Pocket Watch Database

Illinois Miller

Grade Miller is a 15j Hunting watch maufacturered by Illinois. The size 18s, Model 1 movement features a gilt finish and is adjustedtemperature. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade.

Miller Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishGilt
  • Model1 or 2 or 3
  • SettingKey
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes
  • Railroad Grade ClassClass C

Miller Production Info

  • Total Production21,300
  • Number of Runs64
  • Production Years1872-1889
  • First Serial301
  • Last Serial330,000
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run50
  • Most Common Run100

Research Notes

Early "Miller" movements are marked "Currier's Patent" instead of "Patent Pinion." This transition occurred within the run starting at serial number 6,001. The "Miller" was available as an adjusted and unadjusted movement. Around 1875, adjusted movements began to be marked "Adjusted" on the balance cock. Adjusted movements were approximately $3.00 more than the unadjusted movements. While nearly the entire production of "Miller" movements is fitted with a plain regulator, in late 1882, as the Miller movements were nearing discontinuation, Chalmer's patent regulator was added.

The signing style on the movements also changed during production. Earlier movements feature a formal script style for both "Miller" and "Springfield, Ill." In 1880, the "Miller" signing was updated to a Blackletter style while the "Springfield, Ill." script was retained. At the same time this change occurred, the key guard was upgraded from brass to nickel.

The "Miller" grade was produced in three models - 1, 2, and 3. The first and second models feature 15 Jewels while the third model features 17 Jewels as a result of extra jeweling on the 5th pinion.

1878CYC,1880GHR: Offered either Adjusted or Unadjusted.
1882SFM,1884OY,1887SFM,1887BHIA,1883GHR: Only offered adjusted