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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 is the undeniable highlight here — featuring Roman numerals and an exceptionally rare bird-and-banner signature, where the Elgin name is carried in the beak of a bird in flight. The outer minute track is marked boldly at five-minute intervals, a subtle but thoughtful detail that ties the face together with excellent proportions. This 1900 Elgin marks the very first year of Grade 216 production. Elgin produced only 45 runs of the 216 between 1900 and 1904. Every movement component was carefully refinished by hand. Screws and hardware were treated with precise, hand-applied thermal bluing — a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances corrosion resistance, contrast, and overall visual appeal (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden sheen. Taken together — the first year of production and the uniquely signed bird-and-banner dial — this Elgin Grade 216 is both historically significant and visually extraordinary.
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: 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: 1900
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: 8910932
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.