The story of brothers John and Jacob Bunn is an interesting one involving Abraham Lincoln, finance and railroads, publishing and industry, and the genesis of the Sangamo Electric Co, which made watthour meters for General Electric. The brothers also played a large part in the formation of the Springfield Watch Co and its successor, the Illinois Watch Co, for whom the company would name one of its most popular grades – the Bunn Special.
Shipped FREE anywhere in America.
The Illinois Watch Co was officially named in 1879 with Jacob Bunn Sr as the company's president, who continued in that position until his death in 1891, when control passed to his son Jacob Bunn Jr. For the next 35 years the factory made only higher-grade watches until the Hamilton Watch Co bought the company after Jacob Bunn Jr died in 1926. Hamilton continued to make the popular model, changing the 5-minute arrows on the dial from inward-facing to outward to mark the transition. This original-combination 21-jewel 161A was produced just after WWII and was a "grade within a grade" with the Elinvar hairspring and the 60-hour motor barrel. It's been fully restored and is in excellent condition with a flawless double-sunk heavy Arabic dial and correct blued hands. The gold-filled M#107 Keystone case that's protected it for the last seventy years is still in great shape with brass just starting to show at the edges, but has a new beveled glass crystal for the next owner.
Manufacturer - Illinois Watch Co
Serial Number - 5609070
Watch Size - 16
Watch Model - 15
Watch Grade - 161A Bunn Special
Jewel Count - 21
Winding/Setting - Stem/Lever
Production Year - 1947
Straps are an alternative to chains, which don't grind up the metal bows. Prevent drops with these supple straps, hand-braided from top-grain leather in your choice of colors.
Safely store or display your favorite pieces in a custom wooden cabinet, designed and built to your specifications in your choice of domestic species, finishes, hardware and lighting packages.
All photographs protected by copyright.
© 2007 - 2022 American Timekeeper v3.2.9
Sign up for the newsletter, which showcases exceptional variants, historical trivia, restoration projects, holiday sales and more.