Illinois
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Illinois produced some very interesting watches and exerted an influence on the industry beyond their size. They were purchased by Hamilton in 1927, but were operated as a semi-independent division in Illinois until 1939. Illinois railroad grade watches were the backbone of their production, but they also produced very high grade watches for the carriage trade. These were essentially all produced in the 12 size and in the 13 size that was reserved for the Illini grade. Charles DeLong is a very romantic figure in American watchmaking in the 20th century. Watches equipped with his patented escapement are routinely bid up to several thousand dollars when the appear at auction. However, it is virtually certain that DeLong was the principal designer and proponent for the Illinois thin watches including the grades 438 and 439 Extra Thin and the grades 528, 538 and 539 Illini. The Illini features DeLong's patented 5 tooth click, which is much more satisfying visually than the much more expensive patent escapement. The links at the left explore these wonderful small Illinois watches including those made by DeLong and the other models and grades that Illinois used to cater to the wealthy purchaser or lucky award recipient. |