Illinois Watch Company

Illinois Watch Company Dials: Circular No. 102 Published in May 1927

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Excerpt from the Illinois Watch Company Dials Circular No. 102, Published May 1927 By the 1920s, metal dials were quickly becoming the standard option on the majority of American watches smaller than 16 Size. The art deco designs adorning many of the metal dials...

Dials , Factories , History , Illinois Watch Company

The Springfield Enameling Company: The Odd Illinois Watch Company Experiment

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Illinois Watch Company Factory with Dial Department Highlighted, c.1880. In January 1892, the Springfield Enameling Company began operations out of the existing dial department at the Illinois Watch Company.

Dials , History , Illinois Watch Company , Patents & Innovations , Railroad Watches , Railroads

The Freak Show: Webb C. Ball’s “Freakish” Railroad Dials: The Ferguson Dial

By Nathan Moore

Pictured: Early Ferguson Dial for Illinois Watches with 1908 Patent Marking, c.1910. (This image has been edited to correct a marking error in order to prevent distraction from the post)..

What is a Motor Barrel?

By Nathan Moore

In Analysis , Illinois Watch Company , Parts , Patents & Innovations

Following yesterday’s post comparing Elgin’s going barrel to the patent safety barrel, there were questions regarding the distinction between these designs and the motor barrel. Today, I will provide a brief synopsis and save a more detailed comparison for a future post. Many movements equipped...

Announcements , Catalogs & Resources , Digital Archive , History , Illinois Watch Company

Newest Addition to the Digital Archive: Illinois Springfield Watch Co. Price List (1878)

By Nathan Moore

In May 1878, the Illinois Springfield Watch Company distributed this price list catalog, featuring their full line of 18-Size and new 8-Size Ladies’ watches. Due to financial strains, the company.

Analysis , Auctions , Buyer Beware , Illinois Watch Company

Buyer Beware: Illinois “Hennigen-Bates” Frankenwatch, Grade 406 and 410 Merged

By Nathan Moore

This post serves as an analysis of a "Frankenwatch" currently for sale on eBay in order to educate novice buyers regarding some pitfalls while building a collection. The Report Recently,.

Newest Addition to the Digital Archive: The Illinois Watch Dials Catalog: Circular No. 102 (May 1927)

By Nathan Moore

In Announcements , Catalogs & Resources , Digital Archive , Illinois Watch Company

In May 1927, shortly before the Illinois Watch Company was absorbed by Hamilton, this circular was distributed to advertise the wide variety of dials available for Illinois watches. The quickly-evolving trends in metal dials is evident by the numerous designs offered and is even addressed...