Illinois Watch Co. "Bunn Special" 26 Ruby Jewels Pocket Watch

Technical characteristics

Size

18 size

Type

Open-face pocket watch

Maker

Illinois Watch Co.

Model

Bunn Special

Case Type

Yellow gold filled open face case

Jewel Count

26 jewels

Dial Details

Gothic Arabic numerals, outer red 5-minute markers, double sunk white enamel dial

Serial Number

2019418

Place recorded

United States

Maker / attribution

Illinois Watch Co.

Design

Visible features

• White enamel dial printed with 'Illinois Watch Co.' in Gothic script below the 12 o'clock marker • Blued steel spade hour hand and poker minute hand with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock • Fluted winding crown with an attached circular bow at 12 o'clock and reeded bezel edge

Dial and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch displays a double-sunk white enamel dial marked with Gothic Arabic numerals and outer red five-minute markers. Directly below the 12 o'clock position, the dial is signed 'Illinois Watch Co.' in Gothic script. Time is read via blued steel spade and poker hands, accompanied by a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock. The auctioneer's condition report notes the dial as having 'A few fine scratches, otherwise very good', while the hands are described as showing 'Minor specks of oxide.' The assembly is set within a reeded bezel edge with a fluted winding crown and an attached circular bow situated at 12 o'clock.

Reported Movement and Escapement Details

While movement plates are not visible in the provided lot photo, the auction description records an 18-size nickel plate movement bearing serial number 2019418 and dating to circa 1910. It is identified as a stem-wind, lever-set movement finished with two-tone wavy parallel damascening, a lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, gold jewel settings, gold timing screws, and a whiplash micrometric regulator. The source describes the 26-ruby-jewel caliber as adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and six positions. The condition report notes running order ('winds, sets and ticks') and lists plate wear including 'Minor scratches on plate and one more significant on barrel bridge', balance cock marks at the jeweling, wear to the gold plating on bright work, scattered fine spotting, specks of dirt or dust, and minor oxidation on the regulator assembly.

Case Characteristics and Associated Condition

The movement is housed in an open-face yellow gold-filled case with reeded edges, engine turning, and engraving. Crucially, the auctioneer's condition report notes that the 'Case has housed another movement', indicating that the case is not documented as original to this specific mechanism. Surface and structural condition reported by the auction house includes moderate wear to the engine turning and engraving, fine scratches on the outer surface, and minor dents to the band, back cover, cuvette, and the bezel at 8 o'clock. In addition, the cataloguer notes that the covers have minor gaps at the band when closed, and that the bow has been replaced.

Identification

Serial number

2019418

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.