Illinois 1917 Trench Watch, Sterling Silver Hermetic Swing Lug, 17 Jewel

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$1,222.00

• Details
  1917 Illinois Trench Watch | 3/0 Size | Grade 24 | 17 Jewels | Sterling Silver Hermetic Swing Lug Case | Professionally Restored | RARE
  
  Ultra-Rare WWI-Era Military Watch | Only ~9,000 Made | Collector-Grade Example
  
  If you’re a vintage watch collector or a military timepiece enthusiast, you already know how hard it is to find a 1917 Illinois Trench Watch with this configuration.
  
  This piece is not only rare—it’s a true unicorn among early wristwatches:
  ✔️ 3/0 Size
  ✔️ 17 Jewel Grade 24 Movement
  ✔️ Sterling Silver Hermetic Case
  ✔️ Swing Lugs
  
  These elements very rarely appear together, and even more rarely in this fully restored, historically accurate condition. This is, without question, the finest and most original Illinois trench watch I have ever offered—and it took over a year of sourcing, restoration, and care to bring it to market.
  
  ⚙️ Fully Restored – Every Detail Considered
  
  I’ve spared no effort in returning this 108-year-old timepiece to its former glory. The restoration was undertaken with historical accuracy and premium components throughout.
  
  
  
  Restoration Includes:
  
  🔹 New Crystal Installed
  
  🔹 Military “Shadow Box” Dial Refinished. – Cleaned, restored, and hand-lumed with aged luminous material that is safe
  
  🔹 Original Hands Professionally Restored
  
  🔹 Sterling Silver Case Hand Polished – Carefully done to preserve detail
  
  🔹 Movement Overhauled & Professionally Serviced
  
  🔹 Custom Open-End Black Alligator Strap – Tailored for swing lug cases
  
  About the Movement
  
  This is a Grade 24, 17-jewel movement, which was a high-grade offering for the time, with a *nickel finish and classic ¾ plate design. It’s a beautiful and reliable mechanical engine that speaks to the excellence of Illinois craftsmanship in the early 20th century.
  
  Movement Details:
  
  Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Co. – Springfield, IL
  
  Serial Number: 3248115
  
  Year: 1917
  
  Jewels: 17
  
  Configuration: Openface
  
  Size: 3/0s
  
  Setting: Pendant
  
  Finish: Nickel with damaskeening
  
  Plate: ¾ Plate
  
  Total Grade 24 Production: ~9,180 Units
  
  Run Quantity for 1917: 1,000
  
  Nickel Finish Explained
  
  *Nickel movements are characterized by a silvery, often-polished finish on the movement plates and are usually adorned with decorative damaskeening patterns. Once nickel finishes became popular in the late 1800s, they often sold for a premium over gilt movements with the same mechanical specs.
  
  Why?
  Nickel was more durable than traditional gilded finishes and provided a superior surface for detailed machining and decorative techniques — giving movements a refined, higher-end aesthetic that remains popular with collectors today.
  
  This watch’s nickel-finished movement showcases that enduring craftsmanship and remains a visual and mechanical highlight of the piece.
  
  Rare Case Characteristics
  
  This isn’t your average trench watch case. It features:
  
  Solid Sterling Silver Case – Marked and tested
  
  Hermetic Design – Screw-on bezel and case back provide a sealed environment to protect the movement (uncommon for the period)
  
  Swing Lugs – Early WWI design innovation for wrist conformity and strap flexibility; extremely hard to find intact today
  
  Why This Watch Matters
  
  Most early wristwatches from WWI were conversions or poorly documented adaptations. This watch is not a frankenwatch or cobbled-together piece — it is a purpose-built trench watch with components and finishing consistent with original Illinois military offerings of the era.
  
  Very few survive in this condition, and fewer still with:
  
  3/0 movement
  
  Grade 24, 17-jewel nickel finish
  
  Sterling silver hermetic case
  
  Swing lugs
  
  Professional full restoration
  
  This is the kind of watch that belongs in a serious collection — whether you're focused on military timepieces, early American wristwatches, or the legacy of Illinois Watch Co.
  
  Condition & Presentation
  
  This watch is in stunning, collector-grade condition. Please use the photos as part of the description. Every component has been cleaned, restored, or professionally serviced with care to retain historical accuracy. For full transparency the exterior case back has some slight wear indicators, not usual after 108 years. I point this out for full disclosure.
  
  • Included With Purchase
  
  • Restored 1917 Illinois Trench Watch
  
  • Custom black alligator strap (open-end, swing-lug compatible)
  
  • Vintage watch care sheet
  
  • Complimentary leather travel case
  
  • Full listing description for your records
  
  
  Ships fully insured, professionally packaged
  
  From the Seller
  
  “I’ve waited over a year to bring this one to the table. No part of this watch was left untouched. It’s one of the rarest and most original Illinois trench watches I’ve had the honor of offering. I truly hope it finds a home with someone who appreciates its history and craftsmanship.”
• Shipping & Policies

  Shipping from United States

  Processing time

  3-5 business days

  Customs and import taxes

  Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

  Payment Options

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  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

  Returns & Exchanges

  I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

  Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

  Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

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Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

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