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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.
This Elgin timepiece from 1900 features a classic Roman numeral dial with original Breguet hands. The porcelain-enamel dial carries the Elgin signature at its center, elegant numerals, and a minute track with bold markers every five minutes. The result is a timeless dress watch that remains just as refined today as it was more than a century ago. Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 216, a 15-jewel movement produced from 1900 to 1904 with an exposed mainspring barrel. The damaskeening across the movement creates remarkable depth and visual movement throughout the plates. Every component was carefully restored by hand in our workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued over an open flame, improving corrosion resistance while producing a vibrant iridescent finish (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their warm golden tone. At 40 mm, the timepiece wears like a modern watch while preserving the character, craftsmanship, and history of an extraordinary original piece.
The movement is set in a custom 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: 300 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
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: 8510159
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.