The Illinois Watch Company was one of the premier American watch manufactures. It was founded on December 23, 1870, in Springfield, Illinois by John C. Adams, John Whitfield Bun, and various additional financiers. Twenty years later, Jacob Bunn, Jr. took over and ran the company until his death in 1926.

"Today, these watches are prized by collectors and designers for their look and reliability. Engineered during a time when the automobile still sported wooden spokes, this futuristic wrist-machine is glorious."

Illinois Watch Company was not behind to see the good reception that wristwatches received during WWI and felt the time has come for expanded wristwatch manufacturing. Without a doubt, the company maintained an obsession for every detail, producing timepieces that are not just exciting, but also elegant and extraordinarily well-crafted.


ILLINOIS Whippet
Wristwatch

"A very popular model of fine timekeeping qualities."

Today, we have an EXTRAORDINARILY and STUNNING timepiece, a vintage Illinois Whippet -also called Barrel / Tonneau Gift Series- wristwatch. The Tonneau / Barrel model was introduced in 1926; however, the movement serial number indicates that this watch is dated from 1930.

It is a manual-winding watch with an Illinois caliber grade 307, 17 jewels movement, size 3/0s, sub second hand, made in Springfield, U.S.A.

After 90 years, it still has an unique silver finished dial (it seems to be the original) with green luminous Arabic Numerals and hands, bold minute marks, the sub dial is located at 6. Also, the dial is signed with the Illinois name.

It is a tonneau/barrel shape art deco case with engraved bezel and sides, fancy plane lugs design and polished case back. All in 14K white gold filled. It is coming with a brand new black "Genuine Leather" strap.

It is a very attractive looking watch, it is in good condition, runs very well and it keeps great time! It is a very UNIQUE watch, an original Illinois wristwatch.

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
ILLINOIS WATCH Co.
Springfield
Cal. 307
17 Jewels
Movement Serial # 5312037
Case Serial # 8470889

Case Back Markers:
Watch Star Case Company
Stellar
8470888

Measures (mm):
Case 30.7 x 31
Case Lug to Lug 38.4
Case Thickness 10
Lug Width 16
Band Width 16

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than todays offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.
 
Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-1802