Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special 18-size pocket watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1904
This 18-size American railroad pocket watch is reported by the seller to have been manufactured by the Illinois Watch Co. circa 1904. The open-face gold-plated case measures 55 mm wide by 18 mm deep, with a screw-off bezel and front swing-out case mechanism.
According to dealer details, it houses a 24-ruby-jewel nickel full-plate movement numbered 1730693, equipped with a micrometer regulator, large gold settings, and fine damascening. The double-sunk white enamel dial displays Gothic script Arabic numerals, red outer five-minute markings, blued steel hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Dial
- Double sunk white enamel with Gothic script
- Type
- Open-face railroad pocket watch
- Maker
- Illinois Watch Co.
- Dimensions
- 55mm wide x 18mm deep
- Serial Number
- 1730693
- Place recorded
- United States
- Movement Details
- Nickel full plate, 24 ruby jewels, micrometer regulator, damascened
- Setting Mechanism
- Stem wound / lever set
- Maker / attribution
- Illinois Watch Co.
Design
- Visible features
- • Open-face yellow gold-tone case with a large fluted crown and rounded bow at 12 o'clock. • White enamel dial signed 'Illinois Watch Co.' in cursive script across the center. • Bold black Gothic-style Arabic numerals accompanied by red outer Arabic minute numbers at five-minute intervals. • Blued steel hands including a spade hour hand and recessed subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
- Dial and Visible Display
- The pocket watch displays a double-sunk white enamel dial fitted beneath mineral glass. The dial is signed 'Illinois Watch Co.' in cursive script and features bold black Gothic-style Arabic numerals paired with outer red Arabic minute markings at five-minute intervals. Time is indicated by blued steel hands, including a spade hour hand, with a recessed subsidiary seconds register located at 6 o'clock. The dealer characterizes the dial as featuring the 'correct Gothic script for a 24 Jewel Bunn Special' and reports a 'full set of blue steel hands'. Dealer claims of pristine condition are treated as seller commentary rather than independent verification, and internal mechanical features remain unseen from the single front-facing photograph.
- Movement Specifications and Seller Details
- Internal movement characteristics are not visible in the provided primary photograph and depend entirely on the dealer's cataloging. The movement is reported as an 18-size, stem-wound and lever-set nickel full-plate mechanism equipped with 24 ruby jewels, large gold jewel settings, a micrometer regulator, and damascening. The seller records the movement as signed “Bunn Special, Springfield, Ill, 24 Ruby Jewels, Adjusted” and numbered 1730693. The listing assigns an approximate manufacturing date of circa 1904, though direct confirmation of these internal inscriptions and components would require uncasing the watch.
- Case Construction and Dealer Reported Decoration
- The watch is housed in an open-face yellow gold-plated case measuring 55 mm wide by 18 mm deep, fitted with a fluted winding crown and rounded bow at 12 o'clock. According to the seller, the case has a screw-off bezel and the watch swings out from the front. The dealer reports that the exterior exhibits floral engraving, engine turning, and an engraved flower over a crest, conjecturing that 'the flower was added to cover up some initials,' with the remainder displaying a smooth plain finish. The seller also notes a mechanical fit irregularity, stating that 'the bezel has a slight 1mm gap when in the closed position – this can be improved on with a little more force when turning it.'
Identification
- Serial number
- 1730693
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Internal movement details, serial number, and rear case decoration are not visible in the supplied photograph and rely entirely on the dealer's description.