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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 is the star of this piece, defined by crisp Roman numerals and the exceptionally uncommon bird-and-banner signature—an Elgin hallmark where the logo is carried in the beak of a bird mid-flight. It is a design we almost never see, and it gives the dial a distinctive presence with clean symmetry and strong visual balance. A bold outer minute track marked at five-minute intervals frames the layout and keeps the proportions sharp and readable. Inside is Elgin’s Grade 295 from 1911, a 15-jewel movement produced from 1904 to 1921 and widely regarded as the company’s flagship 6-size workhorse for decades. Every component was fully refinished by hand in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Screws and hardware were thermally blued one at a time using traditional heat-finishing techniques that add both contrast and corrosion resistance (read more here). Jewel settings, the gear train, balance, and balance weights were each polished by hand to bring back their original golden tone, and the hands were restored to a deep, even heat-blued finish that completes the dial beautifully.
The movement is set in a custom 40 mm conversion case crafted from solid bronze. This size offers a balanced fit on the wrist, making it one of the most versatile proportions available in any conversion. The case is built with crown and caseback gaskets, tested to 50 meters of water resistance, though removal before swimming or showering is recommended. Fully serviced and regulated, this watch is ready for years of reliable wear and appreciation.
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: 1911
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
Jewels: 15 jewels
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Front Crystal: Domed sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat sapphire
Case Material: Heritage Bronze (will patina)
Lug width: 20 mm
Lug to Lug: 48 mm
Height: 13 mm
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 15652506
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.