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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.
The porcelain enamel dial on this piece is exceptionally unique for a movement of this size. This is the first time we have encountered this specific dial style on a movement compatible with our 40 mm case. The numerals are remarkably elegant, with a fine minute track at the edge and bold indices every five minutes. What sets this dial apart even further is the Made in USA script above the subdial. This marking is uncommon and something we rarely see, and never before on a movement of this size. Adding to its appeal, this piece was crafted in 1892, which is the earliest year we are able to convert. Earlier examples were predominantly key wound and key set. The timepiece was completed in Elgin, Illinois and is powered by the 15 jewel Grade 121 movement, a caliber produced only briefly between 1892 and 1896. This example dates to the very first year of production. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel, crisp damaskeening, and the restrained yet confident finishing characteristic of late nineteenth century American watchmaking. Every component was carefully restored in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally colored by hand to achieve deep blue accents (read more here), while the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually polished to restore their original golden tone. The distinctive kite hands were polished to remove oxidation and then blued over an alcohol lamp, imparting an iridescent blue hue. The result is a timepiece that brings together a rare dial, a short production run movement, and traditional hand finishing in a way that feels cohesive, intentional, and honest.
The timepiece is housed in our surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case with a 40 mm diameter—offering one of the best fits for any conversion available. The case includes both caseback and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The watch comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.
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: 1892
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
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: 549405
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.