Grade 299
|
|
|
|
Front, Back, Dial, Movement, Angle view of movement, 2nd Angle view, Pillar plate closeup, Case mark The grade 299 is the first of the series of high grade 12 size watches produced by Illinois. It was introduced in 1906 and produced up until 1909. There were two bridge model 12 size watches that replaced the grade 299 in Illinois' product line. The Grade 510 was an exceptionally fine watch that was the equivalent to the 16 size Diamond Ruby & Sapphire Grade. It was produced in limited numbers in a single open face model from 1911 to 1918 with a total production of 423 watches. The Grade 410 was also a 23 jewel watch but was produced in both hunting and open face with with a total of 4 models. The 4 models are essentially equivalent to the 4 models of Sangamo Special. I believe the 410 sold at a 10% premium over the equivalent Sangamo Specials. This open face 21 jewel Grade 299 is the most common of the grade with a total production of 1,710. The 21 jewel hunting case model was made in 900 examples while the 23 jewel examples are much less common with 230 open face and 110 hunting case made. The tight damaskeening pattern on the 299 is especially attractive.
|
