Illinois 17J grade 307 wrist watch #5500537, vintage mechanical manual-wind nickel bridge-style movement with screw-down jewel settings and a cross-hatch style damascene pattern, off-white matte finish metal dial with fancy gold Arabic-style numbers outlined with black and a black seconds register has some small spots of discoloration, heavy gold steel whip-style hands, heavy white gold filled (WGF) model #195 "Viking" cushion-shaped case with art-deco style geometric patterns recessed into the bezel, short extended lugs and a glass crystal, back is inscribed "Gertrude Bennett", case is showing normal even wear overall but does have some small patches of brass on the bezel near each lug, additionally the crown will secure tight to the frame however it does stick and should be depressed with careful attention to ensure it is properly seated after setting the time, measures approx. 31mm wide x 38mm lug to lug x 9mm thick (crystal included), lightly textured padded black leather band with a water resistant sealing. A high quality, early model wrist watch from the 1930s in very good condition!
- Year Made: 1932-1933
- Company:
Illinois
- Jewels: 1117J
- Setting/Movement Type:
manual-wind
- Model/Grade: 307
- Serial #: 5500537
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Movement Details: bridge layout
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: ivory/off-white
- Hand Style:
whip
- Case Style:
cushion-shaped
-
Case Material:
Gold Filled - White
- Case Details:
model #195 "Viking", "Gertrude Bennett" inscription
-
Case Width, without crown:
31mm (1.22 inches)
-
Case Length, lug to lug:
38mm (1.50 inches)
-
Case Thickness:
9mm (0.35 inches)
-
Interior Lug Width:
16mm
(5/8")
-
Band Size:
7in. to 7.99in.
(measurement range includes watch length & band)
- Band Material: leather strap
- Crystal Material: glass
- Condition:
Very Good
-
Gender:
Unisex
The Illinois Watch Company was founded in Springfield, Illinois and began production of its earliest branded models in 1872, although the company had been producing small runs of watches with various other markings as early as 1869. In 1927, the Hamilton Watch Company purchased Illinois and manufactured watches in the Springfield factory up until 1932. Afterwards, Hamilton continued to produce watches with Illinois Watch Company markings from their main factory in Lancaster, Pennsylvania until 1939.
As an additional resource, we've posted a
Serial Number Production List which includes information for Illinois serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a
comprehensive article about the company; additional information may also be found on
Wikipedia.
You may browse all of our men's pocket watches from this manufacturer at our
Vintage Men's Illinois Pocket Watches category.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of December 22nd, 2024, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
printer-optimized page.
