The Independent Watch Co. Movement Manufactured by the Illinois Watch Co.

Before the organization of the Fredonia Watch Company in 1880, brothers Edward D., Lewis S., and Clarence M. Howard found success selling private label watches produced by several watch factories, typically marked “Independent Watch Co.” These watches were sold via mail order and advertised in newspapers across the United States.

The movements ordered from the Illinois factory featured a duo-tone finish, with the primary plates adorned with a gilt finish while the balance cock was plated with a silver-tone finish. It is unknown whether this customization was completed at the Illinois factory or the Howard brothers modified the parts after arrival.

Curiously, many of the “Independent Watch Co.” movements are marked “Improved April 10, 1879” on the barrel bridge, suggesting the movements include some form of innovative device that had been patened. However, no patents have been found that correlate to the April 10th date, so the purpose of this date inscription remains unclear.

The Howard brothers were known to participate in questionable business practices, so it is plausible the date was added to exaggerate the quality of the watch.

Interestingly, Clarence M. Howard patented a micrometric regulator that was included in some later movements sold by the company. These movements are additionally marked “Sept. 15 1880.” However, while it would make sense to add the patent date as other companies had done, this September date does not align with the patent, which was granted on March 22, 1881. The patent was originally filed on December 1, 1880, so it is possible the September date represents the original creation of the regulator a few months before the patent application was submitted.

Eventually, the date markings were omitted entirely from the movements manufactured by the Illinois Watch Company.

The Independent Illinois movements represent a curiosity for modern collectors looking for something a bit different to add to a collection. The variants with Howard’s 1881 regulator typically demand a premium over the movements without this feature.