What makes the Springfield 539 unique: Today, we’re excited to showcase this remarkable piece initially produced by the Illinois Watch Company nearly a century ago — the Springfield 539. This gorgeous pocket watch features a tan, glimmering dial with black, stylish numerals, and a matching subdial. The face of this watch also proudly displays its original blued steel diamond kite watch hands. We matched the Illinois Watch Company’s antique pocket watch with our robust Machined Titanium case and a nickel-plated crown, emphasizing the piece’s sophisticated dial. Our Machined Titanium case features an open back, enabling watch enthusiasts to view its historic 405-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish and pendant setting. The movement also features a gilt engraving that reads “The Autocrat,” a fitting description for this elegant, one-of-a-kind piece. Finally, the back of the watch features gold-plated gears and 17 jewels throughout. We equipped this handsome watch with our comfortable, artisan-designed black leather watch strap, making the final product even more special.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured the Springfield 539’s pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1923 — the same year as the Honda Point disaster, the most devastating loss of U.S. Navy ships during peacetime. Due to heavy fog and a risky training exercise that was supposed to emulate wartime navigation, seven destroyers struck the Honda Point in Santa Barbara County, California, leading to 23 sailor casualties. In response to the tragedy, the Navy court-martialed eleven officers, including Captain Edward Howe Watson, who gave the order for the Navy ships to stay in close formation and not slow down as they approached the Honda Point.