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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 easily mistake this for an early WWI trench watch, and that is exactly what makes it so compelling. The porcelain enamel dial looks as if it were lifted straight from a 1915 officers wrist: stark white, bold, and highly legible, with strong black numerals and a no nonsense ELGIN signature in block lettering that favors function over flourish. Even the handset reinforces this military era aesthetic. The spade and whip pairing is rarely seen on this movement and feels far more reminiscent of the practical, purpose built watches worn in the trenches than the ornate handsets typically found on turn of the century pocket watches. Both hands were polished to a mirror finish to remove corrosion and then individually heat blued to an iridescent blue, providing exceptional contrast against the white enamel dial. Behind that historically inspired dial beats an equally significant movement. Completed in 1901 in Elgin, Illinois, this piece represents the first year of production for the 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 using traditional techniques that strengthen the metal while producing a vibrant iridescent finish (read more here). Each jewel setting, gear train component, balance, and balance weight was individually polished to restore its original 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: 1901
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: 9177497
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.