1934 Art Deco Illinois "Ritz"

Brand: Illinois Watch Company

Strap Material: Leather

Movement: Manual Wind

Case Dimensions: Height: 1.23 in (31 mm) Width: 1.09 in (27.5 mm)

Style: Art Deco

Place of Origin: United States

Period: 1930-1939

Date of Manufacture: 1934

Condition: Excellent Polished. Repaired: Complete mechanical service Dial Profesionally refinished Hand polished case. Replacements made: Crystal. Minor losses.

The Illinois watch Co. has long been considered the greatest American Watch Co. that had an early demise to management and the great depression. The made some of the best movements of their day.

One word describes this watch: ?Ritz? ! A very hard watch to source is the condition that you see it. Use some of the pictures as part of your visual description.

Inspired by the discovery of King Tut's Tomb" - The "Egyptian"

One of the most collectible Illinois wristwatches and one of the most dramatic silhouettes available in the Deco Period: the Illinois Ritz.

This is an extraordinary timepiece, an original Illinois Ritz wristwatch dated from 1932, still during the great depression. If you are looking for something rare, something that needs no introduction. This is the quintessential art deco survivor, unique, a lovely story and such character.

It is a manual-winding watch 6/0s size, 17 jewels movement, grade 607, sub second hand, made in Springfield, Illinois. After +90 years, it still has a stunning professionally refinished dial with bold Egyptian numbers, bold minute marks and matching hands. The second hand is located at 6 and the dial is signed "ILLINOIS" as well.

From "The Decorative Period", this watch has tonneau stepped case, a modified hexagon. It is two-toned 14k gold filled. It is coming with a vintage Champion "lizard calf" brown leather strap.

It is a very attractive looking watch, a very rare design. It is in LOVELY condition, runs very well and it keeps great time!

Think Art Deco with this offering. Stunning line, carved relief and simple elegance. The beautiful watch was initially released in 1932, this watch movement was produced in 1932. This movement and the case condition are one of two crown jewels of this listing. One of the biggest issues with Illinois was their 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.

This is what was completed on the watch:

The case was ultrasonically cleaned and hand polished

New Crystal

Dial professionally refinished back to original status

Complete tear down mechanical service February 2024

Brand new black saddle leather band with silver colored buckle

Illinois History:

Illinois Watch Co. 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 pocketwatch movements. Gent's military and military-style speciwere 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 Co. took over, Illinois began commissioning its own unique wrist watch cases. The Co. 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 Co. purchased the Illinois Watch Co. merely to expedite the production of a rectangular-shaped movement, but this is uncertain.

Examine this pure At Deco watch case, it is my favorite time period (pun intended) look at the carved relief into the case, it is so reminiscent of the past.

In addition this dial is their butler styled dial. I had the dial and hands refinished to complement the stunning case. This is a stunning Art Deco watch.

16 MM Black leather band is saddle leather.. The stainless steel buckle is to match the watch

Grade: 607A

Manufacturer:Illinois

Manufacturer Location:Springfield, Illinois

Movement Serial Number:5663361

Grade:607A

Model:7

Estimated Production Year:1934

Run Quantity:1,200

Grade/Model Run:1 of 1

Grade/Model Total Production:1,200

Size:6/0s

Jewels:17 Jewel

Movement Configuration:Hunting

Movement Finish:Nickel

Movement Setting:Pendant

Plate:Bridge Plate

Bridge Type:False Center

The movement was serviced by a master European watch maker

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.

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