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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 timepiece is housed in our 40 mm Heritage Bronze conversion case, machined from solid bronze with a copper content of 93 percent. This alloy delivers warm rose gold hues that will slowly develop a natural patina over time, ensuring no two pieces will ever age the same. From the coined bezel to the proportioned lugs and bronze crown, nearly every surface is designed to evolve with wear. The result is a case with real character, ideal for collectors who appreciate a watch that matures with age. We paired this case with an Elgin movement from 1896 fitted with a porcelain enamel railroad dial. Completed in Elgin, Illinois at the turn of the 19th century, this piece represents the final year of Grade 121 production. The 15 jewel movement, manufactured between 1892 and 1896, features an exposed mainspring barrel with a geometric motif and bold damaskeening that plays beautifully with light across the plates. Every detail has been meticulously restored. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional process that improves corrosion resistance while adding subtle iridescent color (read more here). Jewel settings, the gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden glow. The porcelain enamel dial remains in excellent condition, with bold Arabic numerals and red minute markers in the classic railroad style. To improve legibility, the original hands were polished to a mirror finish to remove corrosion, then individually heat blued to impart a deep iridescent blue for maximum contrast against the white enamel. This is the same method Elgin used when these hands were originally prepared in the 1800s, true to the craft and true to the era. From the Heritage Bronze case to the railroad dial and fully restored movement, this piece represents American watchmaking at its most honest, mechanical, and enduring.
The movement is set in a custom 40 mm conversion case crafted from solid bronze. This size offers a balanced fit on the wrist, making it one of the most versatile proportions available in any conversion. The case is built with crown and caseback gaskets, tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming or showering is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is ready for years of reliable wear and appreciation.
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: 1896
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: Bronze (will patina)
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 6040416
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.