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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 on this 1905 Elgin is near flawless—featuring Roman numerals, a subsecond dial, and the Elgin emblem styled as an elegant scroll. Subtle yet distinctive, it elevates the dial with a refined touch that captures the spirit of American design at the turn of the century. Inside is Elgin’s Grade 295, a 15-jewel movement produced between 1904 and 1921. The plates display striking damaskeening (Geneva stripes) alongside an exposed mainspring barrel. Screws and hardware were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances both durability and visual appeal (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each individually hand-polished to restore their golden sheen. The watch hands were also restored using thermal treatment, returning them to their original brilliance. Completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1905, this timepiece embodies more than a century of craftsmanship, preserved with care.
The movement is housed in our 40- mm conversion case, crafted from surgical-grade 316L stainless steel. Despite its larger diameter, the case wears comfortably on the wrist and offers a bold presence that highlights the movement within. Built with both crown and caseback gaskets, it is tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is prepared for years of reliable wear.
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: 1905
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (excellent)
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: 11379780
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.