Gremlin Hunting in the Iconic BUNN SPECIAL - I Can't BELIEVE it was Running!

Today I’ll be servicing the iconic Illinois Bunn Special. This 21 jewel railroad grade movement, which was manufactured in 1920. The Bunn Special is Illinois Watch Company’s most well-recognized railroad watch and is named after the Bunn family, who co-founded the original organization in 1870. This watch appears to be in overall excellent condition, but the movement has a MAJOR gremlin that isn’t immediately apparent. As I’ve seen time and time again, appearances can be deceiving.
This antique pocket watch has various issues and fun surprises lurking within the movement. Will I be able to find them all?
#restoration
#watchrepair
#pocketwatch
Contact info: [e-mail]
Many of my tools I use are affordable. If you're interested in getting started with watch repair and would like to use what I use, I've included some links below. I earn a small commission from Amazon if purchases are made using these links.
Useful Texts:
Watch Repairer's Manual: amzn.to/3knrwdG
Watchmaker's Lathe: amzn.to/3D02WGb
Tools:
Microscope: amzn.to/3ZrQ3Pn
Movement Holder (pocket watches): amzn.to/3H9JBUv
Movement Holder (wrist watches): amzn.to/3JeG2iv
Ceramic Tipped Tweezers: amzn.to/3QP1qMH
Finger cots: amzn.to/3CXbXzJ
Micrometer: amzn.to/3QNGN3C and Stand: amzn.to/3iIyF86
Rodico: amzn.to/3kr5RBb
Tweezers: amzn.to/3GNFEVi
10X Loupe: amzn.to/3iLfome
Levers: amzn.to/3XB4RZG
Demagnetizer: amzn.to/3ZINUhS
Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3Xr7gqo
Cleaning:
Mesh Baskets: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Ultrasonic: amzn.to/3wcO7wg
Mason Jars: amzn.to/3WkUfgB
Cleaning Solution: amzn.to/3XwQ16I
Rinsing Solution: amzn.to/3wdgAlA
Cleaning Brushes: amzn.to/3QPnSp8
Lubrication:
Oilers: amzn.to/3Xi8LXR
DX Grease: amzn.to/3ZO0kVU
Moebius 941: amzn.to/3Hf6g2X
Moebius 9010: amzn.to/3CVGM7Y
Moebius D5: amzn.to/3ITqikE
Buffing and Polishing:
PolyWatch: amzn.to/3XlVTja
Polishing Compound: amzn.to/3QQ1r33
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:32 Begin Disassembly
8:57 Balance Work
15:10 Cleaning
16:00 Begin Reassembly
18:00 Balance bridge repair
19:13 Reassembly Continued
28:06 Balance installed
28:30 Timegrapher
28:52 History Lesson and Wrap up

[@robertqueberg4612]

I had a good friend that helped me learn to operate my steam traction engine nearly fifty years ago. He was seventy at that time, and carried a cherished Bunn Special, which he loved to share with others while explaining the fine points. This video was a chance to revisit Clyde again. Thank you. Good hands!!

[@BryanO92]

Such a gorgeous piece. Thank you for erasing 100 years of wear, tear and abuse and restoring it to its former glory.

[@allenhughes12]

I'm not a watchmaker but a retired railroad man and I love watches. To me, railroad grade watches are the penultimate movements. Thank you for the videos.

[@ryno101]

I’ve learned more about the “nitty gritty” of watchmaking from your channel then all the others that I watch combined. I love the fact that you show the finer details of balance poise adjustments, pivot work and tuning. As an amateur watchmaker, you’ve helped me figure out the “gremlins“ of a couple of vintage watches, that I would never have understood without your videos. Thank you, and keep up the great content.

[@spiffydevo8434]

I’m a watchmaking student in Canada, your videos are well explained, not shitty! Awesome! I appreciate a lot! Helped me! 😊

[@NomadicPhoton]

Where are you studying in Canada?

[@moomitomoe6783]

I also would like to know, as a canadian trying to figure out how to get an apprenticeship/education in this field.

[@macmac8249]

G’day. I wouldn’t mind finding out a bit more about where you’re studying….I’m in the East of Canada and I’d like to inquire about classes, etc. Thanks….Mac

[@JAMaxeRestoration]

Very slyly gets his CITIIZEN Star Wars Rebel Pilot watch in the shot at 15:11...Show off! 😉😍

[@carlangstrom3025]

Great job refurbing a fantastic watch. Thank you.

[@melody3741]

Random thing to say but those wheels are beautiful some of the prettiest ive ever seen

[@MichaelB-qx1eh]

I love that you show up close the usage of specialty tools like the roller remover and staff remover. Everyone else tends to be hand wavy about these details but they're really helpful to other hobbyists who pickup tools that don't come with instructions.

[@jatco84]

Such a great looking watch. Excellent job on the balance staff and work on the main plate..An excellent timepiece and work done. Kudos...!

[@brianmott9427]

My dad will be 92 on January 19th he went to Beverly Hills school of watch making. My brother is a general contractor and built a shop just for our dad to do all his watch repairs and cleanings. This is what my dad does as a hobby. He did not do it as a job but he has a lot of fun buying and selling Watches and clocks. Currently he owns three museum grade pocket watches probably worth 30,000 for the three of them if not more.! I enjoy watching your videos. Too bad you’re not in California I would introduce you to my father.

[@tonyaxeman4381]

I got one of that kind of balance staff filed on two sides . I have a Bunn special and it is the most beautiful movement in My entire collection .

[@davidchapman2839]

Every hour is "Happy Hour" at the Crown and Stem!!

[@csspinner]

🍻

[@jenss1704]

Great video and a nice watch... Greetings from Germany.

[@philipbrailey]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@markehuss]

Beautiful watch, and interesting problems to solve. You certainly get your money's worth out of that lathe. 😉

[@tmallory7964]

It is a pleasure watching you work.

[@GWServices]

Watching this at 3am, can’t sleep. Not helped my insomnia at all, far too interesting. All round great work again!

[@runrin_]

the bluing on those hands is gorgeous. so many different colors.

[@deanbrown4083]

Another enjoyable video! Just catching up on your pasr videos. Have this same movement in my modest collection and treasure it. Thank you for another well made video.

[@ruud9767]

It's beautiful! Thanks for restoring it to its full glory. I bet Johannes was thrilled with the result.

[@mikebruegger8654]

Beautifully done! 😊

[@johnvictoria644]

Always a pleasure to watch. No pun intended 😂

[@kevinbrianburke]

Awesome watch and repair!!

[@timcarpenter9835]

Jacot lathe! Not even shown when I was in watch school since they were not commonly available anyway.

[@Heathenheart1979]

Such a lovely timepiece. Nice work, Sir.

[@user-du6yr1qx5d]

Часовой мастер - дорогое удовольствие...исходя из стоимости используемого инструмента...😢😮

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Stumbled on your video about restoring an Illinois Bunn. You did a great job explaining the process. Just so you know I subscribed and will be looking forward to other videos to may create. I am new to the hobby so I am looking forward to getting involved. Thanks

[@ozzy10881]

Superb job as always ❤

[@alraymond9529]

Great work on this time piece.

[@Ritopher]

Beautifully done! I was holding my breath as you had to straighten out balance cock. It was such a great joy to see it immediately come to life later when the final assembly took place. Really enjoy your videos and your narration. Thanks for the history and background, as well!!

[@JimmysGarden]

Great work. 👍👍

[@screwthecabal6453]

Amazing work!

[@bigboy9706]

That's a beautiful watch

[@PocketWatchTime]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 What an amazing job! It’s so satisfying watching someone thoroughly do their job well, showing both respect and passion for the craft. Wonderful work. If you’re up for another challenge… I’ve got a tricky pocket watch I need a repair/service for. 😁

[@csspinner]

Thank you! Drop me a line [e-mail]

[@PocketWatchTime]

@@csspinnerGreat. I sent you an email.

[@brucebarlow6604]

When the Rex Roller Remover and the Angry Beaver Claw tools come out you know your in for a good show. Great work Chris. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@csspinner]

😊 thank you!

[@markslater5420]

Gorgeous watch, great video as always ❤️

[@richardspacetimeuhrensamml4236]

Eine professionelle Reparatur welche wie ja zu sehen ist, große Erfahrung des Uhrmacher s bedarf. 🌟

[@patrickstarnes2355]

🙏 thank you. What a beautiful sound.

[@marcelojuanpalanqueoyarzun3530]

fantactico tu trabajo , soy un aficionado antiguo ,very good

[@carlrees5574]

outstanding results Chris 👌

[@jimakin3541]

Beautiful watch and very good job.

[@frankwurth5375]

I always enjoy watching you work. BTW, the Hamilton 992B received from you last summer, still is doing excellent! Such a beautiful example of the true craftsmans work of art and time piece! Maybe after the years bills are finished, I still hope to get my other Illinois movements worked on!

[@Bristol1]

Lovely watch! Thank you to the owner for sending it in, and thank you for showing us the service and repairs.

[@lstone.09]

Stunning watch. To bad more of these haven't been kept. My grandfather carried a pocket watch for several yrs. Not sure what ever happened to the old ones he had.

[@1611bimotayb6]

Again, enjoyable and interesting. Great fun to watch.

[@stevenschwagel8029]

I always enjoy your recordings; I wish I could have grandpa's watch restored to look like the one in this recording. Happy thanksgiving to you.

[@ygrbooks]

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful video on the restoration of a wonderful watch:👍👌👏!

[@bryanyankulov3162]

Very Nice ~

[@michaellofstedt2145]

Magnificent, beautiful and detailed workmanship as usual Chris. Another great video.

[@Lad236]

Crown and stem great name for a bar lol. Like another name Get drunk and fall over..😂

[@avianfish8732]

Nice job

[@aserta]

2:47 experimental and i've only done this on a large dial with a destroyed enamel (in other sections), but i've steamed a dial and then used CA glue under vacuum to fill the holes. Specifically, i slightly flexed the dial on a jig (probably less than a fraction of a mm of deflection) and used a tube under suction at the edge of the crack to suck some CA glue (extra thin type, white tinted). It works. The crack disappears at all distances but very, very close inspection. The steam cleans the crack and the white CA fills the void. But like i said, i've only tried this on a destroyed dial. I've yet to work the courage to try this on the dials i have in my collection from my family (which is why i've experimented). I'm still working on the idea and application, because for example, it's not uniform and you can see some minor variances.

[@bobbressi5414]

Nice rebel alliance ana digi Citizen watch! And I am amazed by the patience you must have!

[@Ronaldo-hw1og]

Awesome service. You should have a lot more sibscribers

[@bobkowal9004]

nice work

[@arts.4014]

Great video! It's an interesting watch. Beyond the prior watchmaking sins that you found and the modern display case, the gold colored (or plated) screws likely came from a lesser Illinois donor. The dial may have followed the screws as I don't think that design was offered on the Bunn or Bunn Special series. It's an interesting conglomeration that you have turned into a beautiful result. You made note of what your target was for run quality, and you did remarkably well on this one. It would be an interesting, if you started with a watch that had fewer sins, how close you could bring an equivalent movement (say a 17S Sangamo Special or Hamilton 950) to its original timekeeping spec. - that would mean it would still be worse than a cheap quartz watch but better than the best new Rolex!

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

What a beautiful watch. And a very nice job cleaning it up. Thanks for taking us along 👍.

[@tuffymartinez]

Thank You Chris... I do not take notes BUT I do watch and verbalize before you describe your next move. Slowly I do retain some knowledge. Not enough to dive into any of my pocket watches .... but, ha. Not foolish enough to actually do anything. Just a curious observer. 49+ years manual machinist. I have made a movement holder out of Delrin and other tools. HUGE difference from constructing the tools and correctly using the tools.... TM

[@Looey]

Good lighting and camera views ! Thanx a lot for popping this video up here. I got to see some tools/techniques I've never seen before. EXCELLENT.

[@BestTimeWatchRepair]

Bunn special watches are amazing works of art, for sure 📚✅

[@mlbabineaux]

The watch butcher got a hold of it at some point in it's life. Great job on a great piece !

[@moisessan1]

No se ustedes...pero para mi en reloj es mas lindo por dentro que por fuera!!!!!

[@hendlers7071]

What a great Service - Thanks a lot !!

[@jdmccorful]

Beautiful time piece. Enjoy watching you work. Thanks for your time!

[@nalakprince6376]

Beautiful use of specialist tools... 👍🙂

[@rolandholtz8250]

just a lovely watch, very nicely done, Tank you so much, it was a pleasure watching this.

[@jimosullivan1389]

Great skill and work. Lots of information and explanation. Excellent photography. Many thanks. UK.

[@larrykelly2838]

Great video and history lesson, enjoyed the Illinois watch video.

[@GordonjSmith1]

Nice.

[@9f676150z8xF]

Nice work. I'm enjoying seeing the little problems that some watches have acquired over their long lives, their causes and the solutions.

[@TimTellsTime]

come on you couldnt heat those two bridge screws to match all the others!?!? unbelievable!! lol Jk. This was great work. Would have been a nightmare for anyone with less experience to figure out the balance issues. Thank you for the video Chris!

[@richf5967]

Fantastic job Chris Your work and video production is awesome

[@jprichard]

What a great job of servicing this watch! I especially like improving the look of the dial and refinishing the pivots, which looks crazy hard.

[@leechjim8023]

You definitely need EXCELLENT eyesight for this kind of work!!!😮

[@DutchClawz]

Again, amazing work! The bending of that balance scared me😂 I dont think I would’ve done that myself.. I’ll leave that to a professional😊

[@stevev7402]

Another great video. Just never know what you’ll find do you. Even on the watches that look in good shape. Great job Chris

[@sfbfriend]

Absolutely fantastic! I have a Bunn Special, the movement is dated around 1928 going by the number on the movement, it is my daily carry. It has been serviced but after watching this video I am now concerned as to how well this service was performed as it likes to run fast.I am a lover of the Illinois brand, I know there are better but this company was started in part to honor the history of Springfield in relation to Abraham Lincoln. My lineage has a relationship with Lincoln, plus the year of manufacture of my Bunn is the year my Father was born. I also have an earlier Illinois watch which is a key wind in a 3 oz coin silver case. You could kill someone with that monster! LOL. It needs to be serviced, it does run but not in all positions, I know that that is more than likely in the balance staff area. It has also been serviced but obviously not correctly. How can I get in touch with you? I agree, the sound of a correctly running watch is addictive. Thank you.

[@csspinner]

Drop me a line- [e-mail]

[@curingabettoni4310]

Òtimo serviço , belo relògio , bom profissional, Graciez (Brasil)

[@quaarjet]

Nice work overall but you should start checking the arbor hole for mainspring on the barrel bridge plate. You will begin to find that there's a lot of side shake on these movements due to severe wear here. Keep up the good work.

[@CristiNeagu]

These high magnification lenses, man... They make it look like replacing that balance staff is a walk in the park. I bet is actually really difficult and fiddly.

[@RockyAllenLane]

Could the balance staff be polished to allow for smoother operation?

[@Blitterbug]

Great work. So... how was the client conversation afterwards regarding 'just a service please?' :)

[@art1muz13]

You do know that there is a guy what works on these watches as you do. The name of the channel is, you guessed it, ''BUNNSPECIAL''. 15:41 I have one of the L&R waiting to be refurbed. Oh, very satisfying and good craftsmanship performance.

[@csspinner]

I love his channel. He was the first I began watching when I got into this hobby. He’s quite the character 😊

[@art1muz13]

@csspinner boy,you said a mouth full,(buuuuuuurp!)

[@fredwexler1362]

I would prefer seeing the regulator arm centered and then adjusting the balance weight to get a proper rate. Some watch people do not like a regulator arm too far from centered. Otherwise excellent work.

[@ericashmusic8889]

Just Wonderful craftsmanship & most excellent work, witnessed by the timing results. One question, were the jewels in the pallet fork, diamonds ? Thank you for posting, a great tuition video.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! The pallet jewels (as with the other jewels) are all made of a synthetic ruby

[@ericashmusic8889]

Wow ! I had no idea synthetic white rubies were available way back then.Actually I also have this gorgeous movement, sadly minus case & dial, and in another few months I will tackle a makeover. Many thanks once again. Kind Regards.@@csspinner

[@hampdentime]

Very Nice Work. What do you think of the case? I have been looking at them but never saw one in person. Interesting that the bridge screws do not match up with the other gold screws seems kind of common, maybe misplaced over the years? On the cases, I have been putting just a touch of oil on the threads, seems to help but who knows for sure. Always enjoy your videos.

[@csspinner]

Thank you! The case you can tell isn’t of the vintage variety, but it looked nice and it’s hard to find authentic salesmen style nowadays

[@timcarpenter9835]

Also,where the heck did you find one that wasnt worn out,beat up or completely abused?I tried years ago to find one at a Mart or Regional with no success.

[@robertlassiter907]

If you go to the Crown & Stem bar you’ll need to “watch” yourself so that “time” doesn’t “tick” by. I know I know. If you stay too long your wife will have to come and convince you out of your slot at the bar. 😂

[@csspinner]

😂 🍸

[@maestromecanico597]

THAT is an exquisite piece. Too bad it cannot recite its own story. Obviously born at the dawn of a decade of perceived largesse only to fall upon hard times at the end of that decade. Did that have anything to do with the state in which you found this poor creation? We will never know. Someone of lesser means at least attempted to keep it going. Very gratified to see it receive the care befitting its build. Thank you for sharing.

[@user-iv9qj7ys3y]

A very worn out movement, but you did wonders restoring it . Also i would like to ask, was it really necessary to replace the balance staff? And perhaps an unpopular opinion, but i don't really like this modern case, it seems to me, that it is of lower quality than the old ones

[@csspinner]

Yes the balance staff lower pivot was actually off center. I’m not sure how that could have happened unless someone tried to make their own. There’s no way it would keep time. I agree on the case. It’s nice overall, but doesn’t compare to the originals

[@user-iv9qj7ys3y]

@@csspinner well i didn't notice that issue. In this case,it was rather necessary to change the staff. And something else, you have worked with almost the most of the famous railroad grade pocket watches, which one do you think has the best quality?

[@csspinner]

@@user-iv9qj7ys3ythey’re all impressive, but I have to say the Ball / Hamilton railroad models are my favorites

[@moomitomoe6783]

Question, how does one tell when these screws are reverse threaded? In industry (heavy mechanical) I know to watch for hash marks/ lines on the nuts, bolts or screws that are reverse threaded but I cant see any indicators on watch movements

[@csspinner]

In modern watch movements, reverse-threaded screws will have three slots in them. That’s the tell. However, with these older movements, especially with pocket watches, the only one that tends to be reverse threaded is the crown wheel screw. Even then, some manufacturers did not make them reverse threaded. So, if unsure, a light touch is best.

[@moomitomoe6783]

@@csspinner that is definitely the lessons I've been picking up in these videos, a kind hand will go a long way.

[@k-ozdragon]

How do you keep track of where each removable jewel goes? It looks like they all go into the basket to be cleaned, so I would imagine keeping track of which jewel goes to which setting would be difficult. Or does it matter which jewel goes into each specific hole, so long as they are all the same size?

[@csspinner]

I have a compartmentalized basket inside the larger one. I place the same jewels in the same slots each time as a matter of convention

[@k-ozdragon]

@@csspinner Awesome, that makes sense. I could see that step being easily overlooked. Of course, you could always just scratch the bezels too lol 😄. This poor watch barely survived its previous service.

[@ruuerian]

15:13 what is the watch name that you are wearing? Just curious.

[@csspinner]

It’s the citizen eco drive Ana digi rebel pilot watch

Could you please tell me which parts of the watch need to be lubricated with the appropriate type of oil? Can I have the oil code information for each part, please? I'm a new student

[@csspinner]

I use Moebius oils- D5 (or HP-1300) for high friction surfaces like posts, metal to metal rotational surfaces, etc. 9010 for jeweled bearings. 941 or 9145 for pallet fork faces. Molykote DX grease for the sliding metal to metal surfaces like the faces in the keyless works. There are of course alternatives to the above.

[@daveyhofer7926]

I have a 999b I wish you could fix

[@csspinner]

Drop me a line [e-mail]

[@home-dp6oh]

One thing I noticed that I wanted to point out: When you were reinstalling the plate jewels I noticed that someone, I'm sure not you, had made "witness" scratches on the jewel settings and on the plate to keep them from getting mixed up. This is obviously highly discouraged (causing permanent damage to the jewel settings and plates) and not "best practice". Just thought I'd point that out so your audience would see "what not to do". Good video. Nice and clear and well explained.

[@csspinner]

Yea it’s a shame. I am a believer of “leave no trace”. It’s not hard to have a personal convention of how parts are organized in the cleaning baskets so one doesn’t lose track of which goes where

[@rogers531]

Thank you very much Chris that was well organized and completed. Very encouraging.. john

[@sabbath7081]

That's the rub with valuable watches, a crooked watch butcher on that staff to make it run and make a profit.

[@Blitterbug]

My money's on the mouse with carbide teeth

[@csspinner]

😂

[@aserta]

7:46 all he had to do is use a chemical pencil. It's not cleanable with common detergents and and at the end he'd clean it. Ugh.

[@csspinner]

My thoughts exactly. Leave no trace