Here is a new acquisition that arrived today in the mail. It's an 18 size, 17 jewel Bunn Hunter from 1897. It has a one star rarity rating in the price guide as only 1500 of these were produced.

I came across this on ebay and it had a BIN or B/O and I let it sit there for a few days before I made an offer. After a couple of counter offers going back and forth we came to terms and I got it. I was a little concerned about the dial and I know how hard it would be to find a nice one, but still it is not that bad.

The low book price in the guide is $500 and I didn't pay that for it.

Steve

This movement features a beautiful two tone Wavy Ribbon (second) pattern, gold-inlaid damaskeened nickel finish with gold-filled engraving.

What is interesting is the first 700 were made with the "Safety Pinion" engraving where as the remaining 800 that was dropped and replaced with "17 Ruby Jewels".

I would like to replace those ground off case screws so if anyone has a pair to sell, please let me know and we can work something out.

Steve

The case is a gold filled Deuber Special and is in nice condition other than it could use a new spring for the front cover.

Steve,

I really like the 17 jewel Bunn watches. They are rare and underrated. This is the first Hunter cased one I have seen. I picked up an open faced cousin of this one earlier this week. Will post pictures here later.

Nice find!

John III

Very nice watch Steve. Enjoy it!

Roger

Here is the front of my two-tone 17 jewel Bunn. Has a cool 24 hour dial with a few hairlines and edge chips. Paid $85 for it since it came in a base metal case.

The movement is marked "17 Ruby Jewels". Estimated date of manufacture is 1905.

Just to post the brother to Steve's. His is the two
tone wavy-ribbon where mine is the first pattern
"circular" S/N 1381989=1897. Watch was sold as
serviced(I always doubt this)but to my surprise
watch starts up on the second wind and ran 36 hrs.
lost 36 seconds. I am delighted with this.

case open

S/N 1381989

movt.

Upon my research there appears to have been
1,650 of these (first pattern "Circular")made.

that is a beauty Rogerand steve , I have been looking for the early bunns

Thanks Kevin. They are not easy to find.


Roger

Just got another BUNN 17J. S/N 1356504=1897

Circular Pattern

that is a nice looking watch Roger , did that sell as a sidewinder ?

Thanks Kevin. It was in a openface case with a dial with no feet and a slipping mainspring. I had a dial and case for it. It seems to wind and run good .

Roger

I saw that one , it was still a deal if I remember correctly, looks great.