Hi All,

Any information in relation to rarity and production number for the Illinois 18s "Interstate Chronometer" 23 Jewel Tu-Tone Bunn Special Hunter would be greatly received, serial#2336858.

Thanks,
Bila

Bila:
The "Blue Book" shows a run of 200. "Interstate Chronometer" was a private label for Sears & Roebuck made only in 1911, and cased in 20-year Deuber YGF cases. Hunter case, lever set, model 5. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Bob

Thanks Bob, an excellent start, would you know what ratio of hunter to open face models were made by any chance. This one is housed in a B&B Royal case, looks original but might have been replaced, I will search for a Dueber YGF case to make it right.

Cheers,
Bila

Bila:
Per the book, 250 were made open face.
Regards,
Bob

Thanks Bob.

Cheers.

My Illinois Data show

200 of a total of 300 Hunter Type Bunn Special movements Adj. 6 pos., signed "Interstate Chronometer", s/n's 2336801-2337000 made in 1911.

250 of a total of 4,750 open Face 23J Bunn Special movements Adj. 6 pos., signed "Interstate Chronometer", s/n's 2336351-2336600 made in 1911.

Also in 1911;

200 17J HC, 3 Position adj. Interstate Chronometers made, s/n2336601-2336800

350 17J OF, 3 Position adj. Interstate Chronometers made, s/n2336001-2336350

Thanks David, would either yourself or Bob know if the hunter model was RRG?

Cheers,
Bila

The 23J were all RRG adjusted. The 17J were 3 Position Adj.

Thanks David, if they were RRG adjusted, were they (hunter style) approved for any of the Railroads at the time of production, also, what would these be valued at in your opinion?

Bila:
Internet Archive 1911 Sears Catalog, page 784, has all the Interstate Chronometer watches, but it's a BIG file, over 200Mb.
Regards,
Bob

Thanks for the link Bob, I will download the catalog for future reference.

Cheers.

The 1980's "Gold Book, shows these at US$1500.00-$2000.00. Today, depending on the case and condition I would add another US$1000.00

The "Fat Book" vastly understates these values, but the rarity, plus case and condition would definitely be the negotiating factor.

Thanks David.

Cheers,
Bila

I have just been scrolling through Ed Parson's (Bless His Soul) great info on the 18s Bunn Specials. I notice that The "Interstate Chronometer" I have has a totally different damaskeening to the normal Bunn Specials, would this consitute a new variation?

Not surprising. The 23J I.C. pictured in my data is two-tone gold plates with all gold-plated fasteners and adjustment framuses's. Mebbe you could post a picture of yours.

I will post some pictures David as soon as I have it in hand, I was reading some where that it was suspose to be a bright spot 4th pattern. This one has a gold inlaid inner circle completely filled (not just a band like the 3rd pattern) with completely different damaskeening to any of the variant photos in Ed's postings.

Cheers

I found these pictures, did a little cleanup just to show the club. You did well! Some TLC, a longer minute hand, dial soak, clean and lube those beautiful Rubies and you have a first class piece!

Thats the same watch David, definately different damaskeening to any of the ones in Ed's info. Would this be classed as a new variant of the Bunn Special types even though it is marked as an "Interstate Chronometer"?

Your watch has the same two-tone Gold center and Nickel periphery design Damaskeening with Gold-Filled engraving that is pictured in my database for the 23J HC BUNN Special, named Interstate Chronometer and is very specifically unique to the few hundred 23 Jewel movements.

These were made when Illinois was very proud to continue their business with Sears after supplying the founder with the FIRST PRODUCT HE EVER SOLD (R.W. Sears Watch Co.) as a "mail order" item.

I expect that for Illinois W. Co. this distinction was a major consideration for them to re-name one of their own "Flagship" pocket watch movements for (limited but) EXCLUSIVE sale by Sears.

Great info David, it is very much appreciated, I can't wait to get the watch in my hands.

Best Regards,
Bila