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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 Elgin timepiece is about as rare as it gets. Manufactured for a single year in 1897, almost two centuries ago, only 6,000 examples of this grade were produced across six runs, and this piece comes from the final run. All jewel settings on the plates are raised, creating exceptional depth and light play when viewed at an angle. It also features a 16th jewel at the center of the movement, adding striking contrast against the plates. The plates, jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were hand polished to restore their original contrast and luster. This caliber features an exposed mainspring barrel and wave patterned damaskeening that reflects light with subtle movement and depth. Every screw and steel component was thermally blued by hand to a rich iridescent finish using traditional open flame techniques (read more here). The gear train and jewel settings were carefully polished back to their original golden tone. The regulator retains its original gilt finish, a detail often lost to time, and it adds a warm counterpoint against the cooler nickel tones of the plates. The original Breguet hands were restored individually. Corrosion was carefully removed, the steel brought to a mirror polish, and each hand thermally colored over an alcohol lamp to achieve a deep, even blue that pairs beautifully with the white enamel dial. The porcelain enamel railroad dial is executed in classic Railroad style, with bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track marked by red numerals at five minute intervals, and a sub seconds dial at 6:00. The restored Breguet hands stand out exceptionally against the white dial with their flawless heat blued finish. This piece represents an important chapter in American watchmaking and is one of the rarer Elgins we have had the opportunity to restore.
The timepiece is housed in our 40 mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case, designed for one of the best fits available in any conversion. Engineered with both caseback and crown gaskets, it offers water resistance up to 50 meters (though it is recommended to remove the watch before water activities). Fully serviced and carefully inspected, this watch is ready for 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: 1897
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
Jewels: 16 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: 6886230
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.