Two local international business consultants and alumni of the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) Tyler McKay and Brian Su have been quietly designing and developing classic-looking dress watches out of Springfield Illinois since last summer. Both guys have frequently traveled around the world in past ten years, every time they passed through an international airport, watch shops were always an attraction for them. Brian has bought over 20 watches in 2019 alone. Finally an idea of making Springfield’s latest watch brand became an action plan. In June 2019, Sangamon Watch Company was founded in Springfield, Illinois with a commitment to craft historically inspired watches.

The inaugural watch called, Lincoln’s River, is a symbolic collection inspired by a young Abraham Lincoln’s adventure on the Sangamon River. The inspiring Abe faced many hardships as a child, but the Sangamon River was a passage to a new beginning in his life. Lincoln’s River watches are laser engraved on the backside to depict Lincoln courageously guiding his flatboat down the Sangamon River in 1831.

The Lincoln’s River Collection of New Beginnings Series comes in at around $449, and all use the Japan 24 jewels automatic movement. It’s a movement also used by many international brands in the $400-$500 price range, so you know you are getting a very good quality automatic movement inside the well-built 42mm stainless steel cases.

The New Beginnings Series represents the launch of new endeavors that alters our path down life’s journeys. New Beginnings generates excitement in our spirits and propels us to be our best selves.

Lincoln’s River

Abraham Lincoln is widely recognized by historians as America’s most iconic President; yet he started his journey as a common Midwestern pioneer facing challenges at nearly every turn. The engraved backside of this watch depicts a thrilling moment in 1831 when young Lincoln navigated down the Sangamon River eventually getting his boat stuck on a mill dam. Lincoln showed his ingenuity and leadership skills to help maneuver away from the dam, impressing many of the locals who had gathered around to watch. This is a limited edition model of only 500 watches.

Main Specifications:
Case Size: 42mm 
Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel 
Case Thickness: 12mm
Dial Color Options: White, Black, Blue
Glass: Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating 
Band Options: Gold/Polished Stainless Steel, Silver Stainless Steel, Genuine Leather
Band Width: 22mm
Movement: Japanese Seiko NH35A (Automatic)
Crown: Push/Pull
Vibrations per Hour: 21,600 bph
Jewels: 24
Power Reserve: 41 Hours
Water Resistance: 5 ATM
Case Lug-to-Lug: 49.0 mm
Case Back: Lincoln’s River Laser Engraved Picture
Watch Box: Cherry Wood with High Gloss Piano Finish

Sangamon Watch Company is named after the Sangamon River, which runs from Central Illinois and feeds into the Mississippi River. The river was loved by Abraham Lincoln, whose family settled along the river when he was a young man. The Sangamon region was also home to one of the finest watchmakers in the United States- the Illinois Watch Company. Sangamon Watch Company’s employees work in the long shadow of President Lincoln feeling inspired by the region’s rich history. Their name, Sangamon, is proud to honor this tradition of excellence.