The Illinois collection grows

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s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg

s-l1600.jpg

World's Garage Sale, $200.00, Needs Service. But it is a Guardsman. I figure I have a pretty big cushion for service cost.

Wayne
 
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Wooo... !!!

Pocket watch grade movement appearance under the hood! Interesting and appealing dial styling and features. Attractively decorated case that harks back to the era in which it was produced. Is the case solid gold rather than rolled gold?

Still featuring some screw-set jewels. A movement rehab and sympathetic cosmetic restoration and you're there!

I suppose this watch would date to the very early 1930s?

Like the strap. Wish I could find a boatload of straps with stitched and rolled edges, in all hues. My favorite!
 
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Wooo... !!!

Pocket watch grade movement appearance under the hood! Interesting and appealing dial styling and features. Attractively decorated case that harks back to the era in which it was produced. Is the case solid gold rather than rolled gold?

Still featuring some screw-set jewels. A movement rehab and sympathetic cosmetic restoration and you're there!

I suppose this watch would date to the very early 1930s?

Like the strap. Wish I could find a boatload of straps with stitched and rolled edges, in all hues. My favorite!
It is 14K gold filled. It's going to be a hoot, watching the seconds wheel roll around. Maybe better than starring at an Iphone. 😀
 
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The pocketwatchdatabase listing for your Illinois.

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/illinois/5575927

Your watch may well have been made by the Hamilton Watch Co. after they acquired Illinois. However, the movement is an Illinois design as shown in the Shugart, Engle, & Gilbert bible. The Hamilton copyrighted name for the rotating seconds dial is “Secometer”. Illinois wrist watches are very collectible.
Edited:
 
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I think it was manufactured several years after Hamilton purchased Illinois. As I understand, the watch is old enough to have still been produced at the Springfield, IL factory, before Hamilton shut everything down at that location.

This is my third. I have an Ace and a Derby as well.
 
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One of the things I enjoy about the Illinois watches is the styles used for numerals. Some of them are extraordinary. I recall one model, I forget the name, but the numbers almost looked Egyptian in style.
 
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That's great looking watch, and I really like the sub-dial wheel.
 
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My buddy has a Jolly Rodger .... I think I have dibs on it 😀
 
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I have heard that the Consul is the apex Illinois watch. But personally, the Jolly Rodger is at the top.
 
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Certainly not a rare model, but in great shape and keeping great time. The more I contemplate the Illinois watches, the more I find that I am attracted to the style of numerals.......no two seem alike.

 
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I have heard that the Consul is the apex Illinois watch. But personally, the Jolly Rodger is at the top.
The Jolly Roger just has a certain look to it. I also love the New Yorker and the Guardsman. Aesthetically they embody something you just don't see around anymore. Just looking at them takes me back to a time I never knew but with their help I can somehow understand a little of. Such potent design choices. If I had the means and know how, I would buy the company name and rebuild them just a little larger (not that I mind the 30mm case sizes at all, but imagine these watches just slightly blown up to 40mm). That American goodness, engraved enamelled cases, characterful numerals. Hell I bet people today would eat them up. Illinois were truly innovators, and stylish ones too. Works of art.
Edited:
 
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One of the things I enjoy about the Illinois watches is the styles used for numerals. Some of them are extraordinary. I recall one model, I forget the name, but the numbers almost looked Egyptian in style.
You may be referring to the Ritz?
 
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This ones been tempting me to buy it but price is a little too high.
Severely tempted😕

 
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This ones been tempting me to buy it but price is a little too high.
Severely tempted😕


The s# could well indicate this one was made after the Hamilton take over of Illinois. The pleasure derived from owning lasts much longer than the memory of what you had to pay. Been there, done that!