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."
1925 ILLINOIS
Private Label - Time King
Art Deco Pocket Watch
The private label (or movement mark) "Time King" was a trade name used by Illinois Watch Co. on pocket watches and wristwatches. The Illinois watches with the "Time King" mark on the movement were private label watches that were made exclusively for a variety of retailers. "Verified companies include Kranich Bros (Lancaster, PA), Booth's (Dayston, OH), Spritz (NY), and Meyers Jewelers (Buffalo, NY)."
Today we have the honor to present this UNIQUE Art Deco timepiece, it is a vintage Illinois private-label Time-King open face pocket watch. The movement serial number indicates that this watch is dated from 1925.
It is a manual-winding pocket watch with an original Illinois Watch Co. movement, caliber grade 405, size 12s, 17 jewels, sub-second, double roller, adjusted, made in Springfield, Illinois.
After almost 100 years, this watch still features the original silver engraved center dial and silver butler finish subsidiary seconds, bold Arabic Numerals, and blue steel Breguet matching hands. The sub-second hand is located at 6 o’clock. The dial is also signed with the ILLINOIS logo/name.
Cased in a 44.3 Keystone Silveroid round case and beautifully engraved sides.
It is still a very attractive looking watch; it is in good condition! It runs very well, and it keeps great time!
*The pocket watch holder is not included with the purchase of this pocket watch.
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.
Movement:
TIME KING
ILLINOIS WATCH Co.
Springfield
17 Jewels
4680162
Adjusted
Case Back Markers:
KEYSTONE
Watch Case
Guaranteed
Silveroid
Genuine
399677
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) 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 today's 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 lighting 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.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!
WA-3681
