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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 1900 Elgin timepiece captures the refined elegance of early American design. Its porcelain-enamel dial features elongated Roman numerals, a crisp outer minute track, and the original Elgin signature fired into the enamel at the center. The simplicity of the layout draws focus to its timeless proportions and high-contrast legibility—hallmarks of Elgin’s most sophisticated dials at the turn of the century. Beneath the dial lies the 15-jewel Elgin Grade 216 movement, introduced in 1900—the very first year of production for this caliber. The movement showcases Elgin’s signature damaskeening pattern, shimmering across the bridges and plates with each shift of light. Every screw and piece of hardware was thermally blued by hand using traditional watchmaking techniques (read more here), while the gear train, jewel settings, and balance assembly were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden glow. This carefully restored 1900 example unites an elegant Roman numeral dial with the mechanical artistry of Elgin’s earliest Grade 216 production—crafted in Illinois and ready for a new wrist more than a century later.
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: 8562187
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.