Hello everyone, I'm new to all this but always been interested in old railway pocket watches. On a recent trip to Mexico I came across this Bunn Special I couldn't pass it up. It looks great but is it too good to be true? I've tried to find info online but can't quite find anything that matches. Any help you guys can give me with info like authenticity, model type/history, rarity, value, etc etc etc would be greatly appreciated!

The outside of the case has a etching of a train with leaves, kind of hard to see. The dial is just marked "Illinois" and 24hrs.

Inside the case is marked:
"Star Case Watch Company" (around a star logo);
"10K Rolled Gold Plate";
"4028539" (i think, the s/n is quite worn).

On the works:
"Bunn Special" (scripted);
"Illinois Watch Co Spring field";
"Adjusted Temp and Six Positions";
"Motor Barrel";
23 Jewels";
"Double Roller";
"3731382" (s/n)

There appears to be another marking under the tear drop shaped part beside where it says motor barrel, but I can't make it out and am not about to fiddle with the parts.

These picks were just some quick shots with my phone but I can break out the good camera and take some better detailed shots if you'd like. Let me know. And thanks in advance for any help you can give me on this!

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I'm no expert, but, it appears it was made prior to the 60 hour mainspring innovation. It also pre-dates the need for it to be in a "Bunn Special" case. I'm not sure about that dial color. It could be from filth, or it could be a paper overlay or even metal. Depending on what you paid, it may be a good buy. That also depends on what you want. Some only want near perfect examples, others just are ok with examples. Hard to tell too much without better photos. I like it.

Model 11
1920 production
16s
It is RR Grade and if the dial is enamel it should clean up. The 24 hr marking seem to be after market and they may fade or disappear.

There are many here who know so much. Perhaps the experts will chime in.

Thank you Mike and Lindell for the great information! I'm hoping to get it cleaned up and working properly again. I'm happy to know its not a fake but I would agree the face is probably a refinish. I'm happy with that but what do you think the value would be? Not that I want to sell it just am curious to know that I didnt get taken for a ride as this is my first purchase of this kind and really know nothing. I took a chance and got it for aprox. $150.

Greg,

Because of the altered metal dial and the damaged case (looks like somebody tried to try the movement out of it at some point), I'd value your watch at $300-400 as it sits right now, so you did alright at $150.

If you decide to get it serviced and were to upgrade the case and dial, the value could go as high as $750 IMHO.

Thanks Ed, thats good news!. I'd love to get it serviced and working properly again but as for getting the the case and dial upgraded I wouldnt know where to start... I'd appreciate a point in the right direction, any suggestions?