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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 railroad dial is defined first and foremost by its Gothic style Elgin signature, an uncommon detail that immediately sets this piece apart from more traditional railroad variants. The distinctive script gives the dial personality while preserving the clarity and precision expected of a true railroad design. Bold black numerals stand out against the bright white surface, delivering exceptional legibility. The minute track forms a chapter ring along the perimeter, with bold markers every 5 minutes and triangular indices at each 15 minute interval. The sub seconds register at 6 o clock anchors the layout, keeping the design balanced, straightforward, and instantly readable. Powering the watch is Elgin 15 jewel Grade 295 movement, completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1908 and produced from 1904 to 1921. This caliber features an exposed mainspring barrel and wave patterned damaskeening that reflects light with subtle depth. The movement was fully restored in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Every screw and steel component was thermally blued by hand to a rich iridescent finish using traditional open flame techniques (read more here), and the gear train and jewel settings were polished back to their original golden tone. The hands were restored individually. Corrosion was carefully removed, the steel brought to a mirror polish, and each hand thermally colored over an alcohol lamp to achieve a deep, even blue that pairs beautifully with the white enamel dial. The result is a well preserved example of early twentieth century American watchmaking, revived with thoughtful craftsmanship and respect for the movement’s original character.
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: 295 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: 1908
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: 13361196
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.