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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.
At the heart of this piece is one of Elgin’s rarer creations: the Grade 231, a 16-jewel movement produced in limited numbers—just 5,300 in total. Completed in Elgin, Illinois, in 1900, it marks the final year of production for this short-run grade and is among the few examples finished in nickel. The movement features an exposed mainspring barrel and intricate damaskeening that shifts beautifully in the light. Every component was carefully refinished by hand: screws and hardware were heat-blued using traditional open-flame thermal coloring (read more here), while the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were restored together to their original golden luster. The result is a rare mechanical heart revived with the same attention to detail and precision that defined Elgin’s finest work at the turn of the century. The porcelain-enamel dial elevates the piece even further. Elegant numerals sweep into graceful curves, framed by delicate golden motifs between each hour, while golden markers accent the minute track at five-minute intervals. At its center, a warm pink tone ties the design together into a composition that feels both refined and balanced. The hands were also restored using precise thermal coloring, bringing back their original finish and completing the watch’s period-correct presentation. With its low-production movement, careful restoration, and striking dial, this watch is an outstanding example of late-19th-century American watchmaking—an uncommon piece that captures the artistry and engineering of its era.
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 (near 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: 8038443
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.