40 mm Elgin Grade 272 from 1898
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 16 jewels and a beautiful porcelain-enamel dial.
This piece is in our 40 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 16 jewels and a beautiful porcelain-enamel dial.
This piece is in our 40 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 16 jewels and a beautiful porcelain-enamel dial.
This piece is in our 40 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
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 was crafted in Elgin, Illinois, and completed in 1898, the only year Elgin produced the Grade 272. This 16-jewel movement was limited to just 1,000 pieces that year, making this one of the rarest Elgins we have ever worked on. Components were carefully refinished with blue accents on the screws and hardware using precise, hand-applied thermal treatment—a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances both corrosion resistance and visual appeal (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each individually hand-polished to restore their original golden sheen. The Louis XIV watch hands remain unrestored in their original golden color. The porcelain-enamel Elgin dial features an elegant Gothic-style Elgin logo and highly legible Roman numerals around the perimeter. Simple yet refined, it embodies the clarity and understated elegance of American watchmaking.
The timepiece is housed in a surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case with a 40 mm diameter—offering one of the best fits for any conversion available. The case includes both caseback and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The watch comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 300 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: 1898
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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 7075907
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.