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Elgin National Watch Co. was in operation from 1864-1968 and was an American pocket watch manufacturer. Manufacturing of Elgin watches took place at their facility in Elgin, Illinois.
The dial is beautifully decorated with golden motifs and elegant Roman numerals. At its center is the signature "Kracker & Kosinski / Chicago, Ill." The Elgin Watch Company produced this watch specifically for Kracker & Kosinski, a jeweler with a storefront on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, during the early 1900s. The dial is multichromatic, and the blue hues pair beautifully with the golden motifs—the contrast is simply spectacular. The original Louis XIV hands provide even more contrast and elegance, making the dial side of this piece simply breathtaking. Under the hood, this 1904 Elgin is powered by the Grade 318, a movement produced between 1904 and 1907, making this one of the earliest examples ever made. The Grade 318 is known for its distinctive damaskeening and elegant enamel lettering. Every movement component was carefully restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional methods to improve corrosion resistance while adding depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. Altogether, this is a thoughtfully restored example of early 1900s Elgin watchmaking. Combined with the rare Chicago, Illinois jeweler's dial, this piece is very likely a true one-of-one example.
Housed in our 36 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to preserve the elegance of its vintage aesthetic while offering the refined proportions of a modern dress watch. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). At just 36 mm across with a slim profile, the case wears compact, elegant, and exceptionally comfortable on the wrist. Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and built for reliable everyday wear.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 270 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Elgin
Location: Elgin, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1904
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 44 mm
Height: 10 mm
Serial Number: 10751363
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.