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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 is the highlight of this piece—a rare variation of the traditional railroad style dial distinguished by its oversized Arabic numerals, earning it the nickname the “Blind Man Railroad Dial.” The large numerals, paired with red minute markers along the perimeter and a recessed sub-seconds register, give it unmatched legibility while maintaining the balanced symmetry of classic American design. Simple yet refined, it captures the essence of early-20th-century utility and elegance. The dial remains in exceptional condition, its enamel surface crisp and unmarred by age. Beneath the dial lies Elgin’s Grade 295 movement, crafted in Elgin, Illinois, and completed in 1905. This 15-jewel caliber was produced between 1904 and 1921 and features an exposed mainspring barrel along with striking damaskeening (Geneva stripes) across the plates. Each component has been meticulously restored in our Little Rock workshop—screws and hardware thermally blued by hand (read more here), jewel settings and gear train polished to a golden luster, and the hands re-finished using the same thermal coloring process for perfect contrast against the dial. The result is a flawless union of form and function, honoring Elgin’s precision and craftsmanship at every level.
The timepiece is housed in our 40 mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case, designed for one of the best fits available in any conversion. Engineered with both caseback and crown gaskets, it offers water resistance up to 50 meters (though it is recommended to remove the watch before water activities). Fully serviced and carefully inspected, this watch is ready for your next adventure.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 290 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: 1905
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: 11357167
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.