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.
Evidence for this section
- “White enamel dial printed with 'Illinois Watch Co.' in Gothic script below the 12 o'clock marker”
- “Gothic Arabic numeral, outer red 5-minute markers, double sunk, white enamel dial, blued steel spade and poker hands”
- “A few fine scratches, otherwise very good.”
- “Minor specks of oxide.”
- “Fluted winding crown with an attached circular bow at 12 o'clock and reeded bezel edge”
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.
Evidence for this section
- “"Bunn Special" 26 Ruby Jewels, 18 size, 26 jewels, stem wind, lever set, adjusted to 6 positions, temperature and isochronism, 2 tone wavy parallel damascened, nickel plate movement with lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, gold jewel settings, gold timing screws and whiplash micrometric regulator”
- “serial #2019418, c1910.”
- “Minor scratches on plate and one more significant on barrel bridge; Balance cock with some marks and scratches at jewelling Gold plating on bright work with wear; Scattered fine spotting; Regulator assembly with minor oxidation; Specks of dirt / dust.”
- “Running order (winds, sets and ticks).”
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.
Evidence for this section
- “in a yellow gold filled, reeded edge, engine turned and engraved, open face case”
- “Case has housed another movement; Minor dent, bezel, 8:00; Minor dent, back cover and cuvette; Minor dents, band; Fine scratches on outer surface of case; Engine turning / engraving with moderate wear; Covers with minor gaps at band when closed; Bow replaced.”
