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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.
We honestly cannot decide which side of this Elgin is more captivating. On the dial side, the original porcelain-enamel dial is beautifully preserved, featuring perfectly proportioned black Roman numerals and a bold outer minute track. The elegant spade hands were restored using traditional thermal coloring to revive their factory-fresh blued finish, creating striking contrast against the clean white background. On the movement side, Elgin’s Grade 295 takes center stage — a 15-jewel caliber produced between 1904 and 1921. Its plates are decorated with crisp damaskeening (Geneva stripes) and a prominent exposed mainspring barrel adorned with a distinctive circular motif. Screws and hardware were individually thermally blued by hand over an open flame, an old-world technique that enhances durability, color, and contrast (read more here). The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each meticulously hand-polished to restore their rich golden glow. These vibrant yellow accents play beautifully against the nickel-finished plates — precisely as Elgin intended more than a century ago. Completed in Elgin, Illinois and fully overhauled in our workshop, this piece embodies the best of both worlds: a dial that commands attention and a movement that celebrates the artistry of early American watchmaking.
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: 1909
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: 13904221
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.