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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 Elgin conversion to come complete with its original 14-karat solid gold pocket watch case. Over the years, many solid gold pocket watch cases have been melted down for their gold content. As part of our dedication to preserving American watchmaking history, we are pleased to offer this example alongside its original case. Crafted from 14-karat solid gold, the case features an intricate multicolor gold design with a diamond set at its center. The original case is simply spectacular and makes this conversion particularly special. Making this example even more unique is the original Elgin private-label dial manufactured for Hyman, Berg & Co., a jeweler operating in Chicago, Illinois, at the turn of the 20th century. During this period, American watch manufacturers such as Elgin produced custom dials for independent jewelers, replacing the manufacturer's name with that of the retailer. This allowed jewelers to offer timepieces bearing their own names while retaining the craftsmanship of established American watchmakers. This particular dial was made by Elgin specifically for Hyman, Berg & Co. The porcelain-enamel dial features elegant Roman numerals and red five-minute indices in the classic American railroad style. At the center, the name Hyman, Berg & Co. appears in elegant cursive lettering, accompanied by “Chicago,” identifying the jeweler for whom Elgin originally manufactured the dial.
Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 318, a 15-jewel movement produced for only a short period between 1904 and 1907. The grade features elegant damaskeening and enamel-filled lettering. Every movement component was carefully restored by hand in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued over an alcohol lamp 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 brilliance. At just 36 mm, this piece offers the proportions and wearability of a modern dress watch while showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of 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.
As part of our dedication to preserving American watchmaking history, this timepiece comes complete with its original 14-karat solid gold pocket watch case. Representing some of the finest American case craftsmanship of the period, the original case features an intricate multicolor gold design with a diamond set at its center. The craftsmanship is simply spectacular, and having the original case alongside the converted timepiece makes this example particularly special.
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: 1905
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: 11815932
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
Original case: Yes, 14 karat solid gold
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.