Men’s 1929 Illiniois Mate Dress Watch

The Illinois Watch Company is, without question, one of the jewels in the crown of American Watch Houses. Organized in Springfield, Ill. shortly after the Civil War, the company turned out during its 58-year run some of the most magnificent timepieces ever to come to light in this country. Pocket watches with names such as "Bunn Special," "Sangamo Special" and "Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire" and wristwatches such as the "Piccadilly," "Marquis" and "Speedway" – all went from innovation to wide reception to legend. Illinois was farsighted enough to be one of the first American manufacturers to chase the silly idea of marketing a wristlet for men. Having made "convertible wristlets" for women, which could be used as a pendant, hung from a pin or worn with a cord or chain around the wrist, Illinois saw the rabid reception that wristlets received during WWI and felt the time had come for expanded wristwatch manufacture.

Illinois Watch Company, known for their obsessive attention to detail, produced watches that were exciting, elegant, and extraordinarily well-crafted. Today these watches are prized by collectors and designers for their look and reliability.

With a look that exemplifies the Deco movement, this exceedingly desirable men's white gold-filled "Mate" wristwatch with fancy black-enameled bezel has everything going for it: a great maker, superb condition, and sensuous Deco styling.

Described in Illinois literature as "sturdy, rugged and dependable by nature" Illinois Watch Company defined this handsome model "a reliable companion to the man in business who thoroughly realizes the value of his time. An Illinois 17 jeweled watch in an attractive 14k gold-filled case – rich in design and far advanced in style."
In addition to a crisp case, this example in white gold fill has an expertly restored two-tone platinum-and-silver dial, with balloon spade hands and sub-seconds register. Measuring 37mm long by 31mm wide, the watch has a fine wrist stance; easily recognizable and simply exquisite.

We've taken the liberty of completely cleaning, oiling and calibrating the original 17 ruby jewel movement so that it keeps time as it was intended. We've also fitted it with an N.O.S. strap and matching buckle that looks simply splendid on this work of wrist art! Also, we’re pleased to offer the piece in a custom-fitted period presentation case.

The curvaceous shape of the "Mate" case, combined with its condition, make it the timepiece one wears to create insurmountable envy among partners, co-workers and business associates.