Illinois Pocket Watch Sangamo Special Service & Repair
This 23-jewel Sangamo Special is highly sought after by collectors for its craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. This well-preserved example is in for a compete disassembly service and ran almost as good as new, using modern synthetic oils and grease.
Historical Context
The Illinois Watch Company, established in 1870, was well known for producing high-quality timepieces. In 1927, the company was acquired by the Hamilton Watch Company, which continued to produce watches under the Illinois name for a few years before phasing out the brand.
The Illinois Sangamo Special 23-jewel pocket watch stands out as a testament to early 20th-century technological excellence, and is particularly valued among railroad-grade timepieces.
Origins and Production
The Sangamo Special was introduced in 1913 as a high-grade movement designed to meet the stringent requirements of railroad service. The 23-jewel model, in particular, was produced between 1923 and 1926, with a total of approximately 11,200 units made during this period.
Technical Specifications
The 23-jewel Sangamo Special featured:
- A 16-size, open-face design
- Jeweled motor barrel for enhanced durability and smoother winding
- Gold gear train and gold jewel setting
- Adjusted to six positions for precision
- Lever setting mechanism
- Double-sunk enamel dial with Arabic numerals
Get Started on your Pocket Watch restoration
If you would like to initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece contact me directly, or visit getting started.
For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair— Vintage Breitling repair —Vintage Omega repair — Vintage Heuer repair —Bulova Repair, and Pocket Watch Repair. See my FAQ for additional information, and visit Watch Repair Case Studies.
