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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 perfect vintage dress watch from the 1800s, featuring a classic porcelain-enamel dial. At the center is a Gothic-style Elgin signature framed by bold Roman numerals. The outer minute track features bold indices at five-minute intervals, creating excellent clarity and proportion across the dial. The original heat-blued hands provide incredible contrast against the white enamel and complete that classic American watchmaking aesthetic. This 1896 example represents the final year of Grade 134 production, a movement manufactured for only a brief period between 1895 and 1896, with a total production of just 4,000. Grade 134 examples like this are scarce and highly desirable, especially when paired with a dial of this quality. The movement is distinguished by its geometric pattern on the mainspring barrel, gilt jewel settings, and richly detailed finishing. 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). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually polished to bring back their original golden tone. Taken together, the final-year provenance, low production numbers, and beautifully preserved dial make this Grade 134 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: 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
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: 6097486
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.