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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 Elgin from 1913 is nothing short of a vintage American masterpiece. On the movement side lies Elgin’s Grade 189—a 19-jewel caliber featuring a jeweled safety barrel, raised gold settings, and golden enamel lettering. Using traditional thermal coloring techniques with an alcohol lamp and patience, we hand-colored over thirty individual components in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop (read more here). This meticulous process adds contrast and depth, creating a visual harmony that feels as if this piece spent 112 years waiting to be completed exactly this way. Each element of the movement—the jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights—was individually hand-polished to revive its original golden luster and brilliance. The result is a movement that gleams with life and craftsmanship. The porcelain-enamel railroad dial is equally stunning, preserved in flawless condition without a single chip, crack, or hairline. Its bold Arabic numerals deliver exceptional legibility, while the original heat-blued hands provide unparalleled contrast against the crisp white enamel. Together, they capture the precision, beauty, and enduring spirit of early 20th-century American watchmaking—revived by hand in our Little Rock workshop.
The timepiece is encased in a 316L stainless steel wristwatch 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. Because of our dedication to preserving history, the original pocket watch case will be included as well.
Watch Performance
Accuracy: +/- 10 seconds per day
Amplitude: 330 degrees
Beat Error: 1.5 ms
Frequency: 18,000 bph (5 beats per second)
Power Reserve: 24-30 hours
Complication: Jeweled Safety Barrel
Watch Specifications
Manufacture: Elgin
Location: Elgin, Illinois
Year Manufactured: 1913
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
Jewels: 19 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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 17245058
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.