Could use some input on this one. This watch arrived today from an ebay purchase. I like 19 jewel Bunns and this had a pre 1916 dial with the straightline Illinois as well as the inner hour markings of a Canadian Style RR dial but the serial number for the movement dated it to 1919. The discription was rather brief but it looked to be in very nice condition by looking at the pictures. Little was said about the case and much had to be gathered from the pictures alone. The case looked to be in good condition other some brassing on the bow and it looked a little bent.

and a picture of the watch from the back....

It is when I removed the back that it got interesting. As you can see it is a Ball case but with no other case screws marks in the frame. My question to you all out there in cyber space is could this have been something that could have been special ordered this way or maybe made up from parts just sitting around? Is that a common case? Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Steve

Steve,

I am not the expert, but I wonder if an Illinois and an Illinois Ball have the same screw locations?

Unlikely anyone would order a Ball case for an Illinois movement initialy IMHO. Cases wear out a lot quicker than movements, and hard to say what case one might choose to replace a damaged or worn case.

It is always tempting to think "special order" when we see a mismatch. We all want our watches to be original, but for the most part, I think it is wishful thinking.

Happy hunting,

Bill Kapp

The 19 Jewel Bunn (jeweled Motor barrel) movement is great and the 24 Hour dial is Positively Canadian! Worth more than you got it for!

How Ball watch Co. of Canada could ball-case "non-Ball" watches is a question that Lindell would answer best. If they were a Licensee maybe they could case watches this way as some in the US did too.

Thank you Lin for expert summation of this watch.

We all know that almost anything could have happened since 1919. This being said, if it is not the original way this watch came, someone made special attempts to put it back to the way it may very well have been originally sold. With me being the new owner of this very beautiful time peice I would like to lean to the side of an original example. As the saying goes, "if the shoe fits, wear it". Also, if you noticed there was no bezal on for the photo, it's because the crystal is somewhat frosted and took away from the gorgeous dial. Sometimes you can't get everything you want. I'll have Chris put on a new one when I get around to sending to him.

Steve

The Canadian Ball Watch Company of Winnipeg Manitoba sold all Railway watches that were approved by Canadian railways. So it is not unusual to see an Illinois in a Canadian BALCO case I have two 23 jewel Bunn Specials made in the 1920s in these same cases. One was a presentation case made at a presentation dinner by Sir William Henry Thornton President of the Canadian National Railways.

Larry,

Would you care to share some photos. I for one would like to see them. Chris has mine apart right now for cleaning...I'll post pictures of the movement upon its return.

Steve