Hamilton moved into the wristwatch market with some unattractive models. These are the base models. Just below you can see the Hamilton catalog ads. Variations included:
Cushion Round – Engraved
Cushion Form – Plain
Cushion Form – Engraved
Square – Engraved
Square – Enamel (Fancy case)
[NOTE: I put a couple examples of Illinois wristwatches below and you can guess as to why Hamilton needed to buy that company – which they did.]
Advertisements for the Hamilton Strap Watches:
The Square. As sponsored by Hamilton, the square type strap watch is featured by “cut corner.” The 17 jewel model may be had in filled green or white gold, engraved or plain.
The Cushion – Plain. Another smart Hamilton strap watch much favored by sportsmen. This 17 jewel model may be had in filled green or white gold, engraved $52.00; plain $50.00. In 14K gold engraved, $77.00; plain $75.00
The photos below provide an example of the stylist Illinois Wristwatches with whom Hamilton had to compete. These are only four of 95 models Illinois Watch Company offered during this period.
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| Mate |
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| Jolly Rodger |
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| Sterling |
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| Picaddilly |
As you can see, Hamilton’s wristwatch design team needed help. In 1928 Hamilton purchased the Illinois Watch Company for in excess of $5 Million from the heirs of Jacob Bunn and John Whitfield Bunn.
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