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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.
At first glance, you could mistake this for an early WWI trench watch — and that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The porcelain-enamel dial looks like it was lifted straight from a 1915 officer’s wrist: stark white with bold, high-contrast black numerals for instant legibility, and a no-nonsense ELGIN signature in block lettering that feels built for function over flourish. Even the handset reinforces that military-era aesthetic — a spade-and-whip pairing rarely seen on this movement, far more reminiscent of the practical, purpose-built timepieces worn in the trenches than the ornate designs we typically see for turn-of-the-century pocket watches. Both hands remain in their original heat-blued finish, a beautiful nod to the craftsmanship of the era. Behind that historically inspired dial beats an equally significant movement. Completed in 1900 in Elgin, Illinois, this piece represents the first year of production for the company’s Grade 216 — a 15-jewel movement produced only until 1904. It features an exposed mainspring barrel and dramatic damaskeening that adds depth and motion across the plates. Every detail has been carefully revived: screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional technique that strengthens the metal while producing a vibrant, iridescent finish (read more here), and each jewel setting, gear train component, balance, and balance weight was individually polished to restore its warm golden glow.
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: 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: 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: 8292296
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.