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140dave
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A little different sales posting, thought I would offer this to the crowd here and see if there is any interest. Forgive the lengthy post, I am going a bit overboard on info assuming not everyone here is an Illinois geek like me.
Here we have a very nice 21jewel Illinois Bunn Special pocket watch. This was a top watch in its day and was considered “railroad grade” which means it would hold time to within 30seconds per week, approx +/- 4 seconds/day. The 60 hour motor barrel was also a top feature of the day, still a good power reserve by today’s standards
This particular watch was made in 1929 and is commonly known as the Type IIIB (TIIIB). This is identified by the “Sixty Hour” at the top of the bridge, no other 60 mentioned, and by the “Illinois Watch” under Bunn Special with no “Co”. Earlier variants all say Illinois Watch Co but this was one of the few TIII movements made after the 1928 takeover by Hamilton. There were very few of these produced, around 1200, before they moved to the “161” movements from 1929-1932. This watch comes from the final run before the 161 movement was introduced.
This example is in great shape and has many rare and desirable features. On these watches the dial and case hold a large portion of the value.
The Case: It is housed in a near perfect factory model 173 case, the rare 14k white gold filled model. These are very hard to find in as good of shape as this one, The gold plate wears through and the brass underneath really shines through on white gold models where a good polish will hide it on the yellow gold versions. This one has no wear through that I can find, no dents to mention, almost a perfect mirror finish to the back. (When looking at these online always try for a reflection shot, very small imperceptible dents show up giving the reflection a “fun house” mirror effect). Good clean crystal in place, and a tight bow that holds any position wanted. All case parts match; for those unaware there are serial numbers on all 3 pieces of these cases so you can tell if someone put pieces together to make a better looking case.
The Dial: A beautiful “marked” dial. These dials command a large premium because, well, they are awesome! Stated Illinois Bunn Special, and then 21 Jewel and 60 Hour above the sub second register. This one is in great shape with no cracks or hairlines (small, thin, almost invisible cracks in the porcelain) and just a tiny bit of edgewear. Really fantastic condition.
The movement: As mentioned a 21jewel TIIIB movement. It is running well with strong beat, starts right up after a few winds, no “shake to start” here. All paint intact, no careless jeweler screw marks, clean screw heads, only flaw I can find is a touch of oxide to the regulator. Really clean and a strong runner.
The Hands: Proper blued hands (not earlier plum color) with 90% finish intact at least. Really nice, shiny deep blue to complete the set. Now, onto pictures...
dial shots, no crystal to interfere with view, case body serial visible between 5:00-6:00 on the case band
Case shots
movement
Highlighting oxide on regulator
Case back reflection
Inside of caseback
Offered to OF members for $500 (net to me) which will include shipping within the USA. I would prefer US sales as I am a bit unfamiliar with shipping internationally, if I do ship internationally that will be additional at cost. PayPal F&F is preferred, but can take goods and services as long as it is $500 net to me. My first sale here on OF so I want to give you all the safety measures possible to set your mind at ease. I have 20years of perfect eBay feedback under seller “dperie” but here I am usually a buyer not a seller.
Selling to help fund a vintage Speedy purchase as I slowly change the focus of my collection from pocket to wrist. Thanks OF for the space.
Questions, or did I forget something? Fire away, here to help. 😀
That’s all I have to say!
