History and Significance of the Illinois Bunn Special Railroad Pocket Watch

The History of the Illinois Bunn Special Railroad Pocket Watch

The Illinois Bunn Special pocket watch holds an important place in American horological history. Produced by the Illinois Watch Company starting in the 1870s, the Bunn Special was designed specifically to meet the needs of railroad engineers who required accurate, reliable timekeeping.

The Bunn Special was named after John C. Bunn, one of the founders of the Illinois Watch Company. Bunn was focused on producing high-quality watches that would pass stringent railroad accuracy tests. At the time, most watches produced in the United States did not meet the accuracy standards required by railroads.

Bunn partnered with watchmaker J.C. Adams to design a new watch movement that would gain the confidence of railroad officials. The result was the Bunn Special 18 size movement with 21 jewels. The first Bunn Special watches were produced in 1870 and quickly became popular with railroad engineers across the country.

Technical Details of the Bunn Special Movement

The Bunn Special movement featured several innovations that improved accuracy and performance:

• Large 18 size - the 18 lignes (18/12 inches) width allowed for a bigger mainspring to provide maximum power reserve
• 21 jewels - more than most watches at the time, the added jewels reduced friction
• Breguet overcoil hairspring - improved timekeeping by minimizing the effects of shocks and vibration
• Gold settings - gold was used for the settings holding the jewels to prevent corrosion
• Adjusted to temperature - critical components were paired to prevent effects of expansion and contraction with temperature changes
• Adjusted to positions - the watch was optimized to keep time accurately in various positions

These features made the Bunn Special one of the most accurate mass-produced pocket watches of its era. The 21 jewels and railroad grade adjustments pushed the accuracy standards higher than most other American watch companies were producing at the time.

Gaining Popularity Among Railroad Engineers

The Bunn Special gained widespread popularity and trust among railroad engineers during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Railroad companies soon made the Bunn Special a standard requirement for engineers' watches.

The high quality and accuracy of the Bunn Special movement enabled it to pass the rigorous testing required by the railroad inspection system. At the time, railroad regulator inspectors would subject watches to various tests and positions, checking for consistency and accuracy.

The Bunn Special lived up to this scrutiny, cementing its reputation as one of the premier American railroad watches. Having an Illinois Bunn Special watch became a mark of distinction for railroad engineers across the country.

Key Qualities of the Bunn Special Railroad Watch

The key qualities that made the Illinois Bunn Special the railroad watch of choice included:

• Accuracy - Adjusted to an extremely high standard for consistent timekeeping.
• Legibility - Enamel dials with bold Arabic numerals made for easy reading.
• Durability - Sturdy case and movement designed to handle rough railroad use.
• Reliability - High quality components and adjustments for consistent performance.
• Trust - Railroad endorsement of the Bunn Special inspired engineer confidence.

These attributes allowed Bunn Special watches to reliably keep time under the demanding conditions faced by railroad engineers. A railroad worker could trust his Bunn Special watch with his life and the lives of passengers he was transporting.

Collecting Illinois Bunn Special Railroad Watches Today

For modern watch collectors, the Illinois Bunn Special remains a highly desirable and valued railroad watch. Its historical significance and technical merits make it a cornerstone for collectors of American vintage watches.

Key aspects collectors look for in the Bunn Special include:

• Railroad Grade - Watches marked with railroad adjustments command higher prices.
• Model Number - Certain Bunn Special model variants are more sought-after.
• Dial Condition - Enamel dials without damage or restorations are ideal.
• Case Condition - Sturdy nickel cases appeal to collectors, gold cases even more so.
• Movement Condition - Signs of proper servicing and care for the movement add value.

Finding a Bunn Special watch with sharp case engraving, a perfect enamel dial, and a clean 21 jewel movement would be a special treat for any antique watch collector. The hunt for that ideal railroad watch specimen keeps interest high at auctions and antique shows.

Owning a well-preserved Bunn Special provides a tangible connection to the glory days of American watchmaking and railroading. Winding and setting a classic Illinois Bunn Special is like stepping back in time to the late 1800s when skilled craftsmen produced some of the world's finest watches.

The Illinois Bunn Special pocket watch stands out as an icon of American watchmaking heritage and a pivotal piece of railroad history. For watch collectors and history enthusiasts alike, the Bunn Special is sure to remain a highly desirable and treasured antique for generations to come.

FAQs

When was the Bunn Special railroad watch first produced?

The first Bunn Special watches were produced by the Illinois Watch Company in 1870.

Why was the Bunn Special so popular with railroad engineers?

The Bunn Special gained popularity among railroad engineers due to its high accuracy and reliability, which met the strict standards required for railroad timekeeping.

What size is the Bunn Special movement?

The Bunn Special uses an 18 size movement, which was larger than most watches at the time. This allowed for a bigger mainspring to provide maximum power reserve.

How many jewels does the Bunn Special contain?

The Bunn Special movement contains 21 jewels, which was more than most watches when it was first produced. The added jewels helped reduce friction and improve timekeeping.

Why are Bunn Special watches valuable to collectors?

Bunn Special watches are highly valued by collectors for their historical significance, technical merits, railroad grade status, and condition. They represent an iconic American railroad watch.