ILLINOIS Watch Co.

The Illinois Watch Company was one of the premier American watch manufactures. It was founded on December 23, 1870, in Springfield, Illinois by John C. Adams, John Whitfield Bun, and various additional financiers. Twenty years later, Jacob Bunn, Jr. took over and ran the company until his death in 1926.

"Today, these watches are prized by collectors and designers for their look and reliability. Engineered during a time when the automobile still sported wooden spokes, this futuristic wrist-machine is glorious."

Illinois Watch Company was not behind to see the good reception that wristwatches received during WWI and felt the time has come for expanded wristwatch manufacturing. Without a doubt, the company maintained an obsession for every detail, producing timepieces that are not just exciting, but also elegant and extraordinarily well-crafted.

Illinois Private Label

From Fred J. Friedberg on his wonderful Illinois book collection, says: "Illinois produced thousands of watch movements either individually branded or co-branded with a name created by a wholesaler or retailer. Collectors call these private-label watches." (...) "The Illinois Watch Company holds the distinction of having made a greater variety of private-label watches than any other American watch manufacturer."


ILLINOIS
Private Label - Time King
Art Deco Wristwatch

The private label (or movement mark) "Time King" was a trade name used by Illinois Watch Co. on pocket watches and wristwatches (year 1929, total production: 2,000 / Actual run quantity: 400). The Illinois watches -with the "Time King" mark on the movement- were private label watches that were made exclusively to a variety of retailers. "Verified companies include Kranich Bros (Lancaster, PA), Booth's (Dayston, OH), Spritz (NY), and Meyers Jewelers (Buffalo, NY)."

This UNIQUE timepiece is a vintage Illinois private-label wristwatch, made by Illinois Watch Co. and marked "Time King" on the movement. The movement serial number indicated that this watch is dated from 1929.

It is a manual-winding watch with an original Illinois Watch movement, caliber grade 24, 3/0s size, 17 jewels, sub second hand, made in Springfield, Illinois.

After 90 years, it still has the original and beautiful silver finished dial with luminous Arabic Numerals, bold minute marks and luminous hands as well. The second hand is located at 6. Also, the dial is decorated with a bold center design and signed with the ILLINOIS name.

It is a fancy square/tonneau shape art deco case with fancy lugs design; beautiful engraved bezel and sides. All in white gold filled.

This watch is coming with a new old stock signed "I. W. Suisse" black "Alligator Calf" two-pieces strap.

It is a very attractive looking watch, it is in LOVELY condition, runs very well and it keeps great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
TIME KING
ILLINOIS WATCH Co.
Springfield
Grade 24
17 Jewels
Serial # 5206561

Case Back Markers:
Illinois Watch Case Co.
ELGIN
TIVOLI
7886708
3/0

Measures (mm):
Case 31.4 x 31.4
Case Lug to Lug 36.7
Case Thickness 10.8
Lug Width 19
Band Width 18

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than todays offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.
 
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-1782