Image 1 of 28
Image 2 of 28
Image 3 of 28
Image 4 of 28
Image 5 of 28
Image 6 of 28
Image 7 of 28
Image 8 of 28
Image 9 of 28
Image 10 of 28
Image 11 of 28
Image 12 of 28
Image 13 of 28
Image 14 of 28
Image 15 of 28
Image 16 of 28
Image 17 of 28
Image 18 of 28
Image 19 of 28
Image 20 of 28
Image 21 of 28
Image 22 of 28
Image 23 of 28
Image 24 of 28
Image 25 of 28
Image 26 of 28
Image 27 of 28
Image 28 of 28
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 piece demonstrates just how far we'll go to restore an ultra-rare timepiece. The photos at the end of this listing show how this Elite-grade Elgin arrived in our workshop. It had been submerged in oil as a crude cleaning method, leaving the movement coated in decades-old, hardened oil and severe oxidation. We completely restored this watch to its former glory. It is once again worthy of bearing the Elite grade designation proudly stamped on the movement. Every surface of the movement was painstakingly restored using finishing and restoration techniques we have developed specifically for vintage American timepieces over decades of work. The two-tone finish is once again pristine, the jewel settings shine a brilliant yellow, the gear train glows with a rich golden hue, and the ratchet and crown wheels are a bright silver finish. The dial received the same level of care, preserving its crisp curved numerals and bold Elgin signature. The screws and steel components were thermally blued by hand over an open flame, producing deep blue accents that not only enhance contrast but also improve corrosion resistance (read more here). The blue accents look phenomenal against the gold and silver tones of the movement, while the photographs tell the rest of the story. The piece dates to 1912.
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: 1912
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
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: 16370609
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.