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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco manual-wind wristwatch

Illinois Watch Company 'Atlantic' Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Illinois Watch Company 'Atlantic' model wristwatch is dated to 1927 by the source and features a 14K white gold-filled tonneau-shaped Art Deco case manufactured by Fahys Bristol. According to listing records, the timepiece is powered by a size 3/0s manual-wind Grade 24 movement with 17 jewels, serial number 4908475, produced in Springfield, Illinois. The dial presents stylized Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The watch is fitted with a vintage black Champion leather strap.

Front three-quarter view of the 1927 Illinois 'Atlantic' tonneau wristwatch with patinated dial
Front three-quarter view of the 1927 Illinois 'Atlantic' tonneau wristwatch with patinated dial — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco manual-wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-1790
Source-reported date
1927
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
4908475

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Model Details

This timepiece is identified by the source as an Illinois Watch Company "Atlantic" wristwatch, dated to 1927. The listing describes the case as a "fancy tonneau shape art deco case, all in 14K white gold filled" and notes that it comes fitted with a "vintage Champion 'malaysian snake' black leather strap."

Direct visual inspection shows a tonneau-form Art Deco case with stepped bevels, a fluted winding crown, and a black textured leather strap. Dimensional measurements provided in the retailer's technical notes record the case at 30.5 by 30.5 mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 40 mm, a case thickness of 10.2 mm, a lug width of 19 mm, and a band width of 18 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “fancy tonneau shape art deco case, all in 14K white gold filled”
  • “vintage Champion "malaysian snake" black leather strap”
  • “Tonneau-form Art Deco case with stepped bevels and a fluted winding crown”
  • “Black textured leather strap fitted to the lugs”
  • “Case 30.5 x 30.5 Case Lug to Lug 40 Case Thickness 10.2 Lug Width 19 Band Width 18”

Dial Presentation and Physical Condition

The dial displays stylized Arabic numerals, an outer perimeter track with black minute marks, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. The signature "ILLINOIS" is printed on the upper dial above the center pinion.

The vendor description asserts that the timepiece retains a "perfect silver dial with luminous Arabic Numerals". However, visual examination demonstrates an aged dial exhibiting prominent yellowing, toning, and surface patina across the face rather than an unaged silver finish.

Evidence for this section
  • “perfect silver dial with luminous Arabic Numerals”
  • “black minute marks and matching hands”
  • “The second hand is located at 6 and the dial is signed "ILLINOIS" as well.”
  • “Dial printed with 'ILLINOIS' above center, stylized Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock”
  • “Aged dial showing prominent yellowing or patina across the surface”

Reported Movement and Case Back Markings

According to the source description, the watch is fitted with a size 3/0s manual-winding movement made in Springfield, Illinois. The mechanism is stated to be a Grade 24 caliber with 17 jewels, listed with movement serial number 4908475.

The case back is transcribed by the vendor as being signed "Fahys Bristol Gold Filled 14K Shape Patented 197978". Because neither the movement caliber nor the case back interior is visible in the provided photograph, these inscriptions are not independently verifiable from the visual record.

Evidence for this section
  • “manual-winding watch 3/0s size, 17 jewels movement, grade 24, sub second hand, made in Springfield, Illinois”
  • “ILLINOIS WATCH Co. Springfield Grade 24 17 Jewels Serial # 4908475”
  • “Case Back Signed: Fahys Bristol Gold Filled 14K Shape Patented 197978”

Open research questions

  • Does direct physical inspection of the movement serial number 4908475 verify factory production ledgers for Illinois Grade 24 movements in 1927?
  • Do interior case back stamps or Fahys factory archives clarify patent date references for 'Shape Patented 197978'?
  • What specific compound was used for the luminous numerals, and does it represent original factory application or later reluming?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Company 'Atlantic' Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeGrade 24“grade 24”
Jewel Count17 Jewels“17 jewels movement”
Movement Serial Number4908475“Serial # 4908475”
Case Material14K white gold filled“all in 14K white gold filled”
Case Back MarkingFahys Bristol Gold Filled 14K Shape Patented 197978“Case Back Signed: Fahys Bristol Gold Filled 14K Shape Patented 197978”
Case Dimensions30.5 x 30.5 mm, 40 mm lug to lug, 10.2 mm thickness“Case 30.5 x 30.5 Case Lug to Lug 40 Case Thickness 10.2”
Strap DescriptionVintage Champion 'malaysian snake' black leather strap“vintage Champion "malaysian snake" black leather strap”
Lug and Band Width19 mm lug width; 18 mm band width“Lug Width 19 Band Width 18”
Movement Size3/0s“3/0s size”

Visible details

  • Tonneau-form Art Deco case with stepped bevels and a fluted winding crown
  • Dial printed with 'ILLINOIS' above center, stylized Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Aged dial showing prominent yellowing or patina across the surface
  • Black textured leather strap fitted to the lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior markings are documented only by source text and are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • The source describes the dial as a 'perfect silver dial', though visible inspection demonstrates noticeable surface toning and patina.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

1927 ILLINOIS Watch Company "Atlantic" Wristwatch – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5d0b68813b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.