7th and Cook street
Springfield, Illinois
Open Noon until 4p.m.
Wednesdays and Saturdays
Movements and porcelain dials were made by Illinois Watch Co. for Montgomery Ward catalog sales.
Depollier & Sons case sterling silver. Well known maker of military cases, including the sought after waterproof dustproof model. Note the crown position on this Transitional piece.
One of the early waterproof and dust proof wristwatches. 1919 advertisement stated "TESTED UNDER WATER." "Depollier waterproof watch is the same as adopted by the United States Army (WWI)" Shown with a 'TELEPHONE' dial, not original to the case. 15-J $45.00 HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER BY COLLECTORS. F.J.F. 134
Swivel lugs, sterling silver, porcelain dial with a PAPER OVERLAY displaying numbers. Admiral Evans holds the 10th spot on Friedberg's top 10 collectable list. F.J.F. 92
Very collectable, particularly with swivel lugs and porcelain dial. Unusual stainless wire bracelet. RANKS 10TH ON FRIEDBERG'S TOP 10 COLLECTABLE LIST. F.J.F. 92
Back open to view Burlington Watch Company logo on gold filled case. Burlington Watch movement. Tripple signed, dial case, movement. FF 113
Serial #51,823 15-jewels About 1880. Illinois Watch Factory depicted on porcelain dial.
Illinois first advertisement showing this model was 1910. Could be worn as a pendant, pocket watch, or around the wrist with detachable flexible medal or ribbon band. 14K solid gold 50.00 14K GF 30.00 FF 20
Dial appears to show an island, lagoon, palm trees, sunset, and a ship on the horizon. My guess would be it was done during WWII somewhere in the pacific. It is now resting comfortably in a display case house in a 'MAJOR', In Springfield, Illinois.
Dial is similar to railroad dials, and at least one ad for the 'Off Duty' was clearly directed at rail road men. 'Off Duty' and 'Skyway' shared the same case,which was the only Illinois wrist watch that came with a screw on bezel and back. BOTH MODELS ARE IN THE TOP 5 OF ILLINOIS COLLECTABLE WRISTWATCHES.
Model #211 Friedberg rates the SKYWAY AS 4TH ON HIS ILLINOIS MOST COLLECTABLE LIST. Features stars on the bezel and back of case. this dial and the 'Police Special' are the only Illinois dials with the 'Illinois' placed directly above the second bit. Notice the '6' is placed directly in the center of the subsidiary second. retail $45.00 F.J.F. 192
New Yorker - 1929 Model #162 17 or 21 jewels Wadsworth case 14K WGF, YGF, two tone. Retail $50.00 Advertised as "America's best selling strap watch." Also known as 'Manhatten' and 'Fifth Avenue'. Available in plain or engraved bezel with several different dials to chose from made this piece a popular choice in 1929 and still hold strong appeal for collectors today. FF 168
Model #162 17 or 21 jewels 14K GF Wadsworth case with INLAID ENAMEL. Highly collectable and extremely rare. FEWER THAN 15 ARE THOUGHT TO EXIST. Two are in this collection. F.J.F. 172
Model #210 17 jewels 14K two tone GF. Wadsworth case. Retail $42.50 NUMBER TWO ON THE LIST OF MOST COLLECTIBLE ILLINOIS WRISTWATCHES. The design is said to have been inspired by the discovery of King Tuts Tomb. F.J.F. 184
KEYSTONE case #164 14K Green gold filled with plain bezel. THE PICCADILLYS ARE THE MOST COLLECTABLE OF ALL ILLINOIS WRISTWATCHES. Case was prone to wear, especially in GGF. Retail $45.00 FJF 180
Keystone case #164 14k WGF with partially engraved bezel. THE EXAMPLE SHOWN HERE IS ONE OF TWO PARTIALLY ENGRAVED PICCADILLYS KNOWN TO EXIST. Retail $45.00 F.J.F. 180
Keystone case #164 14K WGF fully engraved bezel. THE EXAMPLE SHOWN IS THE ONLY FULLY ENGRAVED PICCADILLY KNOWN TO EXIST. Retail $45.00 F.J.F. 180
Fahys case #163 14K WGF or YGF. THIRD MOST collectible Illinois Wrist Watch after the Piccadilly and Ritz. The bezel has a special 'Indian' design. 15-J Retail $40.00 FJF 124
Keystone case #171, 172 (with some cases showing no number) Case available in WGF, GGF, two tone, engraved or plain bezel. Advertised as "A high grade dependable strap watch as sturdy in construction as the average pocket watch." Retail $42.50 FJF 158
Case by Star Co (and others). Featured a rotor subsidiary seconds at 6. Usually found with a base metal case. FF 207
Another excellent example of the popular mate. Engraved WGF.
Smaller version of the mate. Came WGF, GGF, two tone, either plain or engraved. Retail 15 - J 40.00, 21 - J 75.00. FJF 138
Fahyscase model H 14K GF. Engraved or plain bezel. Many variations of case, WGF, YFG, GGF, two tone, engraved or plain bezel. Very popular model. Shown with unusual dial. Retail 42.50. FF 163
10K YGF Keystone case #652 also in 10 K WGF. Shown here in YGF, 15 - J. Friedberg's book shows 3 known to exist, one YGF, and two WGF. Retail 35.00. Factory cased by hamilton. FF 86, 118
Model #651 15 - J 10K YGF / WGF keystone case. Retail 35.00. Factory cased by Hamilton. Fewer than 15 is known to exist. FF 205
Fahys case Retail 17-J $50.00 19-J $60.00 21-J $69.50 Known as Beau Royale with 15-J movement $35.00. Very popular style. Came in many variations, GGF, WGF, two tine GF. Either plain bezel or engraved. FF105
Keystone case #650 14K SGF. Looks similar to the gold filled case of the Potomac (#626). The true name of the watch is not known so it goes by the model name No. 650. It contained a 15 - J movement, Retail unknown. 14K Gold bracelet added. FF 173
14K solid gold, white, or natural. Keystone case #220, #625, and occasionally found with no number. Retail 15 - J $62.50, 17 - J 75.00, 21 - J 100.00 21 - J Barronet came w/18K applied numerals on a sterling silver dial. This example is fitted with a 14K solid white gold bracelet. Ranks 9th on friedberg's 10 Most Collectable Illinois Wristwatches. FJF 104
Model #196 17 - J 14K Two tone Wadsworth. Retail $55.00 One of only two Illinois w/w with a two tone bezel. The other is the Metropolitan. The Chesterfield ranks 5th on The Illinois Most Collectable List. FF 120
This 14K solid yellow gold case by Wadsworth contains an Illinois Master movement as well as an Illinois Master dial.
17 - J movement and dial signed Burlington. Hinged lug nickel case by IWCC.
Square Cut Corner Keystone Case 1926 Very common in white gold filled. Also came in green gold filled and yellow gold filled. More difficult to find in 14K solid gold. Example shown: 14 KGGF FF 202
N.O.S. dial w/excellent case by I.W.C.C. FF 223
Fine example of an early transitional lady's hinged back conversion. 14K solid yellow gold case by Solidarity, 6/0 - I Made for Illinois. 15 - j #3584736, dating to 1919. F.J.F. 178
F.J.F. 94
Inside Back Case of Aluminum Prototype Inscription: Illinois Watch Co. Duralumininum Springfield, Ill. Pioneer Watch Case Co. 77818 FF 94
Keystone Case Model #876 15 - J 14K YGF The Urbana was cased at Hamilton's after the closing of the Springfield plant. Retail $42.50 FF 219
Wadsworth case #161 Initially sold as a ladies strap watch. Later it was advertised for both sexes. retail 17 - J $50.00. Gold filled bracelet added.
Keystone Case #220, #625 14K Solid gold, white, or natural. 18K applied numerals. Retail: 15 - J $62.50, 17 - J $75.00, 21 - J $100.00 More rare in white 14K than yellow 14K, which is unusual for Illinois. Has a classic stepped bezel design. ranks 9th on Friedberg's 10 Most Collectable Illinois Wristwatches. 14K Gold bracelet added. FJF 104
Keystone Case #197 14K WGF or YGF the watch was appropriately named, as it is as modern looking today as it was in 1929. Retail $60.00. FF 145
Westchester (Metal Bracelet) 1930 14K WGF or YGF Wadsworth Case #202 Yet another example of same case, same dial, same model #, same movement, but the Trophy came with a leather strap and the Westchester came with a medal bracelet (for an additional 5.00). This Trophy is shown with a spectacular costom dial with an ornate oval shape. Only two such dials are known. retail - Trophy $55.00. - Westchester $60.00.
Wadsworth case #218 14K WGF or YGF Hudson sold with 18K gold applied numbers on the dial. Ardsley displayed a silver finish dial with black numbers. This is another example of Illinois using the same case, same movement, same model #, but by changing the dial it changes the name of the watch. Retail $60.00 FJF 151
1931 Pioneer Watch Case Company produced the aluminum case and aluminum watch band for the Illinois Watch Company. It is believed that the model never went into production. Model shown is one of only two known to exist. FJF 94
14K WGF,YGF Excellent example of Illinois deco styling. NOS 'Snow Flake' dial. Gold filled bracelet added. Retail $55.00. FF 141
Available in 14K WGF, GGF, two tone either engraved or plain bezel. A choice of 6 styles. Retail Beau Brummel 17-J $50.00, 19-J $60.00, 21-J $69.50 Beau Royale 15-J $35.00 In this watch, not the dial, bezel, nor the case determined the name of the piece, but the number of jewels within. FF 105
Fahys case #213 14K GF and also sterling silver. This gold filled model came covered in green or brown snake skin. Also came in ostrich skin. Difficult to find with original intact skin covering. Retail $50.00 17-J FF 116
Keystone case #164 14K WGF plain bezel The signature piece of Illinois wrist watches. THE PICCADILLY IS THE SIGNATURE PIECE OF ILLINOIS WRISTWATCHES AND ALSO MOST SOUGHT AFTER BY COLLECTORS OF ILLINOIS WRISTWATCHES. There are three very rare engraved bezel Picadilly's known to exist. Two are in this collection. Retail $45.00. F.J.F. 180
15-J $35.00 21-J $75.00 Keystone case 1931 Beau Monde is one of 8 Illinois models that came with 21 -J movement. 14KGF Bracelet added. FJF 110
Keystone case #171, 172 Some cases had model #. Displayed in original case with original price card. Engraved model with 'exploding' dial. Retail $42.50 FF 158
Solidarity case #168 Came in many case configurations. All 14K solid gold, green or white, two tone, plain or engraved, with some unusual and beautiful dials. There are fewer than 10 two tones known. The two tone model shown here has an added 14K solid gold band. 19-J $75.00 21-J $90.00 Applied gold numerals $10.00 extra. Consul - two tone is 8th on Friedberg's Most Collectable List. FJF 127
Model 176 15 - J 14K GF Keystone case. The Jolly Roger is the 7th most sought after Illinois wrist Watch by collector.s Example shown is green gold filled, engraved with an 'Exploding' dial. Retail 42.50. FJF 153
Sometimes known as 'ACE'. Shows Illinois Sportsman dial. Illinois also had dials with names such as 'Master', 'Masterbilt', 'Captain', and others. See Friedberg article in NAWCC bulletin April 1997. FF63
This model is sometimes called the 'Military Guardsman.' It appears that Illinois made 5 watch styles containing the discometer subsidiary second feature. The 'Guardsman' is the most frequently seen. FJF 213
14KWGF Fahys case 6/0 E - I (case could be used by either Elgin or Illinois). Although this model came in many variations, plain, engraved, wgf, ygf, ggf, and some with inlaid enamel in the bezel, it remains a little difficult to locate one. F.J.F. 195
Whippet/Barrel/Tonneau Generic Period 1926 Various case makers. FF 223
This watch was usually used in jewerly store display windows along with the ' Beau Brummel ' giant wristwatch. Both are extremely rare, PERHAPS 5 OR 6 EXAMPLES REMAIN.
1929 Case and movement by Sangamo Electric Co. Springfield, IL. Used in jewelry store display windows. This Beau Brummel 'imitation' originally came with a large leather strap. Normal size wrist watch is shown for size comparison
14K W solid gold. Near mint case with all enamel complete. Brushed finish case back appears untouched. Special model #152 case by Solidarity. 21 - J retail 90.00 Original display box with price card and description. F.J.F. 127
The watch company also produced bank vault time locks. Some dating back into the 1870's. This one was made for Bankers Dust Proof Time Lock Co. Cincinnati, Ohio. FJF 236
Copper print block shown with a finished print.
Fahys case, special model C. Came in many configurations, but shown here in 14K GGF with gold color dial. 17 - J 50.00. FF 107
One of 6 Illinois models to feature rotor subsidials seconds at 6. There are only 2 examples of Guardsman Military known to exist. Model shown is from this collection. F.J.F. 150
This integrated shield (a follow up to the clip on shield) called a cut bezel shield, is a very popular and collectable military watch. 15-J F.J.F. 132
Retail 37.50 Produced in Chromium. Identical case as ultra rare "Aluminum Prototypes," of which only 2 are known to exist. FF 95
Same case as the ALUMINUM PROTOTYPE except this case is made of CHROME and stamped: Pioneer Chrome Watch Case Co. 75959 F.J.F. 95
Protective 'snap on' shield removed.
Left case reads: 215 Illinois Watch Springfield 14K Gold Filled J. Milhening Inc. 336059 Right case reads: 215 Illinois Watch Springfield 1K Gold Filled Number never stamped. The case on the right has an engraved bezel believed to be the only one known. FF 97
Fayhs Case #213 14K WGF in fitted wooden display case. FF 116
Fahys case 213 14K WGF and also in sterling silver. The gold filled model came covered in green or brown snake skin or also in ostrich skin. Difficult to find with original intact skin covering. Retail 50.00. FF 116
This case by Star is rolled gold plate. The Sterling is not factory cased but is one of 6 Illinois Models featuring the rotor subsidiary seconds at 6. very collectable and difficult to locate. Others with the rotor subs are: Guardsman, Guardian, Guardsman Military, Blackhawk, and the Aluminum Prototype. F.J.F. 207
This example is 14K solid yellow gold. 6/0-1 Wadsworth case 801640. 15-J #4257953 Transitional case made for Illinois. Note how the lug is notched to accommodate the position of the crown. Very rare in 14K gold. FF 178
14K YGF Andover case by j. Milhening 1932. This type of personal dial is unusual, but Illinois was known to accommodate special orders for jewelers and or clients. Name reads, J.L. QUINTANILLA. F.J.F. 63
One of many private label Illinois products. This 17-J ' 0 ' size has 'Burlington Watch Co. Chicago' in gold tone lettering on its highly demaskeened movement. B=B royal 20YR case. Excellent porcelain dial. F.J.F. 114
Wadsworth 14K YGF Case also came in WGF engraved or plain. The Finalist and the Finalist Deco both had case # 196 as did the Chesterfield and the Chesterfield stepped bezel. Retail 55.00 F.J.F. 141
1929 This model is a rare version of the CHESTERFIELD. The top and the bottom of the bezel has an etched stepped pyramid design. VERY RARE, fewer than 10 of this model are known to exist. Two are in this collection. 14KWGF Wadsworth case # 196.
14K YGF Wadsworth case. Carries the same 196 as does the Finalist Deco, Chesterfield and the Wentworth. Advertised as available in 14K WGF also, but none has ever been seen. Retail 55.00
Fahys special model C. 14K WGF, GGF and two tone. 19 J or 17 J. Carries same case back, movement, dial and case center as other Beau Brummels. Retail 70.80. FF 109
14K GF Fahys case 195 This model is the largest of all Illinois Wrist Watches. Deeply sculpted molded bezel. A model in the Beau Brummel group has a similar molded bezel and is referred to as the Beau Brummel / Viking. Retail 42.50 FF 220
Illinois made the private label "Hallmark" movement and dial for Macy's Department Stores. This 15 - J is housed in a stainless case by IWCC.
14K WGF Fahys case 6/0 E-I (case could be used by either Elgin or Illinois.) This model is a little difficult to find. FF 196
Model is a 14K WGF case by Fahys with black enamel paint on Bezel. Although displaying the Sterling name under the Illinois, this case shape is also found with Illinois dials sporting such names as Master, Captain, and others. FF 101
Wadsworth case 14K WGF with 6/0 E-I. (The case was made for use by either Elgin or Illinois.) Beautiful metal dial with engraved center. Movement in 15 - J, 17 - J, 19 - J. FF 115
This swivel lug military is shown with a protective ' snap on shield'.
14K solid yellow gold case by Keystone 17-J mvt 2750507. 'Cream' porcelain dial, blue numerals with a small gold leaf in between. Wonderful example of Transitional era piece. F.J.F. 178
Wadsorth Case 14K solid gold 6/0 I generic case made for Illinois. Shown here in an Illinois box for museum display. FF 115
14K WGF case #618 by J. Milhening. Arlington 15-J 37.50 Hawthorne 17-J Illinois' only tank shaped watch. FF 99
14K solid yellow gold case by Keystone. #250 dial also fits the Kenilworth/Galahad. Cases are similar, but different. Somewhat difficult to locate as fewer than 15 examples are known. FF 175
This two tone case by Wadsworth is 14K GF. Model #161. Sold early as a lady's sport watch and later as a man's formal watch. Shown here with a 14K GF basket weave bracelet. 17 - J 50.00 FF 111
Circa 1900
It is believed the 4th person from the left in the front row is Jacob Bunn Jr.
Notice small well dressed boy in front center.
This ORIGINAL photo from the 1880's shows the Company's Balance Staff Department.
Illinois Watch Co. Employees around 1900
From the employee's lunch room. back stamped: Albert Pick & Co. Extra Sect. .Top stamped: Illinois Watch
Illinois Watch Company Fishing Knife
Most likely a give away by the watch co. FF 240
Watch Company Factory (Water Color Rendering) This highly detailed ORIGINAL artist/architect's rendering was done before the ILLINOIS WATCH FACTORY name was mounted to the front of the building. The letters were seen in early post cards, pictures, and advertisements.
SPRINGFIELD WATCH COMPANY Shareholders Minutes 3/1/1871 This ORIGINAL 6 page document, dated the first day of March 1871, states the purpose of the meeting was to increase capitol stock from $100,000 to $200,000. Resolution approved, and document was signed by John T Stuart, president and WM B Miller, sect. Many prominent shareholders names are visible.: J. & J.W. Bunn 50 shares C.E. Mason - escape dept. 50 shares W.T. Dean - die maker 30 shares J.K. Bigelow - superintendent 100 shares G.W. White - pattern maker 20 shares John T. Stewart - president and former law partner of Abraham Lincoln
SPRINGFIELD WATCH COMPANY Shareholder's Minutes 1/5/1876 Held for "the purpose of taking into consideration propriety of reducing the capitol stock of said company." Notice the increase in share of J+J W Bunn, and also the 40 new shares for John W Bunn himself. Not shown on this cover sheet, but page 2, there is an additional 83 shares for Jacob Bunn himself. By vote the capitol stock was reduced to $172,000.00. This ORIGINAL 4 page document is written on both sides of pages. Document is 8"x12.5"
Original Springfield Watch Co. Stock Certificate. This ORIGINAL certificate is dated 23rd February 1872 to John C. Lamb for 5 shares. His name appears on the 1876 list of sharholders with the same 5 shares.
Balance Department circa 1890's
Letters from the top of the old factory building spells out ILLINOIS WATCH CO. These letters were found during the 1990's building renovation. in a fully enclosed concrete block room on the fourth floor of the 'clock tower' building. Best guess is they were salvaged from the former factory building and stored when the 'clock tower' building was built in 1918. The light sockets are porcelain and most of the wiring is still in place with a few loose ends hanging.
These letters, from above the main entrance to the factory, were discovered during the renovation of the " Clock Tower " building. The old building had been ' built over' by the addition of another building and these were found above a false ceiling in an interior hallway. A special wall was build in the Museum to support and display the letters.
