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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 case, machined from solid bronze with a copper content of 93 percent. This alloy delivers warm rose gold tones that slowly develop a natural patina, ensuring no two pieces will ever age the same. From the coined edge 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 1899 fitted with a porcelain enamel dial. Completed in Elgin, Illinois at the turn of the 19th century, this piece represents the final year of Grade 133 production. The 15 jewel movement, manufactured between 1896 and 1899, features an exposed mainspring barrel with a geometric motif and damaskeening that plays beautifully when light hits 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 contrast (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 elegant Roman numerals. The original Breguet hands have not been restored. From the Heritage Bronze case to the porcelain-enamel 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: 1899
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: 7718244
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.