Are Illinois Pocket Watches Worth Any Money Nowadays?

Illinois pocket watches, produced by the Illinois Watch Company between the 1870s and 1927, are highly regarded for their craftsmanship, innovation, and ornate design. These American-made timepieces were once used by railroad workers and businessmen alike, and today, they remain prized collectibles. Is there a market for Illinois pocket watches? One aspect of Illinois watch collecting that many people are unaware of is the potential monetary value of certain models. The market for Illinois pocket watches is particularly strong for high-grade railroad-approved models, watches with solid gold cases, and those with rare or intricate dials. After Hamilton acquired the company in 1927, production shifted, making pre-acquisition pieces more desirable to collectors.

The Market For Illinois Pocket Watches

The market for Illinois pocket watches is steady, with buyers ranging from antique dealers and horology experts to vintage enthusiasts and descendants of original owners. Watches in "Mint Condition" with original movement, dial, and case fetch premium prices. Railroad-approved models and those from the Bunn Special line are especially valuable. Most buying and selling happens through vintage watch forums, eBay, auctions, and estate sales.

Factors Affecting Price

Movement quality plays a major role. Watches with 21–23 jewels, such as the Bunn Special or Sangamo Special, are the most valuable. Condition is crucial—original dials without hairlines, clean cases, and running movements significantly increase value. Case material also affects pricing, with solid gold or high-grade gold-filled cases commanding more. Dial style can further enhance value, particularly if it includes fancy or colored designs, or marked “Illinois Watch Co.” in script.

Buying and Selling Illinois Pocket Watches

For those interested in buying and selling Illinois pocket watches, identifying the watch's grade and production year using the movement serial number is essential. Buyers should look for clean, working watches with original parts, and sellers should provide high-quality photos of the dial, movement, and inside of the case. Watches with boxes or provenance increase appeal. Online watch communities, estate auctions, and antique dealers are ideal places for transactions.

Who Buys Illinois Pocket Watches Today?

Collectors, horologists, and fans of American watchmaking continue to buy Illinois pocket watches. High-grade railroad models are popular among serious collectors, while casual buyers seek affordable vintage pieces for their design and history. Interest remains strong in Illinois due to their ornate aesthetics and technical precision, particularly among collectors of pre-Hamilton era watches. Not all Illinois pocket watches have monetary value, but some remain highly sought after—especially rare movement grades, solid gold cased models, and railroad-certified timepieces.

Top 5 Illinois Pocket Watches to Hunt For

1. Bunn Special 21 or 23 Jewel (Railroad Grade) – A flagship model for railroad use, valued at $700–$1,500.


2. Sangamo Special 23 Jewel – High-end railroad model with superior finishing, valued at $1,000–$2,000.


3. Illinois Model 9 Grade 706 (Motor Barrel) – Rare and highly engineered movement, valued at $500+.


4. Illinois Spider Web 16 Grade 306 19 Jewel – Valued from $500+, due to its ornate case.


5. Illinois Getty Model Pocket Watches – Valued at $700–$900 depending on condition, with Solid Gold Pieces in the $2,500-$3,500 range.

Learn More About The Value of Your Illinois Pocket Watch

iGuide’s appraisal service is a good way to discover the value of your Illinois pocket watch. Learn more.