I've previously described the Illinois Bunn Special 163 IE that I bought at the LA Regional this weekend in a post in the "Pitfalls" forum.

Here's the watch with some so-so photos that I managed to take late this morning. The watch is SN 5421340.

The case is a marked BS 206 in White Gold filled although some of the photos make it look gold.

Bezel Off... the dial is without hairlines and some minute chips at the edge. Minute hand has a bit of rust.

Case back. There is no brassing visible at all from this angle.

Stem detail. This shot shows some brassing under the bow and where the bow contacts the case shoulders.

Inside of back-case. The service marks are irrelevant because this is definitely a re-case (see movment photos for extra case-screw marks).

First Movement view... showing extra case-screw marks and some staining on the rachet-wheel. The red inletting is good but it can be refreshed. I'm virtually certain that the rachet wheel is numbered so I'm probably stuck with it.

2nd Movement view. I know we're hyper-crtical of our watches so I hope that I am not giving the wrong impression by pointing out the flaws. Overall, I think this is a nice movement in a very respectable case and a superb dial.

Just like being an auction winner.... you start to wonder why everyone else stopped bidding but you didn't. Likewise, I'm wondering about all the folks at the Regional who passed this watch and didn't buy it!

I think it's a very nice watch Peter and I for one would also have considered the purchase. You were there and I was not however .

Nice find!

Ron

The rachet wheel does NOT have a serial number, however the smaller cap over it where the 3 screws are, does and it is hand scratched in at the factory and should match , so you are not stuck with the wheel but it is hard to find a perfect one from another watch without downgrading the value of that watch as well. But on this high grade of a watch, there may be some opportunity in the future if you exercise patience.

You were wondering why no one else bought this watch, and that depends on the price that was asked, this watch in present set up and condition is worth around 3500, give or take, at present market to serious buyers. I am not interested in it, only telling you of the present value in my opinion based on what I have seen from collectors lately . Of course one would want to be in it for less if wanting to resell. What did you pay for it, if I may ask? Looks like a straight watch and is a good one to have. Good find and I would hope to find a couple of these at the mid winter this week in Daytona, but am more interested in the type IIE's of which I have 8. Happy Hunting!

I'd rather not publish my purchase price, Mike. But, I'll let you know.

i could say what it sold for but will respect peters wishes. two seconds late, charlie winters

All I want to say is that if Pete considers these his 'so-so photographs', his GOOD stuff must be off the charts!

High regards! Mark

Were you there, Charlie?

Do you know about the..... others?

Peter, This may be outdated information but a couple years ago I purchased a couple NOS factory wheels from the S. LaRose company. May be worth checking out. Keith

I will do exactly that, Keith.... as soon as I get it "down south" for cleaning and service (who knows, I might need other parts). I will also try Twin-Cities. They were once able to supply me with a complete pallet for a 161A, which saved me the trouble of trying to replace just the pivot.

hi peter, yes, i was sitting next to glenn when you purchased the watch. charlie

Ok, I remember.... between Glen and Stuart, right?

I had been sick all week and left soon afterward... not attending the mart at all on Saturday. How'd Glen do after I left?

(Don't tell the folks here that I have a ponytail!)

hi peter, yes that was me between the two and don't mention i have one too!!!, charlie