Customer has an Illinois Bunn Special

[claussclocks]

One of my customers has an Illinois Bunn Special. She wants to know if it unusual and does it have any particular value as a collectors piece.

I don't have much watch experience so I can't help her.

Anyone have any information that might help her out

 

[Jim Haney]

Yes, we can give you a value on the watch if you can supply more information. We need the serial number and a good close up image of the movement.
Thanks

 

[claussclocks]

I'll see what I can find out from her.

Thanks

 

[MrRoundel]

Just one man's opinion: If the movement matches the dial, then it's a pretty desirable, although probably not really uncommon, American railroad grade watch. The case is desirable, as it is a rather classy, IMO, number 206 case. This is one of the more valuable cases to have with a Bunn Special. The dial looks excellent, the hands look original to me, and the case doesn't appear overly worn, albeit the bow shows typical wear.

The best time to be a seller of such a watch was probably 10-15 years ago, when railroad pocket watches were more popular with the existing collectors. Still, it is desirable, and appears to be in good shape. The kind of price it would bring depends on the exact movement. Sometimes they are a rarer variant of the Bunn Special that may bring a much higher price (161 or 161A grade). If it's the most common variant in the nice 206 case and fully marked dial (Illinois Bunn Special 21 Jewel 60 Hr), and the case isn't worn to the brass, it should easily command $450-$550, IMHO. The owner should try to unscrew the back and see what it says on the movement. If it is marked with a 161 or 161A, they'll be fortunate, and it will be more valuable. That said, there are many here who deal a lot more in RR watches, Illinois in particular, who can render a better opinion than I. I haven't been spending a lot of time looking at this type of watch for a few years. You might check completed online auctions to get a realistic idea of present value. Good luck. Cheers.

 

[claussclocks]

Just one man's opinion: If the movement matches the dial, then it's a pretty desirable, although probably not really uncommon, American railroad grade watch. The case is desirable, as it is a rather classy, IMO, number 206 case. This is one of the more valuable cases to have with a Bunn Special. The dial looks excellent, the hands look original to me, and the case doesn't appear overly worn, albeit the bow shows typical wear.

The best time to be a seller of such a watch was probably 10-15 years ago, when railroad pocket watches were more popular with the existing collectors. Still, it is desirable, and appears to be in good shape. The kind of price it would bring depends on the exact movement. Sometimes they are a rarer variant of the Bunn Special that may bring a much higher price (161 or 161A grade). If it's the most common variant in the nice 206 case and fully marked dial (Illinois Bunn Special 21 Jewel 60 Hr), and the case isn't worn to the brass, it should easily command $450-$550, IMHO. The owner should try to unscrew the back and see what it says on the movement. If it is marked with a 161 or 161A, they'll be fortunate, and it will be more valuable. That said, there are many here who deal a lot more in RR watches, Illinois in particular, who can render a better opinion than I. I haven't been spending a lot of time looking at this type of watch for a few years. You might check completed online auctions to get a realistic idea of present value. Good luck. Cheers.

I appreciate the input from everyone. This watch is a family hand down. The owner sent me three more photos that maybe useful in refining the information on the watch and its value but I appreciate everything sent so far.

She says there is very little wear on the back and the white gold color is good overall. The most wear appears to be around the top where a fob or chain would have been attached. I have looked at the pictures and the movement is a 161A.

DPC

 

[grtnev]

claussclocks,

Check your messages - I sent you a PM.

Richard

 

[MrRoundel]

Lucky break! That takes it up a lot higher in value. I don't have the most recent price guide, but in 2013 the value shown there was a minimum of $900 and a maximum of $1,700 for a mint example! Couple that with the white gold-filled 206 (Higher scarcity than yellow gold-filled.) and your client has a real winner, IMO. What a difference a day makes...That, and getting a look at the movement. Regardless of what the widely used "Complete Price Guide to Watches" shows, the value could be a bit less, (I don't think more, but could be wrong.) as most RR watches aren't pulling what they once did. But this watch is of a quality that always sells. For insurance purposes (ala Antiques Road Show) I'd put an insurance value on it of $1,200 -$1,500. Where it would sell in an auction is probably in a $900-1200 range. I believe I paid $1,100 12-15 years ago for a 23J Bunn Special in a 206 yellow gold-filled case with a fully marked dial. The "book" showed it as being more valuable than the 161A at the time. JMHO.

Still, if you don't get a price opinion from one of the Illinois experts, I'd keep searching online for comparables. Now that you have the exact movement info, it should be more productive.

Again, bear in mind that I haven't been watching this type of watch for a few years, so an estimate by someone who has is worth more than my estimate. Good luck. Cheers.

 

[Lee Passarella]

MrRoundel, you note that RR watches aren't attracting the prices they once did. What watches are now grabbing attention and thus higher prices? You seem to have moved on from RR watches. What are you collecting now?