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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.
Originally manufactured in 1896, this Elgin timepiece embodies the elegance of a classic dress watch. Measuring just 36 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick, it offers a remarkably slim profile that slips effortlessly under a cuff, making it equally suited for formal occasions and everyday wear. The original porcelain-enamel dial is absolutely stunning, featuring elegant Roman numerals against a brilliant white background. The outer minute track resembles a railroad track, with bold indices at five-minute intervals, while the Elgin signature is rendered in an elegant Gothic typeface. The original heat-blued Breguet hands provide exceptional contrast against the white enamel, further enhancing the dial’s refined appearance. Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 131, a movement produced for just a brief period between 1895 and 1896. The movement features flowing damaskeening and raised golden jewel chatons, showcasing the craftsmanship of late 19th-century American watchmaking. Every movement component was carefully restored by hand in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. 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 chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden luster, creating striking contrast against the nickel-finished movement.
At just 36 mm, this piece combines the proportions and wearability of a modern dress watch with the craftsmanship and character of 130-year-old American watchmaking. Its understated elegance, exceptional dial, and carefully restored movement make it a remarkable example of what American watchmakers were producing at the close of the 19th century.
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: 275 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
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: 6172499
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.