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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 is the undeniable focal point of this piece. Silver motifs frame each Arabic numeral, and the outer minute track is finished in a soft blue with raised golden dots set between every five minute interval. Upside down triangles mark 15, 30, 45, and 60, adding clarity without disrupting the flow of the design. The all caps Elgin signature rests atop a silver motif at center, tying the entire composition together with balance and symmetry. Despite the amount of ornamentation, the dial remains readable, refined, and beautifully proportioned. Louis XIV style hands add another layer of period detail, their curves echoing the shapes found throughout the dial. This 1896 example represents the very first year of Grade 133 production and comes from the second run out of only thirty made between 1896 and 1899. Early run examples like this are scarce and highly desirable, especially when paired with a dial of this quality. The Grade 133 is also distinguished by its ornate mainspring barrel, engraved with a geometric pattern that showcases Elgin artistry at the close of the nineteenth century. Every movement component was restored by hand in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued over an open flame to enhance contrast and corrosion resistance (read more here). Jewel settings, the gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually polished to bring back their original golden tone. Taken together, the first year provenance, early run rarity, and richly detailed dial make this Grade 133 both a mechanical standout and an artistic showcase of late nineteenth century American watchmaking.
Housed in our expertly engineered 40 mm conversion case, this timepiece is designed to highlight the elegance of its vintage dial while offering one of the most wearable conversion cases available. Crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel, the case features both caseback and crown gaskets for enhanced durability and water resistance up to 50 meters (though we recommend removing the watch before water activities). Every piece is fully serviced, meticulously tested, and prepared to accompany you on 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: 1896
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
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: 6094728
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.