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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.
From the first glance, the dial sets the tone with its clarity and thoughtful proportions. The porcelain enamel surface features a decorative center banner framing the Elgin signature, adding character without disrupting the clean symmetry. Bold Arabic numerals sweep the perimeter, guided by a crisp outer minute track with strong five minute indicators for quick, reliable reading. A ring of red numerals marks each five minute interval along the outer edge, providing functional contrast typical of early American railroad style dials. The result is a layout that is well proportioned, highly legible, and distinctly American. Inside is Elgins 15 jewel Grade 295 movement, completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1912 and part of the long running production series built from 1904 to 1921. This caliber is known for its exposed mainspring barrel and wave like damaskeening that moves across the plates in rhythmic patterns. The movement was fully restored in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop. Every screw and hardware component was thermally blued by hand to a rich iridescent finish (read more here), while the gear train and jewel settings were polished to bring back their original golden warmth. The hands were restored individually. Corrosion was removed, the steel was brought back to a mirror polish, and each was heated over an alcohol lamp to achieve a deep iridescent blue that pairs beautifully with the porcelain enamel dial. This is a well preserved example of early twentieth century Elgin design, revived with careful craftsmanship and respect for its 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: 290 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: 1912
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: 16507654
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.