Triple Signed Burlington Watch Co. Pocket Watch c.1915 | Illinois 19 Jewel | 16 Size Hunter Case

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Burlington Watch Co. (Illinois)
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 2725750
Circa Date: 1915

CASE

Size: 16 Size.

Style: Hunter Case.

Material: Yellow Gold Filled.

Decorations:  Plain.

Conditions:  C  3-42  (The case is in Very Good condition – re-gilt)

DIAL

Color: White.

Type: Double sunk porcelain dial.

Numerals: Arabic Numerals.

Hands: Spade Hands.

Conditions:  D  3  (The dial is in Very Good condition)

MOVEMENT

Jewels: 19 Jewels.

Setting: Lever Set.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Material: Nickel.

Signed:  Yes.

Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

Burlington Watch Co. occupies an interesting place in American watch history. Rather than operating as a conventional watch manufacturer, Burlington marketed watches under its own name while utilizing movements manufactured by established American watch companies, including the Illinois Watch Company. This relationship resulted in watches that carry the Burlington identity while incorporating quality American-made movements.

The triple-signed configuration is one of the most appealing features of this particular watch. The Burlington name appears on the case, porcelain dial, and movement, creating a more complete branded presentation than examples assembled from unrelated components.

The watch is housed in a substantial 16 Size yellow gold-filled hunter case with a restrained plain exterior. The case has been re-gilt and remains in very good condition. The hinged front cover protects the dial and provides the traditional appearance associated with early twentieth-century gentleman's pocket watches.

Beneath the cover is a handsome white double-sunk porcelain dial with bold Arabic numerals and traditional spade hands. The dial remains in very good condition and provides the classic high-contrast appearance associated with quality American pocket watches of the period.

Powering the watch is a signed 19 jewel nickel movement manufactured by Illinois for Burlington Watch Co. The movement incorporates a lever escapement and lever-setting mechanism and remains in very good condition.

With its triple Burlington signatures, Illinois-made 19 jewel movement, double-sunk porcelain dial, and gold-filled hunter case, this is an especially interesting example for collectors of Burlington, Illinois, and early twentieth-century American pocket watches.

Condition

This antique Burlington Watch Co. pocket watch remains in very good condition.

• 16 Size yellow gold-filled hunter case remains in very good condition and has been re-gilt.
• White double-sunk porcelain dial remains in very good condition.
• Arabic numerals and spade hands provide a classic period presentation.
• 19 jewel Illinois-made nickel movement remains in very good condition.
• The case, dial, and movement are all Burlington signed.
• Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and accurately represent the watch's condition.

What Does "Triple Signed" Mean?

The term triple signed refers to a watch carrying the same brand or retailer's name on three major components—in this instance, the case, dial, and movement.

This is particularly interesting on a Burlington watch because Burlington marketed watches bearing its own name while relying on established American manufacturers for their movements.

Having all three principal components carrying the Burlington identity gives the watch a more cohesive presentation and is an important feature worth emphasizing to collectors.

Burlington Watch Co. and Illinois

The Burlington Watch Company is an interesting part of American watch history because its business model differed from manufacturers such as Illinois, Waltham, and Elgin.

Burlington marketed watches directly to consumers under the Burlington name, while movements were produced for the company by established American manufacturers. Illinois Watch Company was an important supplier of Burlington movements.

As a result, Burlington watches provide collectors with an interesting intersection between American watch manufacturing and early twentieth-century watch marketing.

This example's 19 jewel Illinois-made movement is particularly appealing when combined with its lever setting, nickel finish, porcelain dial, and triple Burlington signatures.

Why Collect Burlington Pocket Watches?

Burlington watches offer something different from the more familiar American pocket watch brands. Their distinctive history, Illinois-made movements, and Burlington-branded components make them an interesting specialty within American watch collecting.

This particular example has several characteristics that strengthen its appeal:

• Triple signed case, dial, and movement
• 19 jewel Illinois-made movement
• Lever setting
• Double-sunk porcelain dial
• 16 Size hunter case
• Early twentieth-century production