Illinois later produced an extensive line of extremely fine and accurate Railroad-grade pocket watches like the 'Sangamo Special,' 'Bunn Special' and 'Santa Fe Special' (just to name a few). The early Illinois models were key-wound and key-set and are quite collectible today.
The first stem-wind watch was produced in 1875. By serial number, the first watch made was the 'Stuart' model, followed in order by the 'Mason,' Bunn,' 'Miller,' and finally the 'Currier. Though the first movements were produced in 1872, the company really didn't achieve full production until 1875. John Williams was president of the First National bank of Springfield. John Stuart was a Springfield lawyer and former partner of Abraham Lincoln. The Illinois Springfield Watch Company was organized in 1869 primarily through the efforts of J.
