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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 multichromatic porcelain enamel dial on this piece is truly one of a kind and absolutely spectacular. Elegant Arabic numerals are framed by golden motifs, with a silver star set between each, highlighting the refined aesthetic. The perimeter features a red chapter ring that echoes the color of the numerals, with bold indices marking every five minutes. The subdial carries the same red tone and is accented with silver plumes at ten minute intervals. It is a design we have never encountered before and are confident we will never see again. This 1895 Elgin is powered by the Grade 121, a movement produced only briefly between 1892 and 1896 across just 18 runs, and this example comes from the second to last year of production. The grade is known for its distinctive mainspring barrel, decorated with an intricate geometric motif that reflects early Elgin artistry. Every component of the movement was carefully restored by hand in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional thermal coloring to improve corrosion resistance and add depth and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden tone. The hands were polished to a mirror finish to remove corrosion and then thermally blued to impart an iridescent blue hue. Against the bright white enamel, they look exceptional and create a cohesive connection to the rich multichromatic detail of the dial.
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: 275 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: 1895
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: 5733301
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.