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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 1900 is nothing short of a vintage American railroad masterpiece. The porcelain enamel railroad dial features bold, highly legible Arabic numerals, earning it the nickname the ‘Blind Man’ dial. The heat blued hands provide striking contrast against the white enamel surface, maximizing legibility and fully living up to its railroad design. On the movement side is Elgin’s Grade 235, a 15 jewel caliber with golden jewel settings and crisp enamel lettering. Using traditional thermal coloring techniques over an alcohol lamp, we hand colored the movement hardware in our Little Rock, Arkansas workshop (read more here). This meticulous process adds contrast and depth, creating visual harmony that feels true to the period. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden luster and brilliance. The result is a movement that feels alive with craftsmanship. Together, the dial and movement capture the precision, clarity, and enduring spirit of early 20th century American watchmaking, revived by hand in our 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: 275 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: 1900
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel
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
Serial Number: 8553317
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.