Recent content by GJH

Here is a fun one, This is the 1929 Illinois Manhattan (New Yorker with Metal band)

Here you go David... This is one in White Gold Filled, with plain bezel. The Guardsman is a big favorite of Illinois collectors.

1929 Illinois Guardsman

Thanks Folks... This is the only known Advertisement for the watch. Dated June 14, 1919 in the Saturday Evening Post

Here is a rare "Decagon" from the 1920's There are only 2 known examples known.

Here is a 1926 Illinois Atlantic with Enamel Bezel Very difficult to find with the Enamel.

Here is a VERY scarce Illinois. The 1918 "Ongard" The ad has existed 100 years, but collectors have only seen 2 of them, and none had the "Good Luck" Horseshoe on the back. Here is the Ad from July 1918: Here is the watch with original band and Buckle: AND HERE IS THE GOOD LUCK HORSESHOE...

Hi folks... I do have a very extensive collection of the Illinois watch brand. I show off some of the rarest ones as a treat. The brand itself was made in much smaller batches than the powerhouses of Elgin and Waltham at the time. The folks who collect them tend to hang on to them and don't...

1928 Illinois Marquis There are only 2 known examples with the subs at 6 like this.

Illinois "Model 250" 1931 There are between 7-15 known surviving examples of this Solid Gold watch.

You have a good eye vic... The Blue one has an original. I have seen lots of variations of the "Onion" crown on this watch. Interestingly enough, my watchmaker and I decided to use this type of onion on this one to kind of "mark" this particular watch. It is SO rare that I see photos of it all...

1928 Illinois Chevalier. This is one with a black bezel and a porcelain dial. There are only around 4 of these dials known to exist. [/IMG]

1928 Illinois Chevalier. Only 3 of these exist with a blue enamel bezel, they are more common in black. This is the only one known with a blue bezel and a porcelain dial.

Very exciting! Me too, can't wait! Most collectors (of anything by the way) say... get the book before the product. If you don't have the knowledge of what you are collecting, you will get burned. My first Fred book has the cover worn off and the next set will be the same I am sure! G

I must say that they are addicting... The Rose/Pink Gold Guardsman in Fred's Book is the only one known. His new 5 volume set is due to come out in about a month and will be filled with my collection. Here is a WGF w/plain bezel Guardsman.