The first intact 12 size 17jewel adjusted to 3 positions Grade 506 hunter has been found . As a bonus it came with its original walnut box. It appears that the 506 Hunters were only made for the Ariston Private Label brand.
Background
Ariston’s was the private label pocket watch brand made by the Illinois Watch co. for Marshall Fields & Co. Chicago—the Tiffany’s of Chicago. The ebauche for many of the Ariston pocket watches differed from the typical Illinois layout and many of the higher grades appear to be built to a higher standard such as: adjusted to 6 positions, compensating balance with gold screws and steel escape wheel. Of all of the 12 size Ariston’s produced approximately 10% were hunters.
The five hundred grades of Illinois pocket watches had a size 12 bridge, size 14 pillar plate and
stretched enamel dials that are not recessed into the pillar plate, they require special cases. The larger dial made the watch look thinner. From Jim Carroll’s Illiioswatchguide.com database it is estimated that in total 32,270 series five hundred watches were produced ranging from 15 jewels to 23 jewels.
Approximately 2,210 five hundred series watches (about 7%) were produced for Marshall Field & Co. Ariston brand. “Each Ariston Rated Watch is enclosed in a genuine Circassian walnut case, which serves as an attractive display case feature for the merchants”. A 1915 ad shows an open face 17j Ariston listed for $52.50.
Controversy
The Illinois production factory list showed the 6th run (N=30) of grade 506 to be hunters –2,406,121 to 150. No other grade five hundred series (N=32,270) is listed as being hunters. For many years it was believed that the notation was in error. From the estate of Roy Ehrhardt (author Illinois Watch co.) I purchased a partially complete Ariston 506 Hunter movement (2,406,143). But until present day I have never heard anyone to claim they have a cased 506 hunter.
The Ariston Grade 506 hunter I just acquired also came with what appears to be the original walnut display box. These wooden boxes are very scarce—I have only been able to acquire two (2) of them.
After I get the watch restored I will post more pictures.
If anyone owns a grade 506 hunter or has other information about Ariston’s would you please contact me.
I think the pictures are self evident but if anyone has any questions please contact me
Pictures
Background
Ariston’s was the private label pocket watch brand made by the Illinois Watch co. for Marshall Fields & Co. Chicago—the Tiffany’s of Chicago. The ebauche for many of the Ariston pocket watches differed from the typical Illinois layout and many of the higher grades appear to be built to a higher standard such as: adjusted to 6 positions, compensating balance with gold screws and steel escape wheel. Of all of the 12 size Ariston’s produced approximately 10% were hunters.
The five hundred grades of Illinois pocket watches had a size 12 bridge, size 14 pillar plate and
stretched enamel dials that are not recessed into the pillar plate, they require special cases. The larger dial made the watch look thinner. From Jim Carroll’s Illiioswatchguide.com database it is estimated that in total 32,270 series five hundred watches were produced ranging from 15 jewels to 23 jewels.
Approximately 2,210 five hundred series watches (about 7%) were produced for Marshall Field & Co. Ariston brand. “Each Ariston Rated Watch is enclosed in a genuine Circassian walnut case, which serves as an attractive display case feature for the merchants”. A 1915 ad shows an open face 17j Ariston listed for $52.50.
Controversy
The Illinois production factory list showed the 6th run (N=30) of grade 506 to be hunters –2,406,121 to 150. No other grade five hundred series (N=32,270) is listed as being hunters. For many years it was believed that the notation was in error. From the estate of Roy Ehrhardt (author Illinois Watch co.) I purchased a partially complete Ariston 506 Hunter movement (2,406,143). But until present day I have never heard anyone to claim they have a cased 506 hunter.
The Ariston Grade 506 hunter I just acquired also came with what appears to be the original walnut display box. These wooden boxes are very scarce—I have only been able to acquire two (2) of them.
After I get the watch restored I will post more pictures.
If anyone owns a grade 506 hunter or has other information about Ariston’s would you please contact me.
I think the pictures are self evident but if anyone has any questions please contact me
Pictures
Last edited:
