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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 features a private-label dial made for J.P. Barrett, a watchmaker in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The dial was custom produced for the jeweler and features blue Arabic numerals, a matching blue minute track, and a blue signature at the center—far less common than the typical black coloring seen on most porcelain-enamel dials of the era. Because of its private-label origin, this dial is also very likely one of one and reads “J.P. Barrett, Concordia, Kans.” at its center. Under the hood is Elgin’s Grade 295, a 15-jewel movement produced between 1904 and 1921. The caliber features an exposed mainspring barrel, intricate damaskeening, and exceptionally rare original golden movement accents that were likely commissioned specifically for J.P. Barrett. Golden hardware on an Elgin movement in this grade is highly uncommon and typically reserved for special-order pieces. To further enhance the movement, we thermally blued the regulator and arbor to improve corrosion resistance while adding visual depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden sheen. The original hands were mirror polished to remove corrosion and then thermally blued to impart an iridescent blue hue. Against the bright white porcelain-enamel dial, the hands provide exceptional contrast and pair beautifully with the rich blue detailing throughout the piece.
The timepiece is housed in a 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: 280 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: 1908
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (private label)
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: 13221854
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.