Illinois Burlington Special Pocket Watch c.1912 | Montgomery Dial, 19J, 12 Size
ITEM-2661
Product Details
Offered is an Illinois Watch Company Burlington Special pocket watch manufactured in the United States circa 1912. The Burlington Special name is closely associated with quality Illinois production and remains a desirable designation among collectors of early twentieth-century American pocket watches. Combining attractive styling with dependable timekeeping, these watches were popular among professionals, railroad employees, and discerning owners seeking a reliable daily timepiece.
This
example is housed in a 12-size open-face yellow gold-filled case featuring an
attractive enameled fancy monogram on the back cover. Graded C-3, the case
remains in very good condition and retains excellent visual appeal.
Personalized monograms such as this provide a tangible connection to the
watch's original owner and contribute to its period character.
The
watch is fitted with a white single-sunk porcelain Montgomery dial displaying
bold Arabic numerals in the traditional 1–60 outer-minute format. Originally
developed to improve time-reading accuracy, Montgomery dials became highly
favored by railroad men and continue to be sought after by collectors today.
The dial is graded D-3-50 and remains in very good condition, exhibiting only
faint hairlines that are barely visible.
Powering
the watch is a signed 19-jewel nickel movement featuring a bridge-style layout,
stem setting, and lever escapement. Graded M-3, the movement remains in very
good condition and showcases the distinctive bridge construction favored by
Illinois for both its visual appeal and mechanical accessibility. The
bridge-style architecture remains one of the most recognizable characteristics
of high-grade Illinois production.
Serial
number 2,418,055 dates this watch to approximately 1912, during one of the most
celebrated periods of American watchmaking. The combination of a Montgomery
dial, bridge-style movement, attractive monogrammed case, and Illinois
craftsmanship makes this Burlington Special an appealing example for collectors
seeking quality American pocket watches from the golden age of horology.
Well-preserved
and highly displayable, this Illinois Burlington Special offers both historical
interest and collector appeal in a classic early twentieth-century package.
Details:
MAKE
Manufacturer: Illinois Watch
Co,
Model: Burlington Special
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 2418055
Circa Date: 1912
CASE
Size: 12 Size.
Style: Open Face.
Material: Yellow Gold Filled.
Decorations: Enameled
Fancy Monogram.
Conditions: C 3 (The
case is in Very Good condition)
DIAL
Color: White.
Type: Single sunk porcelain Montgomery dial.
Numerals: Arabic Numerals.
Hands: Spade Hands.
Conditions: D 3-50 (The dial is in Very Good condition –
Hairline(s) barely visible)
MOVEMENT
Jewels: 19 Jewels.
Setting: Stem Set.
Escapement: Lever Escapement.
Material: Nickel.
Layout: Bridge Style Layout.
Signed: Yes.
Conditions: M 3 (The movement is in Very Good
condition)
The Burlington Special occupies an important place within Illinois Watch Company production and reflects the firm's reputation for manufacturing reliable, attractive, and technically distinctive pocket watches. Collectors particularly value examples retaining original porcelain dials, signed bridge-style movements, and period cases with unique decorative features. The Montgomery dial and bridge movement found on this watch further enhance its desirability among students of American horology.
