Image 1 of 13
Image 2 of 13
Image 3 of 13
Image 4 of 13
Image 5 of 13
Image 6 of 13
Image 7 of 13
Image 8 of 13
Image 9 of 13
Image 10 of 13
Image 11 of 13
Image 12 of 13
Image 13 of 13
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.
A rare plum center makes the porcelain-enamel dial of this 1904 Elgin immediately stand out. We have seen countless pinks and blues over the years but never a hue like this—subtle yet definitive, full of charm, and always a welcome surprise. Roman numerals and a recessed sub-seconds dial complete the layout, giving the piece a confident, period-correct look that still feels on point today. Inside is Elgin’s Grade 295, a 15-jewel movement produced between 1904 and 1921. Its plates feature dramatic damaskeening (Geneva stripes) and an exposed mainspring barrel decorated with a distinctive circular motif. Screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame—an old-world technique that enhances durability, color, and contrast all at once (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each meticulously hand-polished to restore their golden glow. Original golden Louis XIV–style hands remain untouched, adding authentic warmth and period character to the dial. Completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1904, this timepiece embodies more than a century of craftsmanship, preserved with care.
The timepiece is housed in our 40 mm surgical-grade 316L stainless steel conversion case, designed for one of the best fits available in any conversion. Engineered with both caseback and crown gaskets, it offers water resistance up to 50 meters (though it is recommended to remove the watch before water activities). Fully serviced and carefully inspected, this watch is ready for 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: 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: 10682311
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.