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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 original Elgin porcelain-enamel dial from 1898 features a particularly unique signature. Unlike the traditional text-only signatures found on most Elgin dials, this example features the Elgin name within an elaborate, flowing banner. The banner is rendered with a three-dimensional appearance, giving the impression of fabric gently folding and moving in the wind. Elegant Roman numerals frame the dial, accompanied by an outer railroad minute track with bold indices every five minutes. The original heat-blued Breguet hands provide exceptional contrast against the white porcelain-enamel dial, completing a design that balances the elegance of late 19th-century American dial-making with the warmth of our Heritage Bronze case.
Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 133, a movement produced from 1896 to 1899, making it exclusive to the 19th century. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel decorated with a geometric motif and bold damaskeening that plays beautifully with the light. Every component has been carefully restored by hand. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued over an alcohol lamp, a traditional process that improves corrosion resistance while adding vivid, iridescent color and contrast (read more here). The jewel chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original warm, golden glow. From the Heritage Bronze case to the distinctive Elgin banner dial and fully restored Grade 133 movement, this timepiece brings together some of the finest elements of late 19th-century American watchmaking.
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: 1898
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
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
Serial Number: 7055185
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.