Tag: sangamonillinois

Sangamon Watches in Springfield Illinois You Need to Know

On By Sangamon DockIn Microbrand Watches, Sangamon Illinois

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.

UIS Alumni Launch Sangamon Watches, A Company of History and New Beginnings

On By Sangamon DockIn Interntional Watch News, Microbrand Watches, Sangamon Illinois

Sangamon Watch Company (Sangamon Watches) is a local company that values American history and the Midwestern values.  Founded in Springfield, Illinois by two alumni of the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), this new wristwatch business venture is named after the Sangamon River, which runs from Central Illinois and feeds into the Mississippi River.  Abraham Lincoln famously loved the Sangamon River, as his family settled along the river when he was a young man.  The Sangamon region was also home to the Illinois Watch Company, one of the finest watchmakers in the United States.  Sangamon Watches is proud to honor the backdrop of such watchmaking craftsmanship and the history of one of our nation’s greatest presidents.

Meet the Founders

Sangamon Watches is founded by Tyler McKay and Brian Su, both of Springfield Illinois and graduates of the University of Illinois at Springfield.  Tyler McKay is a sixth-generation farmer from Central Illinois who was taught true Midwestern values as a kid by raising livestock and working around heavy machinery.  Tyler earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2012 from University of Illinois Springfield (UIS).  His passion for business and entrepreneurship then led him to the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he was inspired to launch Sangamon Watches while completing his MBA.  

Brian Su followed his heart to America in the 1980s and has 3 decades of international business experience, frequently traveling across the world.  His deep appreciation for American history and President Lincoln’s influence has kept him in Springfield for over 25 years.  Brian earned his Master of Public Administration degree in 1996 from University of Illinois Springfield (UIS).  Brian’s passion for history and craftsmanship along with his diverse skill set has transformed Sangamon Watches’ business model to be inspired by the American spirit.

These two international business travelers had a passion for luxury watches but found that they often had little meaning behind them.  Brian and Tyler wanted to do something different, which is why the mission of Sangamon Watches is to combine quality craftsmanship and historic inspiration in each of their watch collections. Every collection will come with a story card to further connect the customers to the story depicted by the watch.

New Beginnings Collection

Sangamon Watches’ first collection is called the New Beginnings Series, which represents the launch of new endeavors that alters our path down life’s journeys.  It is in that spirit that Sangamon Watches hopes their New Beginnings watch collection will generate excitement in our spirits and propel us to be our best selves.

Their inaugural watch is called Lincoln’s River, a symbolic collection inspired by a young Abraham Lincoln’s adventure on the Sangamon River.  Abe faced many hardships as a child, but the Sangamon River was a passage to a new beginning in his life.  After Lincoln and his family settled along the Sangamon River in March 1830, he took a chance to pilot his own flatboat to New Orleans with his cousin John.  Lincoln not only spent six weeks building the boat with his two colleagues, but also used his intelligence, courage, and leadership skills to help save his crew and maneuver the boat when they got stuck on a milldam in New Salem, Illinois. 

Sangamon Watches: A Company Of History And New Beginnings

To honor Lincoln’s journey, Lincoln’s River watches are laser engraved on the backside to depict Lincoln courageously guiding his flatboat down the Sangamon River in 1831.  Brian and Tyler hope that Lincoln’s adventures on the Sangamon River will inspire their customers to push through their obstacles and remain steadfastly resilient in pursuit of their goals in the same spirit that Lincoln displayed throughout his life.  Most watch companies focus on the luxury while neglecting the history, but Sangamon Watches’ commitment to high-quality watches and historical inspiration is what makes them truly unique.

Event Notice: Sangamon Watch Company is going to host the Sangamon Watches Launch Party at Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesday March 25, 2020. Come and meet with the founders! The venue is located at 619 East Washington Street, Springfield, Illinois. Click here to learn more about the party!

Press Contact:
Mr. Tyler McKay, CEO
Sangamon Watch Company
Website: http://www.SangamonWatches.com
Tel: 217-899-6661
Email: tyler@SangamonWatches.com

The 21st Century Comeback of American Watch Brands

On By Sangamon DockIn Microbrand Watches, Sangamon Illinois

America was once one a leader in watchmaking technology and home to some of the most famous watch companies in the world such as Ball, Waltham, Illinois, Howard,  Elgin etc. The turn of the 20th century and 2 world wars led most manufacturers to go out of business and the remaining manufacturers to restructure their business models. Now in the 21st century, America is undergoing a large renaissance of American watch brands due to the rise of E-commerce and lofty overheads by many luxurious brands.

The revolution of Chinese manufacturing is also playing a large role in the rise of microbrands across the United States. Most Swiss brands even rely on China for their parts since the Swiss law states that only 60% of the watch production must occur in Switzerland to be considered “Swiss Made.” This has led China to become an industry expert in manufacturing mass-produced and high-quality parts from watch dials, hands, cases, lugs, crowns, etc. for almost every watch company in the world.

Consumers have benefited the most from China’s affordable parts and smaller watch companies known as “microbrands” are emerging to provide to the growing demand. Famous US Microbrands such as Pelton, Oak & Oscar, Halios, Weiss, Brew, Heitis, Mercer and Martenero are helping to lead the movement to produce high-quality and affordable American watches to consumers. Microbrands help fill the void between cheap and ultra-expensive watches. Their watch designs are bold and they typically take risks in design that many established brands refuse to take. Microbrands are usually much more engaging with their customers and interact with customers across social media platforms, sometimes taking recommendations from their loyal customers.

The rise of the internet, an established manufacturing watch ecosystem and the change of consumer’s preferences has opened the door for the comeback of American watch companies. Watches have also changed their designated purpose from simply time-telling to a piece of fashion jewelry. These positive trends and growing demand could provide the American watch industry a renaissance like never seen before. Sangamon Watch Company, founded in Springfield, IL, is honored to be a part of the US microbrand movement.