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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.
This timepiece is one of two chosen to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary as it features a rare variation of Elgin’s classic railroad dial, with “Made in U.S.A.” inscribed above the subdial. The vast majority of Elgin dials were signed simply “Elgin,” so the addition of the “Made in U.S.A.” inscription ties the piece directly to American watchmaking at the height of its influence. Beneath the dial is Elgin’s Grade 345 from 1918, a 17 jewel in house caliber produced between 1905 and 1933. Every component has been meticulously refinished. Screws and steel hardware were thermally colored by hand over an open flame, producing deep blue accents that enhance both corrosion resistance and contrast (read more here). The original spade hands were polished to remove corrosion, then heat blued to contrast against the white enamel surface of the dial. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were each individually hand polished to restore their original golden luster.
The timepiece is encased in a surgical grade 316L stainless steel conversion case, designed with adjustable lugs for easy winding and setting, ensuring a comfortable fit across various wrist sizes. The case includes front, back, and crown gaskets, providing water resistance up to 50 meters, though it is recommended to remove the watch before engaging in water activities. The timepiece comes fully serviced and ready for your next adventure.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 265 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 bph (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Sub dial second hand
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Elgin
Location: Elgin, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1918
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (USA dial)
Jewels: 17 jewels
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Front Crystal: Domed AR coated sapphire
Back Crystal: Flat AR coated sapphire
Case Material: 316L stainless
Lug width: 22 mm
Lug to Lug: 47 mm
Height: 13 mm
Serial Number: 18656246
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.