Frederick Isaac Getty had a hand in designing a thin 16-size watch with a distinctive crescent-shaped click for the Illinois Watch Co in the mid-1890s, but was out of a job after only a year or two and ended up suing his former employer for lost wages in 1897. It's not known if he collected, but immortality followed, since the model became known to history as the "Illinois Getty".
Shipped FREE anywhere in America.
Check or money order only. Contact us to purchase.
As the story goes, the Illinois Sangamo grade was named either for the local Indian tribe that occupied that part of Illinois or the Sangamo Electric Co, a spin-off of the watch factory that was founded in early 1899 for the purpose of manufacturing watthour meters using Ludwig Gutmann's design after the eventual choice of Westinghouse's alternating current over Edison's direct current. It eventually became one of Illinois's top grades and was the platform for several of the industry's highest-jeweled watches, including the 25-jewel Benjamin Franklin. This beautiful example has twenty-one ruby jewels in gold settings and was just thoroughly restored with a new alloy mainspring for the next proud owner. The correct snow-white dial with the Gothic signature is flawless behind matching plum hands. The 20-year gold-filled Dueber case has the lever slot in the proper 8-minute-mark position and has not been widened to accommodate the setting lever, with a blank shield on the back, a tight bow, a sharp crown, and a beveled glass crystal. Matching lanyard and display stand included.
Manufacturer - Illinois Watch Co
Serial Number - 2470274
Watch Size - 16
Watch Model - 5
Watch Grade - Sangamo
Jewel Count - 21
Winding/Setting - Stem/Lever
Production Year - 1913
Safely store or display your favorite pieces in a custom wooden cabinet, designed and built to your specifications in your choice of domestic species, finishes, hardware and lighting packages.
Straps are an alternative to chains, which don't grind up the metal bows. Prevent drops with these supple straps, hand-braided from top-grain leather in your choice of colors.
All photographs protected by copyright.
© 2007 - 2023 American Timekeeper v3.4.1
Sign up for the newsletter, which showcases exceptional variants, historical trivia, restoration projects, holiday sales and more.