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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 and original Breguet hands come together beautifully on this Elgin from 1896. Elegant Roman numerals frame the dial, while the Elgin signature sits within an intricate scroll motif—one of the most elaborate and distinctive executions of the Elgin signature we have encountered. Along the outer edge, the railroad-style minute track is clearly defined, with bold five-minute markers and inverted triangles at each quarter hour. The original Breguet hands provide exceptional contrast against the white porcelain-enamel dial, adding a level of refinement that pairs naturally with the Roman numeral layout.
Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 134, produced between 1895 and 1896 across just four production runs, with only 4,000 movements manufactured. This example represents one of the final production runs of this short-lived grade. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel adorned with an intricate geometric motif that showcases the artistry of late nineteenth-century American watchmaking. One of the defining features of this movement is its raised golden jewel chatons, which add depth and provide exceptional contrast against the nickel plates. Every component of the movement was carefully restored by hand in our workshop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued over an open flame using traditional methods to enhance corrosion resistance while introducing rich visual contrast (read more here). The jewel chatons, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden brilliance. Great care was taken to preserve the original factory finishing, allowing the golden hardware and jewel chatons to stand out against the nickel plates. The result is an exceptional example of late nineteenth-century Elgin watchmaking, where an intricate porcelain-enamel dial is complemented by equally remarkable movement finishing and careful, period-correct restoration.
Housed in our 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: 270 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: 6134547
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.