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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.
This is our first 36 mm conversion to feature a jeweled Elgin dial, and it is simply spectacular and very likely the only one ever made. At the center is the Elgin logo set within an ornate golden motif, crowned by a green jewel. The jewel is dynamic in the light, displaying a rich color reminiscent of an emerald. The Arabic numerals sit within soft plum-colored circles, with intricate golden motifs nestled between. The minute track is accented by bold markers every five minutes, with blue indices highlighting each five-minute interval. The result is a dial with an extraordinary range of colors and textures that come together in a way that is truly spectacular. Beneath this impressive dial is Elgin’s Grade 131, a movement produced for only a short one-year period between 1895 and 1896. The grade features flowing damaskeening and raised golden jewel settings. 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 visual contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. The heat-blued spade hands remain unrestored and provide excellent contrast against the white porcelain-enamel dial. At just 36 mm, this piece carries the proportions and wearability of a modern dress watch while preserving the character of vintage American watchmaking.
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: 250 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: 1896
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (jeweled)
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: 6083302
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.