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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Illinois 60-Hour Bunn Special 163 Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Illinois Bunn Special 163 open face pocket watch dates to circa 1931 according to the auction catalog. It is housed in a 51.00 mm 14 karat gold filled case featuring a coin edge bezel and an engraved case back bearing number 7089599. The white porcelain dial is signed ILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL with bold black Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The source reports a stem-wound, lever-set 23-jewel nickel lever movement, serial number 5420916, finished with damascening and adjusted to temperature and six positions.

Dial view of the Illinois Bunn Special 163 pocket watch
Dial view of the Illinois Bunn Special 163 pocket watch — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
hindmanauctions.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois
Reference
163
Catalogue / lot identifier
62
Source-reported date
Circa 1931
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
5420916

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Dial and Visual Features

The watch features a white porcelain dial signed 'ILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL'. The dial includes black Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, and a subdial for seconds at 6 o'clock.

According to the source, the dial exhibits small hairline fractures in the seconds subdial and one on the 'BUNN' text, stated to be visible under 10x magnification.

Evidence for this section
  • “white porcelain dial signed ILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL”
  • “black Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, subdial for seconds at 6 o'clock”
  • “The dial has a few small hairline fractures in the seconds subdial and one small one on the BUNN that are only visible under 10X magnification.”

Construction and Exterior

The timepiece is housed in a 51.00 mm 14 karat gold-filled case. The exterior features a coin edge bezel and an engraved case back.

The source indicates the bezel and case display superficial scratches.

Evidence for this section
  • “51.00 mm case diameter”
  • “coin edge bezel, engraved case back”
  • “The bezel and case have superficial scratches.”

Mechanism and Operational Status

The watch contains a stem-wound, lever-set, 23-jewel nickel lever movement, identified by serial number 5420916. The movement is finished with damascening and is adjusted to temperature and six positions.

The source notes that the watch winds, sets, and runs, though it has not been timed for accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “stem wound and lever set 23 jewel nickel lever movement adjusted to temperature and six positions with damascened finish.”
  • “Movement number: 5420916.”
  • “The watch winds, sets and runs but has not been timed for accuracy.”

Open research questions

  • Are the reported serial numbers for the movement and case consistent with Illinois production records for the 163 grade?
  • Does the '60-hour' marking on the dial (mentioned in the observations but not the source text) align with the documented specifications for this specific Illinois movement grade?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois 60-Hour Bunn Special 163 Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Diameter51.00 mm“51.00 mm case diameter”
Movement Number5420916“Movement number: 5420916.”
Case Back Number7089599“Case back number: 7089599.”
Movement Jewels23 jewels“stem wound and lever set 23 jewel nickel lever movement”
Dial SignatureILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL“white porcelain dial signed ILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL”
Estimated DateCirca 1931“Circa 1931”

Visible details

  • White porcelain dial with prominent black Arabic numerals and triangular minute track markings.
  • Blued steel spade hands and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.
  • Fluted winding crown with an ornate arched bow mounted at 12 o'clock.
  • Dial text marked '23 JEWEL 60 HOUR' visible above the subsidiary seconds dial.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and engraved case back are described in the catalog but not visible in the supplied photograph.
  • Auction house reports minor hairline fractures on the dial visible under magnification.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

A 14 Karat Gold Filled 60-Hour Bunn Special 163 Open... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 41343b09fb

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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