1932 3/0 Illinois 17 Jewel in solid Nickel Case

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• Details
  Let’s take a step back in time ( I love puns) This watch came out in the heart of the Depression. It is often called the Devon, 1932 . How about a mouthful. Let me introduce you to a 1932 Illinois 17 jewel Trench Styled / Fixed Lug that is housed in a solid nickel case, most likely made by Wadsworth!
  
  
  The Illinois watch company has long been considered the greatest American Watch Company that had an early demise to management and the great depression. The made some of the best movements of their day.
  
  
  This watch movement was produced in 1932, only 2,000 of the 17 jeweled movements were made in 1932. The 17 jeweled movements were considered to be high caliber in their day. So many wrist watches that were being introduced were using 7 -15 jeweled ladies pocket watch movements!
  
  
  This movement and the case condition are the crown jewel of this listing. One of the biggest issues with Illinois was their choice watch cases. The cases are prone to wear and have not fared well over the years. So, when you see a case that is in pristine condition, it is a real treat. Look at this case carefully through my pictures. It is in amazing condition, there is NO wear through very hard to come by in an Illinois that is 90 years young.
  
  
  The dial seems to have its original patina; I have left it alone as its gives an aged character to the watch. I love the oversize crown, it adds to the originality to the watch.
  I have had this watch for a bit, it has not been serviced, but it runs amazingly well and keeps very accurate time.
  
  Illinois History:
  
  
  Illinois Watch Company had four basic "periods" of wrist watch production. The first period was from the 1910s to the early 1920s, during which most wrist watches were converted pocket watch movements. Gent's military and military-style specimens were made, often featuring porcelain dials.
  The second period—from the early to mid-1920s—included movements and dials which were sold to be cased by individual jewelers. These were mostly small 6/0-size movements with 6:00 or 9:00 subsidiary seconds. Some were also cased at the factory using generic cases from a variety of sources. Some of the better-known models from that latter category include the Square, Canby, Square Cut Corner, Cushion, and Whippet. Also, larger 3/0-size movements were cased at the factory in this way—the Champion, Special, Ace/Maxine, and Atlantic, for example.
  
  
  In the late 1920s, shortly before the Hamilton Watch Company took over, Illinois began commissioning its own unique wrist watch cases. The company cased and boxed its watches at the factory, marking the beginning of what many collectors consider the company's golden era, during which the finest watches were made. Models include the Picadilly, Major, Marquis, Chieftain, Ritz, New Yorker and Manhattan (the New Yorker came with a leather strap, the Manhattan with a metal one), Jolly Roger, Viking, Wembley/Medalist, Speedway, Guardsman, Trophy/Westchester, the Beau series (Beau Monde, Beau Geste, Beau Brummel, and Beau Royale), the Mate, and the top of the line 14-karat solid gold Consul. Many collectors consider The Consul to be the finest American wrist watch ever made—examples with original silver pinstripe dials, starburst dials, and with a small second hand are especially desired. Some of these art deco models also came in 2-tone gold (white gold sections along with yellow or green gold) which are also very desired and rare.
  
  
  
  The fourth period began in the early 1930s, and is characterized by the Streamline Moderne influence on the styling of the cases. Many of these watches featured a new 207 movement, 12/0-size with 17 jewels (of which only 40,000 were made) and included such sleek designs as the Futura, Chesterfield, Wentworth, Andover, and the 14kt Rockliffe. Many of these are very similar to watches made at the time by the Hamilton Watch Company.
  
  
  
  Some Illinois 12/0-size 207 movements were finished with the Hamilton name and used in the 401 series of Hamilton wrist watches, which premiered in 1934 and were named after famous explorers including Stanley, Livingstone, Byrd, and others. Many Illinois collectors also collect these pieces since they contain movements derived from Illinois-made movements. Some think that the Hamilton Watch Company purchased the Illinois Watch Company merely to expedite the production of a rectangular-shaped movement, but this is uncertain.
  
  
  Examine this pure At Deco watch case, a cushion shaped is is my favorite time period (pun intended) 14 MM brown leather band The stainless steel buckle is to match the watch case.
  The watch case measures 27.50 MM from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock
  
  
  The watch measures 37.50 MM from lug to lug
  
  
  Grade: 307
  
  
  Manufacturer: Illinois
  
  
  Manufacturer Location: Springfield, Illinois
  
  
  Movement Serial Number: 5536008
  
  
  Grade: 307
  
  
  Model: 4
  
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1932
  
  
  Run Quantity: 2,000
  
  
  Total Production: 45,900
  
  
  Size: 3/0
  
  
  Jewels: 17 Jewel
  
  
  Movement Configuration: Hunting
  
  
  Movement Finish: Nickel
  
  
  Movement Setting: Pendant
  
  
  Plate: Bridge Plate
  
  
  Bridge Type: False
  
  
  Railroad Grade: No
  
  
  If you are looking at rare, the unusual, a watch to add to your collection or start your collection, this would be a great watch to consider. This is a true survivor of the depression and of couse Illinois demise. It would be a real treasure to pass down to the next generation, it has already served 3 generations.
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