What makes the Springfield 517 unique: Today, we’re thrilled to showcase this breathtaking antique watch initially produced by the Illinois Watch Company — the Springfield 517. The watch boasts a highly sophisticated dial with thin, stylish black numerals and a gleaming subdial. The front of the watch also features blue-tinted diamond kite hands that display pleasingly against its grayish-cream background. We paired the original pocket watch with our eye-catching and scratch-resistant Machined Titanium case as well as a matching nickel-plated crown, drawing further attention to the piece’s unique dial. On the back of the watch, you can view the timepiece’s 405-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish and pendant setting. The movement also features stunning bronze-plated gears powered by 17 luxurious jewels throughout its center bridge plate. Finally, we matched this one-of-a-kind piece with our comfortable, artisan-designed coal leather watch strap, complementing the watch’s elegant style.

The Illinois Watch Company originally manufactured the Springfield 517’s pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1927 — the same year the musical Show Boat premiered on Broadway. Show Boat was based on a novel with the same name about the performers and workers on a Mississippi River show boat. The musical was an important landmark in the history of musical theater because it broke away from the format and style that dominated Broadway in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Broadway musicals at that time were light and unrealistic, while Show Boat introduced a more serious tone, laying the groundwork for future productions.