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Illinois Two Tone Art Deco Watch circa 1931 with Original Period Strap

$1,975
£1,499
€1,727.72
CA$2,767.81
A$3,089.12
CHF 1,625.23
MX$37,524.24
NOK 20,603.57
SEK 19,282.36
DKK 12,894.55

About the Item

FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / The Ritz METAL / MATERIAL: Two tone White & Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1931 DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 27mm Lug Tip to Lug Tip, Width 37mm MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 17 Jewels / Caliber 607 DIAL / HANDS: Silvered with Art Deco Arabic Numeral / Blued Steel Hands ATTACHMENT / BRACELET: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This is one of the rarest models by the iconic house of Illinois Watch Company. I have only ever seen a couple examples of this watch and this is by far the finest one. The watch is still fitted with an original period strap and buckle as well (but it is too fragile to use). Our finest Master Watchmaker has just given it a Factory Quality Service. It is dependable and easy to service and parts are easily available as well. If you are looking for a truly unique watch by a legendary house, this might be the one for you. We are showing this watch with two straps, one is an original however, it is too dried out to use. We recommend the Lizard strap which we have hand made in a small family owed factory in Arezzo, Italy. ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY HISTORY The Illinois Watch Company, a significant name in American horology, was founded in 1870 in Springfield, Illinois. Initially named the Springfield Watch Company, the organization was spearheaded by a group of ambitious entrepreneurs, including John C. Adams, John T. Stuart, and William B. Miller. The company's inception coincided with a burgeoning demand for accurate, mass-produced timepieces, and Illinois quickly rose to prominence by adopting innovative manufacturing techniques inspired by the Waltham Watch Company. Early success was driven by the production of high-quality, 18-size pocket watches, which catered to the needs of railroad workers and the public alike. Financial difficulties in the early years led to reorganization and the subsequent adoption of the Illinois Watch Company name in 1879, solidifying the brand's identity and paving the way for decades of growth. The company's dedication to precision and craftsmanship ensured a loyal customer base, fostering its development. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Illinois Watch Company continued to innovate, introducing various sizes and grades of watches, including the highly regarded "Bunn Special" and "Sangamo Special" models, renowned for their accuracy and use on railroads. These models met the strict timekeeping standards required for safe and efficient train operations. The company also produced a range of stylish watches for the general consumer market, showcasing intricate designs and reliable movements. However, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, coupled with increased competition from other watch manufacturers, proved challenging. In 1928, facing mounting financial pressures, the Illinois Watch Company was sold to the Hamilton Watch Company. While Hamilton continued to produce watches under the Illinois name for a short period, the brand's distinctive identity eventually faded, marking the end of an era for this important American watchmaker.
  • Creator:
  • Case Material:
  • Strap Material:
    Leather
  • Case Shape:
    Round
  • Movement:
  • Style:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1931
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. It is worth noting that this watch only had a 12-month warranty when it was new. However, we are so confident of our workmanship and team that we offer an 18-month warranty on all our watches, even those over 100 years old.
  • Seller Location:
    Long Beach, CA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 12201stDibs: LU422326969962

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FACTORY / HOUSE: Illinois Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Commodore / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: White Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: 27mm Length X 34mm Width MOVEMENT / CALIBER: Manual Winding / 15 Jewels / Caliber 605 DIAL / HANDS: Silver Dial with Art Deco Arabic Numerals / Blued Steel hands ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: Leather, 16mm / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT Illinois Watch Company was one of America's famous old houses. The company was sold to Hamilton in the late 1920's so this watch was produced after the sale. We seldom get Illinois wrist watches...
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