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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 Elgin Bird and Banner porcelain-enamel dial is an absolute masterpiece, featuring elegant Roman numerals and an exceptionally rare Elgin signature in which the company name is carried in the beak of a bird in mid-flight. The outer minute track is boldly marked at five-minute intervals, while the original heat-blued Breguet hands provide exceptional contrast against the bright white enamel. The Bird and Banner dial paired with Breguet hands is one of our favorite combinations. Completed in 1896, this Elgin represents the very first year of Grade 133 production. Elgin produced the Grade 133 in only 30 production runs, with manufacturing taking place exclusively during the 1800s, from 1896 through 1899. Every movement component was carefully refinished by hand. Screws and hardware were individually thermally blued using slow, controlled heat—a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances corrosion resistance while adding striking visual contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden brilliance. Taken together—the first year of Grade 133 production and the extraordinarily rare Bird and Banner dial—this 1896 Elgin is both historically significant and visually extraordinary.
Housed in our expertly engineered 40 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to highlight the elegance of its vintage dial while offering one of the most wearable conversion cases available. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and prepared to accompany you on 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: 1896
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
Serial Number: 6041011
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.