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Illinois Bunn Special 21 Jewels (#0411107)
The Illinois Watch Co, Springfield Illinois was founded in 1869. This prolific company was the third largest producer of jewelled watches behind Elgin & Waltham. In 1927 the company was sold to Hamilton. Its fine quality pocket watches were very popular amongst railroad men & one of the finest was the Illinois Bunn Special. These watches were incredibly accurate as they had to meet the increasingly high standards demanded by the Railroad industry and these watches were adjusted to a range of temperatures and 6 positions (or orientations)
The
watch shown here is a fine example of an Illinois Bunn Special 21 jewels. The
serial number on the movement - 3668207 - dates this watch to 1920-21. It is very
rare to find a watch of this vintage with a perfect dial and this one is
flawless !! These porcelain dials are very susceptible to cracks and chips
and this example is in pristine condition. It is a double sunk dial with a
recessed minutes dial at 6 o'clock.
The hands are a beautiful
blue steel and are in excellent condition and the numerals are bold and clear
and arabic in style. The face bears the legend
"Illinois"
below 12 o'clock.
The watch case is "gold
filled" and is a Lahys MONTAUX & guaranteed for 20 years. Can you think of
anything these days which is guaranteed for 20years !! The case does show some
signs of wear in the form of "brassing" but this is hardly surprising given that
it is over 80 years old !! The watch has a screw on bezel which hold the
crystal in place. The crystal has some minor scratches but nothing major and
hardly unexpected
given the age of the watch. Beneath the bezel there is a lever
at the 2 o'clock position which must be pulled out before the time can be set
with the crown. This was to make sure the watch was never accidentally re-set as
these watches
were used for timing railroad trains and co-ordinating schedules in the name of
safety. It was not unusual for these watches to meet an accuracy of 30 seconds
per week !!
The really fantastic
thing about these great watches was the movement. Just take a look at this
stupendous mechanism. Engraved "Bunn Special Illinois Watch Co, Sprigfield,
Adjusted temperature & 6 positions 21 jewels. As mentioned above the serial
number is 3668207 which dates this watch to
1920-21. It has a hardened and tempered
compensating balance with Brequet hair spring; double roller escapement;hardened
&
tempered
bevelled & polished escape wheel, positive micrometric screw regulator & safety
recoil click. (phew!!!)
This gorgeous & rare example of an Illinois Bunn Special Railroad watch can be yours for only £495!
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