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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 Roman numeral porcelain enamel dial is exceptional on this piece. The Elgin signature is rendered on a flowing scroll, complete with a curved n and decorative flourishes that extend into the surrounding lettering. The long Roman numerals give the dial an elegant presence, while the outer minute track adds structure with bold indices every five minutes and triangular markers at fifteen. The result is a dial that feels cohesive, well proportioned, and genuinely satisfying to read. Turn the watch over and the craftsmanship continues. This piece was completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1894 and is powered by the 15 jewel Grade 121 movement, a caliber produced only briefly between 1892 and 1896. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel, crisp damaskeening, and the restrained but confident finishing typical of late nineteenth century American watchmaking. Every component was carefully restored in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally colored by hand to achieve deep blue accents (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually polished to restore their original golden tone. The moon style hands were refinished one at a time, polished to a mirror finish, and then heated over an alcohol lamp to achieve a rich iridescent blue. A rare dial, a short run movement, and traditional hand finishing brought back to life.
The timepiece is housed in our 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: 260 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: Waltham
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Year Manufactured: 1894
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: 5196539
Water Resistance: 5 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.