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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 on this piece is absolutely epic. At the center sits the Elgin signature in bold script, framed by yellow triangles at 12, 3, and 9. The Arabic numerals are highly legible, each encircled by a subtle silver inlay that adds depth without distracting from the layout. The outer minute track features dots at every five minute interval, with larger triangles marking each quarter hour. Along the perimeter, golden motifs sit between the five minute indices, adding warmth and visual texture. It is a design we do not encounter often, and it gives the dial a distinctive character while maintaining a clean, well balanced composition. This 1896 Elgin is powered by the Grade 133, a movement produced for only a short period between 1896 and 1899 across just 30 runs, and this example comes from the first year of production. The grade is known for its distinctive mainspring barrel, decorated with an intricate geometric motif that reflects early Elgin artistry. Every movement component 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 minute, hour, and second hands are original Louis XIV style hands. They were gently restored to bring out their bright golden color while maintaining their period correct form, ensuring crisp definition and strong contrast against the bright white dial.
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: 300 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 (multichromatic)
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: 6096665
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.