Image 1 of 18
Image 2 of 18
Image 3 of 18
Image 4 of 18
Image 5 of 18
Image 6 of 18
Image 7 of 18
Image 8 of 18
Image 9 of 18
Image 10 of 18
Image 11 of 18
Image 12 of 18
Image 13 of 18
Image 14 of 18
Image 15 of 18
Image 16 of 18
Image 17 of 18
Image 18 of 18
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 fancy dial on this piece is absolutely spectacular. At the center is a richly detailed motif featuring green gemstones set within ornate golden motifs. The Arabic numerals are hand painted in blue and framed by a continuous golden design that encircles the dial. A minute track with bold indices every five minutes adds structure, while additional golden motifs decorate the outer perimeter. There is a tremendous amount of visual complexity here, yet it is all pulled off effortlessly. Completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1894, this piece is powered by the 15 jewel Grade 121 movement, a caliber produced only briefly between 1892 and 1896, The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel, crisp damaskeening, and the restrained but 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 fancy hands were polished to remove oxidation, maximizing visual contrast against the dial. The result is a timepiece that brings together an exceptional dial, a short run movement, and traditional hand finishing in a way that feels cohesive 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: 260 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: 1894
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: 5196117
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.