Illinois - Incabloc 'Art Deco' [10K-RGP] - No reserve price - 9511 - Men - 1950-1959

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This elegant Illinois timepiece captures the refined aesthetic of mid-century watchmaking, offering a distinctive rectangular profile with beautifully sculpted lugs. Representing a transitional era in American horology, this watch combines a classic Art Deco-inspired case design with a reliable Swiss-made movement. The warm tones of the rolled gold plated bezel pair exceptionally well with the silvered dial, creating a sophisticated dress watch that carries the historical weight of the Illinois name while utilizing robust mid-century Swiss mechanics. Brand: Illinois Model: Incabloc 'Art Deco' Movement: Manual wind, 17 jewels, Swiss made Dial: Silvered dial with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals, showing even, attractive age-related spotting and patina throughout Case Size: 26 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Rolled Gold Plated bezel with stainless steel back Production Year: 1950s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and characterful dial patina Dial and Hands The silvered dial exhibits a warm, even distribution of age-related spotting and patina that adds authentic vintage character without compromising legibility. It features applied gold-tone Arabic numerals at the primary hours and faceted dart markers for the remaining indices. The typography is crisp, with "ILLINOIS" printed below 12 o'clock and "INCABLOC" positioned above the sunken sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. The sub-seconds dial is finished with concentric snailing and marked "SWISS" at its base. The gold-tone alpha-style hour and minute hands show light oxidation consistent with age, complementing the applied indices perfectly. Case and Crystal The 26mm rectangular case features a 10k Rolled Gold Plated bezel with a distinctive ridged top and bottom profile, flowing into stylized, flared lugs that give the watch a strong presence on the wrist despite its modest dimensions. The case shows honest vintage wear, with some brassing visible on the high points of the lugs and the grooved bezel edges. The stainless steel snap-on caseback is stamped "STAINLESS STEEL BACK 10K. R.G.P. BEZEL S&W" and bears the serial number 9511 along with the Illinois signature. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and remains clear, allowing an unobstructed view of the vintage face. The knurled crown is appropriately sized for easy winding. Movement Powering this timepiece is a Swiss-made, 17-jewel manual-winding movement, clearly signed "ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY." The movement bridges are finished with brushed surfaces and feature polished screw heads and visible rubies. It is marked "UNADJUSTED" and "TXD" on the balance cock, indicating its Swiss origins for the American market. The movement appears visually clean and well-preserved. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring a crocodile-grain pattern and black stitching. The strap is secured with a gold-tone pin buckle that harmonizes with the case material, providing a classic and comfortable wearing experience. Condition This Illinois watch is presented in good vintage condition. The dial shows a highly attractive, even spotting that collectors often appreciate for its honest representation of age. The gold-plated case exhibits expected wear, including softening of the lug edges and some plating loss on the extremities, which is entirely consistent with a watch of this era that has been worn and enjoyed. The stainless steel caseback shows light surface scratches. Dimensions Case Size: 26 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This Illinois Incabloc offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire a piece that bridges American watchmaking heritage with Swiss mechanical reliability. The sculpted case and patinated dial make it a charming addition to any vintage dress watch collection. History The Illinois Watch Company was originally founded in 1870 in Springfield, Illinois, and became renowned for producing high-quality pocket watches and early wristwatches. After being acquired by the Hamilton Watch Company in 1928, the Illinois name continued to be used on various lines of watches. By the mid-20th century, the brand name was utilized for watches featuring Swiss-made movements cased in the United States, allowing the company to offer reliable and stylish timepieces that capitalized on the storied Illinois heritage while adapting to the evolving global watch industry. / Second Vintage SKU: ILL-IXX-0001