16s 23J Illinois Bunn Special Salesman cased pocket watch c1915

Code: 4.228

This is an American Railroad pocket watch made by the Illinois Watch co circa 1915

This watch comes in a glass backed case. Going back a 100 years ago, salesmen from the watch companies would visit shops to show the latest models and rather house them in cases, where the back would have to be removed, they used these cases which had a snap on back with a glass back so the dial and movement were visible. Shops and prospective owners, would select the dial, movement and then the case they wanted for their watch.

Movement – the high grade nickel ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, gold train wheels and gold jewel settings. The movement is signed “Bunn Special, Illinois Watch Co, Springfield, Jewelled Barrel, 23 Jewels, Adjusted Temp and 6 positions, 2727993”. The movement is in 95% mint condition

Case – the movement comes in a white metal case which has a snap on back and front and a glass over the dial and over the movement. The case is engraved on the edges “Illinois Watch Co, Springfield”. The case has a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition – a superb example

Dial – the white enamel dial is double sunk and has a full set of blue steel hands. The dial is signed “Illinois” and is in 100% mint condition.

The watch measures 52mm x 15mm deep

The watch has a mineral glass

The watch is stem wound / lever set