Pocket Watch Database

Illinois Sangamo

Grade Sangamo is a Hunting watch maufacturered by Illinois. The size 16s, movement features and is adjusted to 6 positions, isochronism and temperature. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.

Sangamo Movement Characteristics

  • Size16s
  • Jewels
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • Finish
  • Model5 or 4
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Sangamo Production Info

  • Total Production33,520
  • Number of Runs168
  • Production Years1897-1913
  • First Serial1,369,801
  • Last Serial2,537,700
  • Largest Run800
  • Smallest Run5
  • Most Common Run100

Research Notes

The "Sangamo" was one of the most prestigious grades offered by the Illinois Watch Company.

The Sangamo movements were produced in 16-Size Model 4 (Hunting) and Model 5 (Open Face) configurations. Each movement featured either 21, 23, or 25 Jewels (always marked accordingly). Early movements were finished with a two-tone gilt-over-nickel damaskeening. Around 1900, this finish transitioned to the nickel "bright-spotted" pattern. However, some special-order movements were finished in two-tone damaskeening after this transition, though very uncommon.

Early movements were simply marked "Adjusted." Around 1905, the company added the full level of adjustment to the movements, marking them "Adjusted - Temperature - 6 Positions - Isochronism." There have been observations of this full marking on movements with an earlier estimated production, but they are uncommon. The circular "Double Roller" marking was added to movements around c.1906.

Several high-end private labels were produced within runs of Sangamo movements, including the Washington Watch Co. "Lafayette" and movements issued for Marshall Field & Co.'s "Ariston" line. A rare and highly-collectible 25-Jewel variant was also sold by the Oskamp-Nolting Company using the "Benjamin Franklin" trade name.