1932 21 Jewel Illinois Manhattan restored

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• Details
  My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s.
  
  
  I have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches.
  
  
  I have an active collection of about 60 pieces. I am constantly refining my collection as time ticks by.
  
  
  Art Deco, my favorite time period for vintage wrist watches, (pun intended) This offering is one "Rare Bird" Why. It has the infamous "21 Jewel Motor Barrel" movement!
  
  The ones that I do not wear very much get sold for other watches that may be hard to find. All my watches for sale are in above average condition, some are pristine. I pride myself in offering the best quality and reasonable prices. Remember, "Price is what you pay, value is what you get".
  
  
  
  In my years associated with vintage American watches I run across some very interesting timepieces. This is one watch that I fell in love with. It is the epitome of the Art Deco period, and it was one of the many models that solidified “The Illinois Watch Company” as pure American and one of the most coveted for their build quality and design for their movements.
  
  
  
  Welcome to a 1932 Illinois “Manhattan”. Think Art Deco, think the roaring 20's and the Great Gatsby, this is the watch they would have worn!
  
  
  
  This watch, called the “Manhattan”, was very similar to the Illinois New Yorker, virtually looks new. The case has been meticulously cleaned and gently polished to bring out the beautiful character. The engraved bezel shows no wear through; I look long and hard to find cases in this good of condition. They are getting hard had harder to source.
  
  
  
  The crystal is NOS, the beautiful dial and hands have been refinished to their original status for a total restoration. Luminous material was re-applied.
  
  
  
  The crown jewel of this offering is the movement. This is the most highly coveted movement that The Illinois Watch Company ever made! The movement is the renowned 21 jewel “Motor Barrel” Just the movements alone are aggressively sourced to repair watches as its can add significant value. This 6/0 movement was manufactured only for 2 years, 1929 and 1930 (production data sourced from Pocketwatch Database). (we all know what happened in 1929) They made 3000 in 1929 and 1000 in 1930. This movement was sent to an Illinois specialist to insure that it was restored correctly. It runs beautifully.
  
  
  
  To insure authenticity, review the case pictures on the case back and on the case, the last 4 numbers match, this ensures that this watch is original, many times parts are gathered, and a watch made, in some cases the case back was obtained from a donor watch and the case numbers don’t match.
  
  
  The case number as seen on the case back supports that this watch is in fact a Manhattan
  
  
  27.40 MM Across without the crown
  
  
  27.40 MM Length (without lugs)
  
  
  16 MM Lugs. I have further restored this watch by installing a genuine hand sewn alligator black watch band. The reptile was source from an ethical source. The band has a double keeper for the strap. I spared no expense on this watch.
  
  
  I have been collecting and selling American vintage watches for 20 plus years. As you can see from most of my listings, I have a soft spot for them. I take a lot of pride in offering Vintage American watches. Let some of the pictures define the condition of the watch.
  
  
  This is a rare opportunity to collect a watch that represents Americana, The New Yorker, the true representation of the 1920’s and the “Art Deco” period. I have to tell you it is my favorite time period, as you can tell by some of my listings, I have some amazing treasures form the pasts that are true classics.
  
  
  If you need more information, email me, if you need additional pictures email me. I will pack the watch like a china doll to insure proper arrival. This watch is hard to find, and I know it. The price is firm knowing what it is. Do a google search and try to find one, let alone any pictures; there are a few in the past but not many. This would make a great gift to last many more years. What a generational gift.
  
  
  Remember, as much as I think this watch is the best timepiece since we put a man on the moon, please keep in mind that it is 89 years young. It does hav
  
  e its challenges; it is not water resistant like its modern-day counterparts. The case back has a tiny flea bite, It is 89 years old, but it sure looks and runs amazing. The watch is a true treasure from a turbulent past.
  
  Grade: 601
  
  
  Manufacturer: Illinois
  
  
  Manufacturer Location: Springfield, Illinois
  
  
  Movement Serial Number: 5545259
  
  
  Grade: 601
  
  
  Model: 5
  
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1932
  
  
  Run Quantity: 1,000
  
  
  Total Production: 8,000
  
  
  Size: 6/0s
  
  
  Jewels: 21j
  
  
  Movement Configuration: Hunting
  
  
  Movement Finish: Nickel
  
  
  Movement Setting: Pendant
  
  Plate: Bridge Plate
  
  
  Bridge Type: False Center
  
  
  Barrel: Motor
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  I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

  Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

  Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

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