Experience timeless precision with the Springfield Railroad 161, a striking pocket watch that showcases a crisp white Montgomery dial and distinctive gothic Arabic numerals. This watch features a unique sub-seconds dial and a 19-jewel Illinois movement from 1913, exemplifying durability and accuracy. Housed in a machined steel case and complemented by a black Horween leather strap, it embodies a disciplined aesthetic rooted in American railroad history, perfect for those who value both style and craftsmanship.
From the brand: What makes The Springfield Railroad 161 unique:
The Springfield Railroad 161 is defined by contrast, clarity, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. Its crisp white
full Montgomery dial
is framed by a distinctive outer seconds chapter designed for rapid, precise reading and instantly signals its railroad intent. Hand-painted gothic-style Arabic numerals anchor the layout, their sharp angles and slight irregularities revealing the human touch behind the dial’s execution.
Most notably, the “6” is printed inside the sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock
, a rare detail on Montgomery dials where the 6 was often omitted due to space constraints. We preserved the original
purpled-steel hands
, whose deep hue shifts subtly depending on the light and provides striking contrast against the bright surface. A recessed sub-seconds dial adds depth and balance, reinforcing the disciplined visual hierarchy required of railroad timekeeping.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 19-jewel Illinois movement manufactured in 1913. Through the open caseback, the movement displays carefully finished bridges with straight striping, polished steel surfaces, and gold-plated gears that catch the light as the watch moves.
With 19 jewels (versus the more common 17-jewel configurations found in many pocket watches of the era), this movement benefits from reduced friction at key points, supporting long-term durability and consistent performance.
Built for reliability and long-term precision, it exemplifies Illinois’ approach to professional-grade timekeeping.
We housed this movement in a machined steel Version 3 Railroad case, scaled to 49mm to preserve the commanding presence of the original pocket watch. A sandblasted steel coin-edge bezel adds subtle texture without distracting from the dial, while the knurled sandblasted-steel crown offers secure operation and reinforces the watch’s tool-forward character. The watch is paired with a black Horween leather strap with stitching, creating a sharp visual contrast against the white dial and completing the Springfield Railroad 161’s clean, purposeful aesthetic.
The original Illinois movement in the Springfield Railroad 161 was produced in 1913, a period when American railroads were rapidly expanding and standardizing timekeeping practices across the country. Precise, synchronized time was essential to preventing collisions and maintaining safe rail operations, and watches like this were relied upon as professional instruments rather than personal accessories. The Springfield Railroad 161 preserves that legacy today — a disciplined, high-contrast timepiece built for accuracy, now carried forward on the wrist as a living piece of American railroad history.
Note:
This watch features a lever set, railroad grade pocket watch.
To set the time, the whole front of the watch must be removed, exposing the dial and hands. Please feel free to contact us with questions before making your purchase. We are here to help!
Watch this video on YouTube to learn more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lNisquLqtc
