Illinois · 23 jewels · 16s · 1913–1940s
The 23-jewel Bunn Special was the top of Illinois's railroad line, sold next to the 21-jewel from the start of the 16-size Bunn Special around 1913. Both were adjusted to temperature and six positions and set with a lever under the bezel. The 23-jewel got the improvements first. Around 1918 Illinois gave it a motor barrel in the new Model 11, a barrel that turns on its own jeweled staff, which the 1923 catalog sold as the Superior Motor Barrel. You can spot one by the jewel in the middle of the big winding wheel. In 1924 the 23-jewel became the first Bunn Special with a 60-hour mainspring, and that version has its own page here. After Hamilton took over in 1928 the grade was numbered 163, later 163A with an Elinvar hairspring, and some of those have 163 stamped on the movement. The Model 11 with its 48-hour motor barrel is the one to look for if you want the classic Springfield 23-jewel before the 60-hour change.
The grade
The 23-jewel shares the six-position adjustment of the 21-jewel, and it got every upgrade first. Early 23-jewel movements are Model 9, the motor-barrel Model 11 followed around 1918 with a 48-hour spring, and from 1924 the 60-hour Model 14 took over. Hamilton later numbered it grade 163, then 163A. Confirm 23 Jewels on the plate, the model, and whether there's a 60 Hour marking, since those three things separate the versions.
Enamel dials pick up hairlines, and refinished dials are common on Bunn Specials. Parts get swapped between Illinois movements over the years, so a balance or bridge from another watch is something to ask about on any high-grade example.
Buying guide
The one we'd buy is the 1918 Bunn Special titled 48 hour and runs, in a 10K gold-filled Keystone case, at $731 delivered, under the band. There are only about 16 for sale and most ask $850–1,025 delivered, with the serviced ones at the top and an FS.G variant claim at $1,999 that the catalog can't back up. In the movement photo, look for 23 Jewels, a jewel in the middle of the big winding wheel for the Model 11 motor barrel, and no 60 Hour marking, which would make it the later 60-hour watch. Check the seller's feedback on the item page, since eBay's pocket watch search doesn't show it.
$552.93est. delivered
A 1913 open-face, lever-set 23-jewel adjusted to six positions, with bidding at $553 delivered after 10 bids. It isn't titled running, so we'd stop near $850, the bottom of the band, and budget for a service.
1913 Illinois Bunn Special 23J OF Lever 3/4 Nickel 6P Pocket Watch RR Grade
$731.20est. delivered
Titled 1918, 48 hour, 10K gold filled and runs, at $731 delivered, about $120 under the band. The 48-hour claim means a Model 11 motor barrel, so check for the jewel in the center of the winding wheel.
1918 Illinois Bunn Special 23j 16s 48 Hour RR Pocket Watch 10k GF Keystone Runs
$988.50est. delivered
Titled runs great, 16 size and 23 jewels in a 14K gold-filled case, at $989 delivered, inside the band. Ask for a movement photo to see which model you're getting.
Illinois Bunn Special Pocket Watch – 16s, 23J– runs great, 14K GF case
$1,020.00est. delivered
A 1921 Model 11 titled runs and serviced, and eBay lists it as refurbished, at $1,020 delivered, the top of the band. Ask what the service covered and when it was done.
1921 ILLINOIS BUNN SPECIAL RAILROAD GRADE MODEL 11. 16s 23j RUNS A+ SERVICED!
$809.10delivered
A 1921 23-jewel with a Montgomery dial at $809 delivered, while the other Montgomery Bunn here asks $2,500. Zoom in on the dial for hairlines and chips around the seconds bit.
1921 Illinois Bunn Special 23 Jewels Montgomery Dial Railroad Pocket Watch
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$552.93est. delivered
$543.33 + $9.60 shipping
Auction · 10 bids
Good buy
1913, open face, lever set, 6 positions. Not titled running.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$731.20est. delivered
$719.50 + $11.70 shipping
Buy It Now$719.50
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.
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Good buy
1918, 48 hour, 10K gold-filled Keystone case, titled runs.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$988.50est. delivered
$979.00 + $9.50 shipping
Buy It Now$979.00
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.
Good buy
Titled runs great, 16 size, 23 jewels, 14K gold filled.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Serviced$1,020.00est. delivered
$1,000.00 + $20.00 shipping
Buy It Now$1,000.00
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.
Good buy
1921 Model 11, titled runs and serviced.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$809.10delivered
$809.10 · free shipping
Buy It Now$809.10
Good buy
1921 with a Montgomery dial. Case material not stated.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$767.70est. delivered
$750.00 + $17.70 shipping
Buy It Now$750.00
Our take
Titled 48-hour motor barrel, the Model 11. Not titled running.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$909.95est. delivered
$895.00 + $14.95 shipping
Buy It Now$895.00
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.
Our take
1915, titled runs. A display back usually means a later case.
Seller: Seller on eBay
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Used$2,499.99est. delivered
$2,450.00 + $49.99 shipping
Buy It Now$2,450.00
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
Model 11 with a Montgomery dial, but about $1,475 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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