Best Estate Services
Timed Auction

Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones

Sat, Nov 8, 2025 06:00PM EST - Sun, Nov 23, 2025 03:00PM EST
  2025-11-08 18:00:00 2025-11-23 15:00:00 America/New_York Best Estate Services Best Estate Services : Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones https://auction.bestestateservices.com/auctions/best-estate-services/pocket-watches-jewelry-jewelry-grade-gemstones-20983
$1.00 Starting Bids NO RESERVES! Opens Nov 8, staggered lot closing Nov 23. An exclusive auction of men’s vintage pocket watches, fine jewelry, and jewelry-grade gemstones. Featuring gold and silver timepieces from Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and more, plus 14K–18K gold rings, chains, and collectible opals, emeralds, and quartz from around the world. No reserves — all bids start at just $1! Opens Nov 8, closes Nov 23.
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Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot
Lot 920

Illinois Engraved Pocket Watch – 21 Jewels – 14K White Gold – Model 121 – Circa 1933 – Serial No. 5509758

Estimate: $10 - $1,000
Starting Bid
$1

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $1
$20 $5
$500 $10
$1,000 $25
$5,000 $50
$10,000 $100
$15,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
$500,000 $10,000

Illinois 21-jewel white gold Art Deco pocket watch – Model 121 – 3-position – engraved case – 1933 classic.

Description:

For sale is an elegant Illinois Watch Co. Model 121 pocket watch, featuring a high-grade 21-jewel movement housed in a beautifully engraved 14K white gold case. Produced around 1933, this timepiece reflects the distinctive Art Deco styling and precision engineering for which Illinois watches are highly regarded among collectors.

The silver-tone dial is adorned with raised gold Arabic numerals, a stylized geometric minute track, and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock with hexagonal detailing. The dial is signed “Illinois” beneath the 12 marker and retains its original finish with mild vintage patina. Blued steel hands provide striking contrast, completing the refined Art Deco aesthetic.

The manual-wind movement is marked “Illinois Watch Co., Springfield, 21 Jewels, Adjusted to 3 Positions, Double Roller” with serial number 5509758, identifying it as a Model 121, one of Illinois’ late-production 12-size premium movements. The movement displays fine Geneva stripe damaskeening and polished screw-set jewels, all housed in a clean and well-maintained configuration.

The octagonal 14K white gold case showcases intricate engraving around the bezel and back. The inside of the case is stamped with hallmark “F.C.Co.” (Fahys Case Co.) and case number 1041. The reverse is personally engraved:

“To Michael from Agnes – 12-24-35”
This adds a touch of historical sentiment, marking it as a Christmas gift during the height of the Art Deco era.

This watch winds and sets properly; running condition is untested, and it is offered as-is.

Value and Sale Information:

Illinois 21-jewel white gold Art Deco pocket watches—particularly Model 121 examples—are sought after for their advanced engineering and distinctive geometric styling. Comparable watches in similar condition typically sell in the $700–$1,100 range.
Given its clean dial, finely engraved 14K case, and personalized 1930s provenance, this example is valued around $950.

Offered for sale as-is, this elegant Illinois 21-jewel white gold pocket watch represents the artistry and innovation of early 20th-century American horology, and would make a refined addition to any serious collection.

Invoices totaling over $1500.00 must be paid by wire transfer or cashiers check.

This watch winds and sets properly; running condition is untested, and it is offered as-is.

Offered for sale as-is, this elegant Illinois 21-jewel white gold pocket watch represents the artistry and innovation of early 20th-century American horology, and would make a refined addition to any serious collection.

Winning Invoices over $1500.00 must be paid by wire transfer or cashiers check. 

Available payment options

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Diners
  • Discover
  • JCB
  • Union Pay
PayPal

Timed Auction Terms & Conditions No Reserve ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS. This auction is not an approval sale, and all sales are final. No returns will be accepted under any circumstances. 1. Conditions of Sale This is a public sale conducted by Best Estate Services, Inc. (“the Auctioneer”). Best Estate Services, Inc. acts solely as an agent for the items being sold. By bidding on any item, the purchaser agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Sale and any other terms announced or published 2. As-Is Condition All items (hereinafter referred to as “item(s), lot(s), article(s), property,” etc.) are sold AS IS, without any guarantee or warranty, express or implied. Best Estate Services, Inc., its agents, employees, and/or consignors make no representations or warranties regarding the correctness of the catalog, description, authenticity, condition, size, quality, rarity, provenance, or historical relevance of any property. No statement, whether oral or written, shall be deemed a guarantee unless expressly stated in writing. 3. Item Inspection All prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect the items prior to bidding. If an in-person inspection is not possible, bidders are responsible for requesting condition reports and/or additional photographs before bidding. Descriptions and reports are provided in good faith, but all items are antique or vintage and may show signs of age or wear. 4. Last-Minute Bidding Due to internet latency or device factors, last-second bids may not register correctly. To avoid errors, bidders are encouraged to refresh their browser frequently near the close of bidding. Final auction results will stand as recorded in our system. To prevent last-second issues, bidders are encouraged to use the “Max Bid” feature. 5. Buyer’s Fees A Buyer’s Premium will be added to all winning bids to determine the final purchase price. Internet Premium: 23% Credit Card Processing Fee: 3% 6. Payment Terms Currency: USD Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover — American Express not accepted) Cashier’s Check Wire Transfer Cash will not be accepted at any local pick-up location. All invoices must be paid online or via approved non-cash methods prior to pick-up. For purchases under $1,500, payment may be made by credit/debit card, cashier’s check, or wire transfer. For purchases over $1,500, payment must be made by cashier’s check (with a bank letter of reference) or wire transfer. Checks should be made payable to: BEST ESTATE SERVICES INC. To coordinate wire transfers, call (262) 799-5167. ⚠️ Please Note: BIDSQUARE only collects credit card information for bidder verification. Invoices: Invoices including shipping and handling charges will be sent Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. All invoices must be paid immediately upon receipt. 7. Shipping & Pick-Up Information General Policy: Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s). If you are the successful bidder, you may either: Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period. For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at: 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167 8. Shipping Details All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed. Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required. 9. Local Pick-Up All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Important Pick-Up Rules: No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival. If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization. Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window. Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed. 10. Storage Fees All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close. Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value. Thank You Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again. 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167

Shipping

Shipping & Pick-Up Information

General Policy:

Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s).

If you are the successful bidder, you may either:

Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period.

For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 hello@bestestateservices.com

📞 (262) 799-5167

8. Shipping Details

All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed.

Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required.

9. Local Pick-Up

All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Important Pick-Up Rules:

No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival.
If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization.
Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window.
Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed.

10. Storage Fees

All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close.
Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value.

Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.

📧 hello@bestestateservices.com
 

📞 (262) 799-5167

Details:

  • Maker: Illinois Watch Co., Springfield

  • Model: 121

  • Serial Number: 5509758

  • Jewels: 21

  • Adjustment: 3 Positions

  • Case Material: 14K White Gold

  • Case Maker: Fahys Case Co.

  • Case Number: 1041

  • Dial: Silver-tone with raised gold numerals and hex sub-seconds

  • Hands: Blued steel

  • Movement: Manual wind mechanical, Geneva stripe damaskeening, double roller

  • Era: Circa 1933

  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition; crisp engraving; light wear; winds and sets correctly; untested for accuracy.