Illinois Elite

[Veritas]

I saw today a Illinois Elite pocket watch.I thought only Elgin had the Elite model.
I would think with copyright laws different makers would not be able to use the same model names?
Just wondered, hope someone can answer this.:)

[doug sinclair]

Kevin,

According to Meggers and Ehrhardt, the Elite model ws a 12-size, 17-jewel model. Is that what you saw? Illinois was absorbed by Hamilton who may not have protected names they didn't intend to use. If the Elgin "Elite" name came along substantially after Illinois used the name, they likely would have been able to get away with it.

Doug S.

[Jim Carroll]

Keven/Doug
Check out the thread by John F at the bottom of the page in Similar threads

[Jim Carroll]

Illinois made movements called Elite in Grades 274, 405, 406 and some movements in the 21 jewel A Lincoln were also Elite. In 1916 Illinois made a run of 405 movements called “The Elite” before the made any Elite models. Hope this helps

[Veritas]

Thanks Jim and Doug, makes sense and it was a 12 sz Illinois i saw today.
Sometimes the names are a little confusing.

[Jerry Treiman]

I am almost certain that "Elite" was a private label. I have also seen a couple of Walthams marked Elite with the same wavy two-tone damasceening as the Elgins. One of the Walthams was in a gold case marked "Elite W.Co.". I have a sense that the Illinois watches may have been later and as they lack the distinctive two-tone finish there is a possiblity they may have even been for a different client.

[rschussel]

I own a 12 size 21j Elite adj 5 positions that is in in a run of A Lincolins.

I have to agree with Jerry that Elite is a Private label. Illinois has so many that they are hard to keep up with.

Bob