Expert: Melvin Mills - 1/14/2010

Question
Good Morning, I was given an Illinois pocket watch handed down to my Dad. It is a Bunn Special-Springfield, Illinois, 21 Ruby jewels, Serial # 1823756  The lever to set the watch is at. the 2:00 O Clock position. Inside it says, Temperature, 6 positions, ISOCHRONISM. Also written in side is "double roller" I looked on the inside of cover when I took it off and believe I found on it  , a check mark followed by 7393, a check mark followed by 7501 and a check mark with numbers I can't make out.....I believe other letters are engraved but unable to make them out....It keeps perfect time. I'd appeciate information you may be able to give to me.  Thanks, Chet

Answer
Chet,

Wow, congratulations.  That is a wonderful family heirloom.  

Make sure you write down the history of the previous owners, even if you only
know the history for your dad.  Then add your history.  It will add to the sentimental
value when you pass on the watch.

This is a high grade watch.  It was timed while it was in 6 different positions, thus, making sure it was accurate regardless of how it was positioned.

Those check marks and numbers are from watchmakers that serviced the watch.  It was a common practice back in the day.  The numbers only mean anything to the watchmaker who wrote them.  Everyone had their own shorthand.

Kind regards,

Melvin