystone reports this grade was new to the market:
"...No. 65, made in stem-wind only, is a nickel movement, adjusted with double sunk dial, patent regulator, having fifteen jewels, with four pairs in settings."

The Grade 65 Extra ("65-E") was described in the 1899 A.C. Becken catalog as "damaskeened in gold with gold lettering and gilded trim," and the standard Grade 65 movements were described as nickel damaskeened instead of implied two-tone. However, based on surviving examples, it appears that the standard Grade 65 also featured a two-tone pattern with gilt trim after c.1892 and until the "Extra" was introduced c.1897. After the new grade designation, the standard Grade 65 movements featured a nickel finish while the Grade 65 Extra featured the two-tone finish that once adorned the No. 65 movements.

So, early and late Grade 65 movements feature a nickel damaskeeded finish while the middle production era (c.1892-1897) features a two-tone pattern similar to the Grade 65 Extra.

1887LAM: 15 Jewels
1896ACB: 17 Jewels
1899ACB: 17 Jewels