Illinois 'Elgin Giant'

Illinois​ 
Double stock 14k white gold filled 
1927 
Manual wind 
17 Jewels  
Movement cal. 903
Case Elgin Giant  
USA
ca. 40/32.5 x 27 mm 

The Illinois Watch Company started out under the name Illinois Springfield Watch Company in 1869. Their first watch came in production in 1875. In 1885 the Illinois Watch Company name was registered, although the info on is conflicting, elsewhere they claim, the  name change took place in 1878.
By 1890 the factory had established branches in New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco. Business was booming. They helped pioneer the technology needed for the worldwide railroad time scale.  
Hamilton Watch Company bought Illinois Watch Company in 1927, the same year this beauty rolled off the production line.   

The signed ‘Elgin Giant’ Watch Case Co. Gold Filled 14k Double Stock Pride case, it definitely something to be proud of. The case is big (40mm from lug-to-lug), bold and amazing. Though the jury is still out on the Double Stock and Pride markings, the case could be double layered, solid, two different gold layers…whatever the case, the case is looking more than good, there are no bare spots, no worn though corners. And the leaf shaped engravings look stunning.
The dial has aged nicely, keep in mind the dial doesn’t look as yellowish in real life as is does in the photos, though the photo’s where taken with daylight. The fine printed boarder on the dial is perfect as is the Illinois brand name. The second hand at the 9 o’clock is such fun feature. The glass crystal is original, and in superb condition. The big crown makes it easy to wind the movement. And there we have the third mystery of this watch, the actual caliber of this movement is unknown. Anyone want to take a wild guess, feel free…no need, we just found out that the caliber is 903.