Well here is my latest acquistion that arrived today. It is a 21 jewel (two wasted jewels) form an early run around 1915. They produced boatloads of 21 jewel Bunn Specials and they are a fine watch. This watch variant produced 7,700 of these with the "Adjusted Temperature, Six Positions" spelled out as opposed to the next variation which produced 151,610 that had the abbreviated "Temp". This also had a very interesting dial as it is a straightline Illinois Monty. The Sceptor case is in nice condition but was not original to this watch as there is another set of case screw marks in it. Still the same, a very nice watch of moderate collectability.

A closer look at the dial....

And the movement...I will refill the engraving tomorrow and post that picture.

And finally, the back.....

Steve,

Thats a beauty! I love that dial.
I am assuming that thats an 18s movement.
I acquired an 18s (23j) that has "Adjusted Temperature, Six Positions" with the serial # 2468749.
Would this also fall into the category of of your variation?
I don't have an Illinois book so I cant say where it would fall.
I ahve attached pictures of the dail and the movement.
Again I would love to have that dial on a Bunn Special,
However our cases look similar.

and the movement

Mike,

Actually mine is a 16 size. You have a beautiful movement. Yours was one of the 5,050 made in that configuration although you have the gold lettered engraving and it was also available in black. The book doesn't list the numbers of each but I have scanned the entry in the book concerning your movement and it has the bright spotted fourth pattern. They were made between 1908-1914. Yours looks to be correct and to be in very nice condition. And yes, I love that dial as well....one of the reasons I went after it.

Steve

Steve, how do you go about refilling the black lettering? I've heard some guys use India ink or something like that, but it will be removed at the next cleaning again... If you use black enamel, how do you keep it from filling the fine damasceening around the lettering?

Barry,

I use Testor's black enamel modeling paint and a small artist paint brush. I dab the paint on liberally and spread it over one section at a time such as the over the Bunn Special, Illinois Watch Co., Springfield and let it sit for a minute or so. Then, using a square peg toothpick (these are stronger than the small tapered ones) I start to rub off the excess removing around the lettering first and eventually over the top of the letters. Amazinly, the paint does not stick to the plates. Maybe if you left on for a long time but at least not when it is fresh. Then I move onto to the next section. The paint begins to set rather quickly which is why I only do one section at a time. Sometimes you peel the paint out of the engraving but just retouch it and start over. I'll try to post my watch redone tomorrow. also, check out this topic below.


[Filled engraving on movements

Mike,

I have one very similar to yours except it was the next "variant" and according to the book was one of 1000. I'll have to check with Lindell where he came up with his numbers but check the post below. I think it has the dial you were talking about.

Steve

23 jewel, 18 size Bunn Special

Well I got the enameling engraving redone this morning and I must say it was a little more difficult to do than in the past. The humidty may have been a little higher today and therefore I had to work almost line by line and removing paint almost as soon as I got the brush back into the thinner. I tried to squeegee most of it off with the tooth pick besause as it dried it would peel the paint out of the engraving with the paint that was on the toothpick. Have lots of toothpicks on hand when you do this. I also found I could use my case knife to scrape the paint off the used toothpicks. This process took me about 45 minutes today, somewhat longer than in the past but still worth it.

Steve

Very impressive work with the lettering! Thanks for the tips.

Thanks Barry,

Always glad to be of help.

Steve

nice work.anyone thats not getting there moneys worth in this club dose not like watches i learn something new every day.

Steve,
I just read this thread. Almost everyone has a watch that could use relettering, including me.
I did not see your reply to Barry about how this enamel stands up to subsequent cleanings. Have you cleaned a plate you have relettered? If so, did you use ultrasonic or solvents?
Thanks. Always enjoy your posts.
Mike

Mike,

I can't say as I have sent any out to be cleaned after redoing the enamel. I usually do it after it has been cleaned. Even if it did come out after cleaning it is not a big deal to redo it. Then you are good to go for several years.

Steve

True enough. Thanks, Steve.
M.