Illinois Watches

Illinois Watch Company

If you’re into vintage American watches with real railroad pedigree, Illinois is a name you need to know.

Before the quartz crisis, before the Swiss dominance, Illinois was making some of the finest pocket and early wristwatches in the U.S. — and their art deco-era designs are

still some of the best-looking vintage dials you’ll find.

A Little History

Founded in 1870 in Springfield, Illinois, the Illinois Watch Company quickly rose to prominence as a builder of high-grade pocket watches — many of which were railroad-certified

built to the accuracy standards of American train conductors and engineers.

By the early 1900s, they were cranking out beautifully decorated, in-house mechanical movements and were known for innovation, finishing, and high production standards.

In 1928, Illinois was acquired by Hamilton Watch Co., which absorbed much of the talent and eventually phased out the Illinois name by the late 1930s. But during that golden period

between the ’10s and ’30s, they made everything from railroad-grade pocket watches to deco-dream wristwatches that remain collector grails today.

What Collectors Love

Illinois watches are appreciated for their:

  • In-house, American-made movements

  • Rich enamel or engraved dials with deco numerals

  • Railroad-accurate pocket watches

  • And most of all, their early wristwatches from the 1920s–30s — small, rectangular, and beautifully styled

Popular models include:

  • “Beau Brummel,” “Marquis,” and “Piccadilly” — stylish art deco wristwatches, often with engraved cases and stylized numerals

  • Bunn Special and Sangamo Special — railroad-grade pocket watches with adjusted movements and gorgeous finishing

  • A. Lincoln and Getty models — with engraved bridges, gold jewel settings, and blued screws

  • Transitional wristwatch conversions — pocket movements cased into wristwear during and after WWI

Illinois watches are still considered some of the highest-quality American timepieces of their era, often rivaling Elgin and Waltham — and in many ways surpassing

them in terms of style and finishing.

Why Illinois Still Matters

Because it represents a time when American watchmaking was world-class, and brands like Illinois were doing everything in-house — from movements to

case engraving to dial printing.

These watches have soul. The deco dials? Still stunners. The pocket watch calibers? Beautifully built and shockingly accurate when serviced.

And if you’re building a vintage collection with real American history, Illinois is a must-have name.

What’s Out There Now

Since production stopped nearly a century ago, everything is vintage:

  • Art deco wristwatches — usually 14k gold-filled or engraved nickel, 28–32mm cases, often tonneau or rectangular

  • Railroad-grade pocket watches — 16-size Bunn Specials, 21+ jewel movements, lever set with bold dials

  • Conversion pieces — pocket movements in custom wristwatch cases, a collector favorite

  • NOS and restored examples — highly sought after for dial condition and case originality

Prices range from $200–$500 for nice deco wristwatches to $1,500+ for rare pocket chronometers or pristine Bunn Specials.

Fed’s Take

Illinois is one of those brands that vintage collectors whisper about — because once you’ve handled one, you realize how good they really were.

The deco wristwatches are still some of the best-looking pieces from that era. And the pocket watches? Railroad-certified workhorses that are still ticking beautifully after 100 years.

If you’re building out your vintage box — or you just want a piece of American horological history — you can’t skip Illinois.

Check Out Our Illinois Inventory

Delray Watch is always on the lookout for unique Illinois watches — especially art deco wristwatches, Bunn Specials, and railroad-grade pocket watches.

If you have an Illinois watch you’re ready to sell or trade – reach out. We’re always buying.

To be the first to know when new Illinois watches are available subscribe for insider access here.