DESCRIPTION:
APW - Illinois, Bunn Special, Grade 163, 23J 60 Hour Elinvar, Type IE marking, 16S, white gold-filled OF original Bunn Special Model 173 case with pattern engraving to rear, "Illinois Bunn Special 23 Jewel 60 Hour" marked white enamel DS dial, SW-LS, fully capped lever escapement, jeweled barrel arbor, mono-metallic balance with blued Elinvar hairspring, rayed pattern nickel damascene, s#5420714. A scarce watch, the total production of the 163 Elinvar Type IE is believed to be between 1080 to 1130 made per Mike Chamelin's Bunn Special book, and the attractive engraving design to this example's case rear is identified as "Purse Pattern" in the Bunn Special book. From the collection of Charlie Winters.
CONDITION:
Mvt: Running, nearly mint cosmetic mvt condition overall, bright lustrous surfaces with few micro-fine scratches, larger winding wheel with very small speck of oxide at its perimeter; nearly flawless dial with very short scratch at center below hands, some minuscule edge nicks under bezel; excellent hands, minute with some finish loss to its tip and outer portion; case shows light wear, pinpoint nick to band at 10, no dents or dings, reduced engraving detail with loss of fine detail at rear shoulder, very thin slivers of wear to brass to rear shoulder and to portion of bezel, small specks of wear to brass to corners of raised "shoulders" of band at 11 and 1; tight bow, crown shows light wear; glass crystal with few very small scratches.
ESTIMATE:
$1400
-
$2200
"
"
"
"
"