Illinois Watch Company

History

Illinois produced both contract private-label movements and its own high grades, and by the 1920s its Bunn Special and Sangamo lines were among the most finely finished American railroad movements. Hamilton acquired the company in 1927 and gradually ended Springfield manufacture.

Major innovations

• Extensive private-label contract production for retailers and jobbers
• High-count jewelled adjusted grades in the railroad market

Known markings

• 'Illinois Watch Co. Springfield'
• Grade names such as 'Bunn Special'
• Private-label retailer names

Serial numbers

Published Illinois serial lists give approximate years and grade identification; many movements are signed with a retailer's name instead of the factory's.

Collecting significance

Grade, jewel count and dial originality dominate research. Private-label examples require retailer research as well as factory serial lookup.

Sources & references

1. NAWCC Bulletin
2. Published Illinois factory serial lists

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.