Illinois Grade 69

The Grade 69 was introduced with the Grade 59 in May 1905 [The Keystone, May 1905].

The Grade 69 was offered as a mid-range watch movement starting in 1905. As a result, this grade was one of the most popular movements sold by the company, with an estimated total production around 140,000.

This grade was produced in both hunting (Model 5) and open face (Model 6) variations, conforming to the standard 18-Size diameter. The Model 6 variation accounts for the majority of production relative to the Model 5. With a few exceptions, the movement featured a horizontal striped damaskeening pattern with black inlay. The micrometric regulator was a premium feature, but the grade was not factory-adjusted.

Researchers Meggers and Ehrhardt designate the Grade 69 as being factory-adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and position. However, factory grade descriptions do not support this grade as being adjusted, and movements that are properly classified as Grade 69 are not marked "Adjusted."

Based on proximity of runs and a few examples of unbalanced split runs, the Grade 69 was very similar to the Grade 61, and these two grades may have been mixed or interchanged during finishing. This results in some movements possibly being misclassified in factory records and the database. For example, #1604976 is from a run designated in factory records as Grade 61, but it is more consistent with production typical of the Grade 69 movement.

Production of the Grade 69 was finally terminated around 1919.

Various private labels were produced using the Grade 69 movement, including the "Liberty Bell" by the Washington Watch Co. (Montgomery Ward & Co.).