Image 1 of 14
Image 2 of 14
Image 3 of 14
Image 4 of 14
Image 5 of 14
Image 6 of 14
Image 7 of 14
Image 8 of 14
Image 9 of 14
Image 10 of 14
Image 11 of 14
Image 12 of 14
Image 13 of 14
Image 14 of 14
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 absolutely spectacular. Elegant Roman numerals are framed by circular golden motifs, with a golden flourish set between each. The perimeter features a clean minute track accented by golden plumes every five minutes. At the center, the Elgin signature is supported by delicate decorative flourishes that add depth and symmetry to the dial design. This 1896 Elgin is powered by the Grade 121, a movement produced only briefly between 1892 and 1896 across just 18 runs, with this example dating to the final year of production. The grade is known for its distinctive mainspring barrel, decorated with an intricate geometric motif that reflects the artistry of early Elgin manufacture. Every component of the movement was carefully restored by hand in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued using traditional open-flame thermal coloring to improve corrosion resistance while adding rich 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 Breguet hands were mirror polished to remove corrosion and then thermally blued to impart an iridescent blue hue. Against the bright white porcelain-enamel dial, they provide exceptional contrast while creating a cohesive connection to the rich multichromatic detailing throughout the piece.
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: 250 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
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: 6357477
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.