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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.
Fancy porcelain enamel has rarely looked this captivating. At first glance, your eye is drawn to the soft light-blue center, then to the intricate golden motifs that bloom between the elegant curved numerals. The outer minute track is framed with precise dots at every five-minutes, tying the entire design together with symmetry and refinement. The Elgin signature rests above a graceful golden flourish that appears to hold it in place — a subtle yet stunning detail. Perfectly balanced and remarkably preserved after more than a century, this dial represents the height of Elgin’s early-1900s artistry. Behind the dial beats an equally significant movement. Completed in 1900 in Elgin, Illinois, this timepiece marks the first year of production for Elgin’s Grade 216 — a 15-jewel movement manufactured between 1900 and 1904. It features an exposed mainspring barrel and bold damaskeening that brings a sense of depth and motion across the plates. Every detail has been meticulously restored: screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame — a traditional watchmaking technique that hardens the steel while adding an iridescent hue (read more here). Each jewel setting, gear-train component, balance, and balance weight was individually hand-polished to revive its original golden luster, giving the movement a warm, radiant glow worthy of its dial.
The movement is set in a our 40 mm conversion case crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel. This size offers a balanced fit on the wrist, making it one of the most versatile proportions available in any conversion. The case is built with crown and caseback gaskets, tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming or showering is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is ready for years of reliable wear and appreciation.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 300 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: 1900
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 8562119
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.