This 1885 Seth Thomas open-face 18-size Model 3 pocket watch was manufactured with a gilt finished 3/4 plate, 11 jewels, and it is not adjusted. The movement is stem wound and lever set, with a flat hair spring, and micrometric regulator. Its serial number is 17264, and its grade is Seth Thomas numbered grade 55. The movement is signed The R. S. W. J. - Champaign, Ill.

The movement presents with an 18-size Seth Thomas Roman dial with a ring minute track and black five-minute marginals. It is fitted with Seth Thomas #1281 blued spade hands, 18-size. 

“The R. S. W. J. - Champaign, Ill.” is a private label in Seth Thomas Model 3. Zi (Ozias) Riley was a successful watchmaker and engraver in Urbana, Illinois. His brother, Ninian Riley, also ran a successful dry goods business at 14 Main Street in Urbana. Ninian also served as a member of the Urbana Board of Education.

In 1885 Zi Riley relocated his jewelry business to (coincidentally) 14 Main Street in Champaign, Illinois, referred to as “Dallenbach’s Old Stand” and experienced continued success in his professional identity as “The Restless, Sleepless, Wideawake, Jeweler”. Zi Riley became active in Champaign politics, initially serving on the Board of Alderman and then as the Postmaster of Champaign.

Albert E. Wuestman joined the business in the 1890’s and eventually became the operator of the store at 14 Main Street, then known as Wuesteman’s. Mr. Wuesteman also utilized the identity as “The Restless, Sleepless, Wideawake, Jeweler”.

The private label movement is not presently cased.

The postcard photographs below show Main Street, Neil Street, Church Street, and the train station in Champaign, Illinois as it was in the early 1900’s.