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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.
Completed in 1900 in Elgin, Illinois, this timepiece represents the only year the Grade 230 was produced—one of just 2,700 examples ever made. Its 16-jewel movement features an exposed mainspring barrel and a brilliant gilt finish, a surface that shimmers with golden warmth but is exceptionally delicate and rarely found in this condition today. Unlike nickel damaskeening, gilt finishes are extraordinarily sensitive to touch, moisture, and time. Even light handling can dull the surface or leave faint marks, which is why so few have survived unscathed. Restoring one to its original appearance requires steady hands, precision, and patience. At Frett & Co., every step of the restoration process is done entirely by hand. We’ve developed our own in-house methods to gently revive gilt plating without mechanical abrasion—restoring the original depth, tone, and factory-like luster while preserving every engraving and plate contour. Each jewel setting, gear train, balance, and balance weight has been individually hand-polished to enhance the natural golden hues of the movement. All screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional watchmaking technique that strengthens the steel while creating a rich, iridescent blue hue that contrasts beautifully with the gold plates (read more here). The porcelain-enamel dial remains flawless, featuring crisp Roman numerals and Elgin’s elegant signature. The original heat-blued hands have been preserved exactly as they left the factory—offering a rare and authentic glimpse into American watchmaking at the turn of the century.
The movement is set in our 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: 1900
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 9063661
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.