Illinois Model #29 Case Question

January 25, 2010, 18:57

Tom Dunn

I have a 163A in a like new Model #29 WGF Case, a guy was telling me the higher end (163, 163A, 163E etc) Illinois didn't come in the Mod 29 cases, only the 21 Jewel 161 and so forth. Is there any truth to this, or would this case be acceptable for my 163A?

January 26, 2010, 11:58

Buster Beck

Where are the experts when you need them

Tom while I am no expert I will share my limited knowledge;
The Model 29 cases are generally seen on watches from 1928~1932. I have not seen one on what I would consider an Original 163A.
All that I have personally seen on 163A's that I considered Originals were; Model's 173, 107, & 108.
I don't know personally the exact dates the 163A's were produced but I think from the mid to late 30's. Of course we have some excellent databases in the ILLINOIS section that you may want to research.
I WOULD like to see a post from someone out there on the chronological dates of ALL the Illinois factory cases[start to phase out]. As a general rule my mindset says; Mod. #1's~ 1924-1929, Mod. #29's~ 1928-1932, Mod. #108's~ 1930-1932. That is not DOCUMENTED, its just what my brain or mindset[limited] tells me

Thats my 2c worth IMHO, hope there is some help to you

regards,
bb

January 26, 2010, 14:47

Lindell V. Riddle

Tom,

I think it is fair to say that any proper case that was available when a particular movement was produced could reasonably be original to it. We see the case 29 introductory advertisement in 1929 and at the time it was featured with a 21-jewel 161 movement, that is true. But for anyone to say the model 29 case only came on 21-jewel movements would be like saying that all the late 1950s convertibles only came with V-8 engines just because most of the ones we see today or remember from the past came that way.

Those who are quick to say... "they always did this" or "they never did that" ...are usually wrong. The various watch companies did whatever they did and if that one were mine I would likely leave the watch "as-found" so long as each component has that "look" of being in the same over-all condition. It makes sense to me that a top condition case will not house a beat up dial, hands and movement or the other way around. If they started out together the wear will be pretty even, to me that can be a good basic indicator of originality.

On the dates Buster is pushing and pulling the 28/173 was introduced in 1928 and the 29 in 1929 along with the 181 and likely was around through 1932 or so, the First Model which began in 1924 was still being advertised in 1932 as were the 173/28 along with the 107 and 108 models. The case 108 which first appeared in 1931 was still produced in 1937 from one documented as made that year. Case models 107 and 118 were also introduced in 1932 and the 128 in 1935 and it would be the last exclusively Bunn Special case.

As to when each of these were phased out, in most instances that is nearly impossible to state with certainty, those who claim to know are essentially guessing but we do know they stopped production of both white and green cases in 1934 which helps narrow those a bit. Bottom line, regardless of having some accumulated knowledge there is so very much we will never know for certain but that does not stop us from having fun.

Lindell

January 26, 2010, 15:12

Tom Dunn

Thanks, Lindell....Mvmt# 5456721 dates it to late 1931-early 1932 mfg? So it is indeed plausible that this could well be the original case...it's a dandy at any rate, and will stay right where it is. I'll post some pics of it later here...

January 26, 2010, 16:34

Buster Beck

In a B.S.[ thats not Bunn Special

] world

,
we are truly blessed to have the likes of Lin to deliver with authority, the "Amen"

He has so much knowledge, that its near to impossible to post behind him

And he will have forgotten much more than I will ever know. I put him right up there with my ole favorite TV show "Dragnet", where Sgt. Friday always said; "Just the facts maam, just the facts"

Rest assured he is always right and a tough act to follow. And you are so appreciated Lin as most of us here are starved for the facts

Regards,
bb