Internet Horology Club 185
Illinois question

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/8553946777

March 15, 2013, 00:31
Gary E. Foster
Illinois question
Bought this from a gold scrapper the other day, a fairly common watch I think, but I'm curious about the dial, I'm not up on Illinois watches. Thoughts?


March 15, 2013, 00:33
David Abbe
Gary it has a early 1900's double sunk dial. That could mean more than you think. What is the serial number?
March 15, 2013, 00:38
Gary E. Foster
Movement serial number 2291342, gilt screws and regulator, gold center wheel, adjusted to 3 positions.


March 15, 2013, 12:16
Paul D. Trombley
Dave, does this need to be lever set to qualify as a Trolly Watch?

Gary, I have a couple of these and love them. Because they are relatively common, they don't have a ton of value. IMHO they are way under rated. Smooth operating high quality fit and finish.
March 15, 2013, 13:12
Richard M. Jones
Gary, that is as Paul said a nice watch with not a high value because they are common. Common because they worked well! I have seen that dial on some Bunn specials that sellers said were original dials to the watch. I do not believe that is correct, but maybe the first owner liked that dial and got what he wanted.


Deacon
March 15, 2013, 13:14
David Abbe
Gary this watch has at least four valuable attributes;

1. it is a "True Bridge" Model 7, the rarer and more labor intensive form of the post-Getty series.

2. As a 1910 Vin. Grade 306, there were only 7120 made, making this a fairly scarce example.

3. The valuable double sunk dial and hands look very restorable.

3. The movement looks to be in excellent condition which alone makes it a desirable collector!

As Paul pointed out, it is listed as a "Temperature and Three Position" adjusted watch all tricked out with Gold Plated wheels and a nice micro-regulator making it legal for Electric Rail timing.

A great save after it is restored!

Note, as Deacon suggests, the dial may have been a replacement added (not much later) to this 1910 vintage watch, but that to some of us simply adds "grist to the story" we can only dream about the actual history of the piece.