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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Lever-set pocket watch

Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special 18S Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special pocket watch is an 18-size, lever-set timepiece. The dial, signed "Illinois Watch Co.", features black Arabic numerals, red 5-minute markers, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial. It is housed in a Dueber Champion hunting case, identified by serial number 1961446, constructed from 14K gold-filled material described as two plates of solid gold bonded over base metal. The rear cover exhibits floral engraving. The movement, serial number 2408584, is signed "Bunn Special, Springfield, Ill." and is documented as having 21 ruby jewels, a double roller, and adjustments for temperature, isochronism, and six positions. The watch weighs 4.5 ounces and measures 2.25 inches in diameter excluding the bow. The auction description notes age-related wear and hairline cracks on the dial.

Front view of the Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special pocket watch showing the dial and bow assembly.
Front view of the Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special pocket watch showing the dial and bow assembly. — Lion and Unicorn (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Lever-set pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Illinois Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
153
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
2408584

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 Case Construction

The watch is equipped with a white dial featuring Arabic numeral hour markers and red secondary 5-minute markers. It includes a subsidiary seconds register and blued steel hands. The dial is explicitly signed by the Illinois Watch Co.

The movement is enclosed within a Dueber Champion hunting case. The exterior of the rear cover is decorated with floral motifs. The case is composed of 14K gold-filled material, described as two layers of solid gold bonded to a central base metal core.

Evidence for this section
  • “crisp white dial signed Illinois Watch Co. with black Arabic numerals and red 5-minute markers”
  • “The rear cover is engraved with intricate floral motifs.”
  • “made from two thick plates of solid gold bonded over a base metal for durability.”

Movement and Specification

The caliber is a Bunn Special 18-size movement, identified by serial number 2408584. It is designed with a lever-set mechanism and features 21 ruby jewels and a double roller.

The movement is adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and six positions. The plate is signed "Bunn Special, Springfield, Ill.", referencing the company's location of origin.

Evidence for this section
  • “movement, serial number 2408584, is marked Bunn Special, Springfield, Ill., adjusted to temperature, 6 positions, and isochronism, with 21 ruby jewels and a double roller.”
  • “Size 18S, lever set.”

Condition and Dimensions

The auction house provides a condition report indicating that the watch exhibits age-related wear. Specific mention is made of hairline cracks present on the dial.

The watch measures 2.25 inches in diameter excluding the bow and has a total weight of 4.5 ounces. The case thickness is 0.75 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “Age related wear. Dial shows hairline cracks.”
  • “Case diameter (excluding the bow): 2.25" dia. Case thickness: 0.75"W.”
  • “The overall weight of the pocket watch is 4.5 ounces.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date associated with serial number 2408584?
  • Are there additional hallmarking stamps present inside the case covers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special 18S Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerIllinois Watch Co.“Illinois Watch Co.”
Movement Serial2408584“movement, serial number 2408584”
Case Serial1961446“marked 1961446”
Case TypeDueber Champion hunting case“Housed in a Dueber Champion hunting case”
Case Material14K gold filled“14K gold filled with a 20-year guarantee”
Country of OriginU.S.A.“Country of Origin: U.S.A.”
Condition ReportAge-related wear, dial cracks“Age related wear. Dial shows hairline cracks.”

Visible details

  • Dial features red 5-minute markers
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Floral engraving on the rear hunting case cover
  • Bow attached to the case crown

Research qualifications

  • The exact year of manufacture is not specified in the source
  • The source describes the dial condition as having hairline cracks which are not readily apparent in the provided imagery

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

Consulted source

Illinois Watch Co. Bunn Special 18S 14K Gold Filled HC Pocket Watch, Dueber

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 687c0cbf67

Terms in this record

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