I bought this watch last week, I have become drawn to loaner cased watches.

This one is a Illinois Bunn Special 21 jewel made 1905 18s model 6 fourth pattern. It seems to run well, I have not serviced it yet.

The dial has seen some use. The case back is marked Will-Mart Jewelers Detroit Mich., thanks to David he found them listed as railroad time inspectors.

https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/f...086047761/m/28810878

I have not been able to find out any more on the business, with the name Will-Mart I have not been able to determine the owner of the businesses name, I have tried the last name as Will but have not located a jeweler in Detroit by that name.

Tom

Case back

The movement

Congrats Tom!

Great theme for a collection. Especialy since they all should have RR watches in them.

If you ever come across a C.C. Fried loaner, You should either trade it to me or I should trade you the watch with the matching movement.

happy hunting,

Bill Kapp

Bill

Thanks for the comments.

I will keep an eye for Mr. Fried, I know the name but it may be from your other posts about him & your spoon.

Tom

That's a great looking Bunn, Tom....and I agree with Bill....it is a great theme for one to build a collection on....

Great find....

Regards,
Jerry

Interesting name Tom. "Marts" as we know them today (as in Walmart) didn't exist back then so I deduce Mr. Will and Mr. Mart were partners in the jewelry business.

Great looking watch, Tom. And as Jerry and Ed said, going after loaner case watches is a neat way to focus and build your collection.

Maybe Will-Mart was something like Williamson and Martinsburg and they shortened their names to make them a bit easier to remember (and also to fit on watch cases!).