Illinois · 21 jewels · 16s · 1913–1940s
The Bunn Special carries the name of the Bunn family, who ran the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield from 1878 until Hamilton bought it. Illinois had used the name on 18-size railroad watches since the 1890s, and the 16-size Bunn Special arrived around 1913. The 21-jewel version is the one you'll see most. Through the 1910s and early 1920s it was a Model 9 movement, adjusted to temperature and six positions and lever set in an open-face case, and it became the most famous railroad watch Illinois made. Hamilton agreed to buy the company in December 1927 and kept the Bunn Special going, first in Springfield and then in Lancaster, into the 1940s. That long run gives you plenty of choice. Earlier watches usually wear the bold No. 114 dial with the five-minute arrows pointing in, and Hamilton-era watches have the arrows turned out. A 21-jewel Bunn with the 60-hour mainspring is a different watch, and it has its own page.
The grade
The 21-jewel and 23-jewel Bunn Specials were sold side by side, both adjusted to temperature and six positions. The 21-jewel Model 9 has no motor barrel, which reached the 21-jewel only with the 60-hour Model 14 in 1925. Under Hamilton the 21-jewel became grade 161 and then 161A, with Elinvar from the early 1930s. Confirm Bunn Special and 21 Jewels on the movement, and check for any 60 Hour or Motor Barrel 60 marking, which makes it the 60-hour watch.
These were carried to work for decades, so expect hairlines in the enamel dial and brass showing on the edges and bow of gold-filled cases. Refinished dials turn up often, and Bunn Special collectors spot a repaint quickly, so an original dial counts for a lot.
Buying guide
The one we'd buy is the 1921 Bunn Special titled serviced with a Montgomery dial, at $375 delivered, under the band. There are about 116 for sale, two for parts, and most ask $410–575 delivered, so this is a grade you can be picky about. Ask for a movement photo that reads Bunn Special and 21 Jewels with no 60 Hour marking, and check that the dial's five-minute arrows point in on a watch made before 1928 and out on a Hamilton-era one. Pass on the one titled 1884, decades before the grade existed, and check the seller's feedback on the item page, since eBay's pocket watch search doesn't show it.
$17.24est. delivered
A 1923 Model 9, 16 size and 21 jewels, with bidding at $17 delivered and a long way to climb. It isn't titled running, so we'd stop near $410, the bottom of the band, and budget for a service.
1923 Illinois 16s 21j Bunn Special Model 9 Open Face Pocket Watch #WB6422-5
$375.00est. delivered
Titled serviced and fitted with a Montgomery dial, the one with every minute numbered, at $375 delivered, under the band. Ask what the service covered and for a close dial photo to check it's original.
Antique 1921 Illinois Bunn Special 21j Montgomery Dial Pocket Watch Serviced!
$375.00est. delivered
The only 21-jewel Bunn here titled serviced, so it's the one most likely to run well out of the box. Wind it fully on arrival and check it against your phone for a day.
Antique 1921 Illinois Bunn Special 21j Montgomery Dial Pocket Watch Serviced!
$261.70est. delivered
Titled with a broken setting lever at $262 delivered, about $150 under the band. A named fault beats an as-is listing, since a watchmaker can quote the repair before you buy.
Vintage Illinois Bunn Special Pocket Watch 21 Jewels work (broken setting lever)
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Snapshot
Checked . Some may have sold.
Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 11, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.
Used$17.24est. delivered
$4.25 + $12.99 shipping
Auction · 2 bids
Good buy
1923 Model 9, 16 size, 21 jewels. Not titled running.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Serviced$375.00est. delivered
$355.00 + $20.00 shipping
Buy It Now$355.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
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Good buy
1921, Montgomery dial, titled serviced.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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For parts$261.70est. delivered
$250.00 + $11.70 shipping
Buy It Now$250.00
Project piece
Titled with a broken setting lever.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$483.95est. delivered
$469.00 + $14.95 shipping
Buy It Now$469.00
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Our take
1916 Model 9 in a Wadsworth gold-filled case. Not titled running.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$500.00delivered
$500.00 · free shipping
Buy It Now$500.00
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Our take
In an Elgin case, so it's a married watch. Fine to carry.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$502.77est. delivered
$495.00 + $7.77 shipping
Buy It Now$495.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
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Our take
1923 Model 9, titled runs. Case material not stated.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$504.75est. delivered
$489.75 + $15.00 shipping
Buy It Now$489.75
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
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Check the seller
Titled 1884, decades before the 16-size Bunn Special. Ask for the serial.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$2,300.00delivered
$2,300.00 · free shipping
Buy It Now$2,300.00
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Priced high
Skeletonized movement in a display case, about $1,700 over the band.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 11, 2026.
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