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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 focal point of this 1904 Elgin, and it is nothing short of exceptional. It remains flawless, and its design is unlike anything else from this era. A soft pink inner ring contains golden and silver motifs, creating a refined separation between the center and the outer dial. Roman numerals anchor the design with a sense of elegance and balance, while the outer minute track features inverted triangles at each quarter hour and dots marking every five minutes. Behind the dial is Elgin’s Grade 216, completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1904—the final year this 15 jewel movement was produced (1900 to 1904). The exposed mainspring barrel and damaskeening give the plates depth and motion under changing light. Every component was fully refinished in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and steel hardware were thermally blued one at a time over an open flame (read more here), while the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were hand polished to bring back their original golden hue. The Louis XIV style hands remain in their untouched golden finish, adding another layer of early twentieth century character. A rare survivor with a flawless dial, original golden hands, and a carefully restored movement, this piece carries the artistry of its era into a new century on the wrist.
The movement is set in our custom 40 mm conversion case crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel. 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: 1904
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 10615397
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.