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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour Mark III 16s 23J Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is an Illinois Watch Company Bunn Special 60 Hour Mark III open-face pocket watch dating to circa 1929. The size 16 nickel three-quarter plate movement features 23 jewels, a lever escapement with micrometer regulator, motor barrel, ray damascening, and adjustments to temperature and six positions. It is fitted in an Illinois Bunn Special Model 28 white 14K gold-filled case characterized by flared shoulders beside the winder and carved edge decoration. The double-sunk white enamel dial displays bold Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register marked '23 JEWEL 60 HOUR'.

Dial and front case view of the Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour pocket watch
Dial and front case view of the Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour pocket watch — Atlam Watches via Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co
Reference
Model 28
Catalogue / lot identifier
itm200442
Source-reported date
c1929
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
5180189

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 Presentation

The watch features a double-sunk white enamel dial fitted beneath a mineral glass crystal. It displays bold black Arabic numerals along the outer perimeter, an inner recessed central disk, and a sunken subsidiary seconds register at the six o'clock position. The dial is fitted with a set of blued steel hands, comprising spade and pointer hour and minute indicators and a slender subsidiary seconds hand. As visible and reported, the dial is signed 'Illinois Bunn Special, 23 Jewel 60 Hours'.

The surrounding open-face housing is constructed in white metal, showing distinctive flared shoulders that rise on either side of the winding crown, leading to an arched bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face dial with bold black Arabic numerals and sunken center and seconds registers.”
  • “Blued steel spade and pointer hour and minute hands accompanied by a blued subsidiary seconds hand.”
  • “The dial is signed “Illinois Bunn Special, 23 Jewel 60 Hours””
  • “White metal case featuring flared shoulders flanking the winder and an arched bow.”

Case Construction and Decoration

According to the seller's documentation, the watch is housed in an 'Illinois Bunn Special Model 28' white 14K gold-filled case. The case structure features a screw-on bezel and back, both finished with carved edges, while the remainder of the body presents a smooth plain surface.

The vendor notes that the reverse bears an engraved monogram, and reports light wear on the underside of the bow. Measuring 52 mm in width by 14 mm in depth, the watch operates via stem winding and lever setting.

Evidence for this section
  • “white 14K gold filled case signed, Illinois Bunn Special Model 28.”
  • “The case has a screw on back and bezel with carved edges and has flared shoulders by the bow.”
  • “The case has an engraved monogram on the back and carved edges.”
  • “The rest of the case has a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition – some light wear on the underneath of the bow.”
  • “The watch measures 52mm wide x 14mm deep”
  • “The watch is stem wound / lever set”

Reported Movement Specification

The movement is not visible in the provided imagery, but dealer records document a 16-size nickel three-quarter plate mechanism bearing serial number 5180189. It is described as a lever escapement movement equipped with a micrometer regulator, motor barrel, gold train wheels, raised gold jewel settings, and ray damascening with red enamel lettering.

The plate is reported to carry the inscription: 'Sixty Hour, Bunn Special, Illinois Watch Co Springfield, Adjusted Temp & Six positions, Motor Barrel, 23 Jewels'. Based on these recorded specifications and serial numbering, the watch is catalogued by the seller as a circa 1929 Mark III Bunn Special variant.

Evidence for this section
  • “Rare 16s 23J Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour Mark III pocket watch c1929”
  • “This is one of the rarer Mark III Bunn Special variants.”
  • “Movement – this is a superb high quality nickel ¾ plate movement which has a lever escapement with a micrometer regulator, decorated with ray damascening, red enamel lettering, gold train wheels and raised gold jewel settings.”
  • “The movement is signed “Sixty Hour, Bunn Special, Illinois Watch Co Springfield, Adjusted Temp & Six positions, Motor Barrel, 23 Jewels” # 5180189.”

Open research questions

  • What specific initials or design comprise the engraved monogram on the case back reported by the dealer?
  • Does direct examination of the movement beneath the screw-on back verify the reported ray damascening, red enamel lettering, and serial number 5180189?
  • Are there manufacturer or case-maker hallmarks inside the Model 28 case back matching the reported 14K gold-filled composition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour Mark III 16s 23J Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial5180189“# 5180189”
Jewel Count23 Jewels“23 Jewels”
Case ModelModel 28“Illinois Bunn Special Model 28”
Case Material14K white gold filled“white 14K gold filled case”
Dimensions52mm wide x 14mm deep“52mm wide x 14mm deep”
Dealer Stock Code4.140 (AB-200442)“Code 4.140 (AB-200442)”
Crystal MaterialMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Winding and Setting MechanismStem wound, lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Movement Plate StyleNickel 3/4 plate“nickel ¾ plate movement”

Visible details

  • Open-face dial with bold black Arabic numerals and sunken center and seconds registers.
  • White metal case featuring flared shoulders flanking the winder and an arched bow.
  • Blued steel spade and pointer hour and minute hands accompanied by a blued subsidiary seconds hand.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and engraved case back are detailed in the dealer source text but not visible in the supplied front photograph.
  • Condition percentages are dealer statements rather than independent certifications.

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

Consulted source

Rare 16s 23J Illinois Bunn Special 60 Hour Mark III pocket watch c1929 in Antique Mens Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 906f5bd7d7

Terms in this record

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

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