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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 on this Elgin, completed in 1904, features a remarkable golden, cream-colored center unlike anything we have previously encountered. Elegant Roman numerals are set against the brilliant white porcelain-enamel surface, while the outer minute track transitions back to the warm golden tones of the center. Delicate orange and gold flourishes add another layer of detail, while the Elgin signature is rendered in an elegant Gothic font. This is our first time encountering a dial with this particular pattern and color combination, and it is an incredible display of American artistry from the turn of the 20th century. Despite its complexity, the dial remains exceptionally clean, clear, and highly legible. We typically encounter similar designs with pink, blue, or white centers, making this golden, cream-colored example particularly uncommon.
Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 216, a movement produced in Elgin, Illinois, for only a few short years between 1900 and 1904, making this example one of the last produced. Every component was carefully restored in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. The jewel chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore the natural golden brilliance of the movement. All screws and steel hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional watchmaking technique that improves corrosion resistance while producing a rich, iridescent blue hue that contrasts beautifully against the gilt plates (read more here). The original Louis XIV hands were left unrestored, preserving their original character while providing exceptional contrast and definition against the dial. Taken together, the unusual color combination, intricate dial details, and beautifully restored movement make this a particularly special example of American watchmaking. Now presented on the wrist, this timepiece showcases the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship that defined Elgin more than 120 years ago.
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: 295 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: 1904
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (multichromatic)
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: 10485449
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.