DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Serial #3, Stuart, 18S, 15J, gold-filled JAB&Co HC recase, "Springfield Watch Co" marked white enamel SS dial, KWKS, gilt mvt, s#3. A tremendous piece for the Illinois Watch Co. collector, we are pleased to offer this truly rare opportunity to own a low single digit serial number. The "Stuart" grade was Illinois' finest early product and was named for John T. Stuart who was one of the Illinois Watch Co.'s founding directors and its first president. The lowest serial numbered production of the Illinois Watch Co. was blocked in 100 watch runs of five different grades that were named for factory directors or department foremen, with the initial 100 serial numbers being of Stuart grade movements. The present example was formerly of the collection of the late Bill Meggers, author of the 1985 "Illinois Watch Co., Encyclopedia and Price Guide," and this watch is pictured on page 95 of this book.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, excellent cosmetic mvt condition overall, good gilt tone, some small scratches around case screw position, fine scratch toward right side of barrel bridge, mvt has been disassembled for inspection and has correctly matched serial number 3 to all plates, balance wheel is known to be a replacement as Bill Meggers acquired this watch in the early 1980s with all serial numbered components present with the exception of the balance wheel which was missing and watch was restored at that time with a balance wheel with scribed "3" digit added to the underside of its spar (arm); dial with some faint hls, two scratches within lower portion of seconds-register; excellent hands; case shows little wear, small nick on band at 12, good overall engraving and engine turning detail with reduction primarily at shoulders; tight bow, push shows light wear; good glass crystal.
ESTIMATE:
$10000
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$20000
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