Illinois 12s 23 ruby jewels...

[Larry S]

I finally took photos of this watch. I understand it's scarce in a hunting case?? Serial no....2208323.

Larry

http://www.soochx.org/images/ill1.jpg

http://www.soochx.org/images/ill2.jpg

[rrwatch]

Larry,
Scarce would be the right term.
According to Russ Snyder's Illinois database (available through The Early American Watch Club NAWCC Chapter 149, contact Jon Hanson at jonontime@aol.com (jonontime@aol.com)) your watch is a Model 2, Grade 299, which was made in only two runs totalling 110 movements. Your watch was made in 1909.
The damaskeening pattern looks similar to that used on the early 18 size Bunn Special movements. Its a beautiful watch and a real keeper.

[Tom McIntyre]

Nice watch Larry. I have not been able to find a 23J 299 in either HC or OF. I do have 3 nice 21J examples on my Small Wonder > Illinois > Grade 299 (http://www.awco.org/SmallWonders/Ill12S/Grade299/Grade299.htm) page.

[Fred Hansen]

Just a little scarce ... o:)

Beautiful watch!

Fred

[Veritas]

Nice one Larry, you have good taste in watches.:):)

[John Cote]

Really nice watch! I keep hearing about one of these that actually says Bunn Special on it.

[Ethan Lipsig]

Here is a 23 jewel open face Illinois 299, this time a private label version in a Wadsworth 20 year case.

[John Cote]

Excellent Ethan. I love the style of the dial.

[terry hall]

beautiful watch... but a lot of stress on the regulator whip spring.... :(

[Ethan Lipsig]

I took the movement picture just after buying the watch and before having it serviced. The regulator is in the center of its range now.