Servicing the Illinois “Santa Fe Special” 21 Jewel Pocket Watch

This particular Santa Fe Special entered the workshop with a build-up of old, hardened grease and dirt—especially at the stem entry and mainspring barrel. The piece was in generally good cosmetic condition (the ceramic dial had no cracks and the hands were intact). Key issues identified included:

Accumulated old grease and dried lubricant obstructing gear train function
A stressed mainspring needing replacement for reliable power reserve
General wear on pivots and bearings due to age and lack of maintenance

Because of these factors, running the watch as-is would have continued to degrade performance and risk further internal damage over time.

Mechanical-Restoration: What We Did

A full professional overhaul was completed, adhering to traditional watchmaking standards and precision:

Complete disassembly — every wheel, bridge, and component removed for inspection
Ultrasonic cleaning — old grease, dust, and residue removed from all parts
Proper lubrication — applying high-grade watch oils to all jewels and bearings to ensure smooth operation
Reassembly & calibration — movement reassembled, regulated, and tested across multiple positions for accuracy
Final testing — timing in six positions; actual wear-position accuracy typically +1–2 seconds/day, with overall −5 sec/day in the most demanding positions

After service, the Santa Fe Special returned to stable, near-chronometer-level performance, combining both reliability and the preserved historic character collectors expect.

Why a Restored Santa Fe Special Is Worth It

Restores historical accuracy and mechanical integrity to one of America’s classic railroad-grade pocket watches
Extends the service life of a delicate 100-year-old movement
Preserves original parts and finish, maintaining collector value
Makes the watch safe to carry, use, or display without worrying about degraded lubrication or worn components