Internet Horology Club 185
19 jewel 60 HOUR collection

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/1141013713

July 29, 2008, 18:21
Steve Middlesworth
19 jewel 60 HOUR collection
Hey gang,

As you may or may not know by now, I love these 19 jewel, 60 HOUR Illinois Bunn watches. I don't know if any of you have some in your collection but I would love to see them posted. I was particularly interested to see if anyone out there had a consececutive number to mine or anyone elses for that matter. There weren't that many of these produced, only about 4000 of the three models combined so let's have some fun here. Below are the listed numbers of the five in my collection. I'm sure at least Lindell would have one or two.

From the front row:
Left: Type I serial #4726079 in a Keystone case
Right: Type I serial #4598706 in a Ball Official RR case (Grandfathers watch)
From the back row:
Left: Type II serial #4726875 in a Dueber Exchange case
Center: Type III serial #4838766 in a Star Watch Case Co. case
Right: Type II serial #4780124 in a B & B Royal case

Your participation would be greatly appreciated. Even if you don't want to show pictures, just list your SN's. Maybe some others would like to try this with some other low run productions.

Thanks,
Steve


July 31, 2008, 21:08
Steve Middlesworth
Well it would seem that I am the only one out there that hoards these fabulous and collectable (to me) timepieces. So I am going to propose this posting to be the official ihc185 database for these watches. I realize these don't have special cases but they still are purrrrty to look at.

Steve
August 01, 2008, 17:12
Tony Dukes
Steve,
Your collection of 19j-60 hour Bunns is just outstanding. I do not think that there could be many collectors anywhere with a nicer set.
Tony
August 01, 2008, 17:19
Phillip Sanchez
Steve what beauties you have there. I continue to search for the 19 jewels for you. Smile
August 01, 2008, 18:14
Steve Middlesworth
Thanks for the kind words guys. Collecting these has been a challenge but well worth it to me. I am sure if these had come in factory cases they would been much more collectable, but it is the low production numbers that sparks my interest. They have a beautiful movement and look like any other 60 hour except they didn't make a gazillion of them.

Steve
August 01, 2008, 21:28
Lindell V. Riddle

That is some collection of 16-size 19-Jewel Bunns Steve!

Without question one of the overshadowed watches, they are still affordable and attainable. Far too many collectors are so caught up in 21 and 23-Jewel movements they lose sight of treasures like these. As any skilled watchmaker will tell you the 19-Jewel Motor Barrel and the 23-Jewel Motor Barrel are identical except for the 23-Jewel having four practically unnecessary cap jewels. Those four cap jewels can crack causing added maintenance costs and when a watch is serviced regularly the theory they will help retain oil goes out the window. Today with synthetic lubricants it would be difficult to argue in favor of additional jewels.

No collection of Bunn Specials is complete without at least one 17 and 19-Jewel Bunn to complete the story. With three 19-Jewel Variants my choice was the "double-marked" version or "Type II" with both "Sixty-Hour" and "Motor-Barrel 60" markings. But now Steve, you are making me wish I had all three!

Let's see some more of the 19-jewel Bunns!

Lindell

Wink


Bold dial on 19-Jewel "Type II" 19-Jewel Bunn variant...


August 01, 2008, 21:28
Lindell V. Riddle


Attractive "Type II" movement with double-markings...


August 01, 2008, 22:22
Steve Middlesworth
Lindell,

That is a gorgeous Type II you have there and it is also a very close kin to the one of mine in the back row and to the right....they were in the same run. First four digits of the serial numbers are the same with yours being only 36 away from mine. That is pretty cool in itself. You are right, the double signed movements are the neatest. I just wonder why they chose to put the "Sixty" hour (not 60) below the Bunn instead of above it like all the rest of the 60 Hour models. What case is yours in? It looks like a ridged bow of some sort.

Steve
August 01, 2008, 23:13
Tom Brown
This is the only Bunn I have & it is a 21 jewel 60 hour but I noticed the similar case of Lindell's so I thought I would post a couple of photos, mine is gold filled but is white gold.

Tom

Dial

August 01, 2008, 23:14
Tom Brown
Back

Back

August 01, 2008, 23:14
Tom Brown
Maker

Maker

August 02, 2008, 00:12
David Abbe
Can I include my old beat up "Long Horn" grade 19J 48 hour? It's old enuf s/n 4380313 and it DOES say "motor barrel"


August 02, 2008, 10:03
Steve Middlesworth
David,

Very nice clean looking movement there and I am sure in your possesion it keeps perfect time as well. Don't you also have a 19 jewel Sangamo? Might as well post it to. Love your work area to by the way.

Steve
August 02, 2008, 11:46
David Abbe
This is my 19J S.S., and the case is just a movement holder for now. The movement plates have a "burn" that I have yet to tackle. It runs perfectly. It likes to be shown, even as a "work in progress".


August 02, 2008, 12:04
David Abbe
The original dial for my 21J S.S. was stolen by a ruffian in Missouri who "promised" to fix it and return it! (Even took my money). Anybody see this anywhere, please let me know. Mad


August 11, 2008, 16:47
Lindell V. Riddle


Among my favorite 19-Jewel Illinois examples...


August 11, 2008, 16:47
Lindell V. Riddle


Bill Meggars called this one of their best watches...