6 replies to this topic

[wq-ty12]

Hey guys!
You don't often get to see the inside of one of these case backs so I thought that I'd share some pics.
This is a Burlington Watch Company "Aviator" watch case, a private label of the Illinois Watch Company.
The case was made by the Illinois Watch Case Company in Elgin especially for Burlington which used Illinois movements.
The Illinois Watch Case Company named this case the "Admiral Benson" in September of 1917 but Burlington called it the "Aviator" in May of 1917 when the case first became available.
This watch was marketed to pilots during 1917 - 1918.
This one still has the original factory screw in lug pins.
I've seen a couple of these in sterling silver before but I can't recall seeing the gold filled version.
In order to be a true Burlington the dial, case and movement must be stamped "Burlington".
This case is currently an orphan.





And here is the exact same gold filled case made by the IWCCo but one that was used for Elgin, Waltham and Illinois movements for comparison.
The gold fill was probably of better quality on the Burlington private label version.

[Andy]

Here is a February 1918 advert for the Burlington "Aviator" showing the Shadow Box dial with Skeleton Hands.

[Cindylu]

Another awesome find, Stan. Matt

[Impeter]

Nice case Stan. Good adverts too Thanks adam

[htchange]

Cool find Lrf, Those ads tell it all,this is a mans watch for manly men,i hope you find a movement for it.

[ilewLL]

It astounds me how much trust these companies had in people back in the day. Offering to send watches to people before they've even paid for them.. and its not like they could just charge your credit card afterwards as there wasn't such a thing back then (At least that i'm aware of..). Crazy times back then that's for sure.

[Flyback]

I could not agree more! A man's word maybe held more weight back in those days. That's pretty much all they had to go by back then.