Image 1 of 14
Image 2 of 14
Image 3 of 14
Image 4 of 14
Image 5 of 14
Image 6 of 14
Image 7 of 14
Image 8 of 14
Image 9 of 14
Image 10 of 14
Image 11 of 14
Image 12 of 14
Image 13 of 14
Image 14 of 14
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.
The dial on this 1904 Elgin stands out instantly, combining a vibrant pink center framed by a circular pattern of golden stars and silver plumes. Roman numerals form the next layer, with golden motifs between each numeral, followed by an outer minute track marked with triangles at the quarter hours and small dots at five minute intervals. The original Louis XIV hands were polished by hand to bring back their warm golden glow. Powering the piece is the rare Elgin Grade 275, produced for only two years from 1903 to 1904 with a total run of just 5,500 examples. Considering Elgin made more than 50 million watches, any grade with production under 6,000 is exceptionally scarce. This movement dates to 1904 and features intricately decorated ratchet and crown wheels, Geneva stripe damaskeening, and blue accents across the screws and hardware. Each blued component was finished in our Little Rock, Arkansas, United States workshop using traditional hand applied thermal coloring (read more here). Jewel settings, the gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand polished to restore their original golden contrast against the nickel plates. The raised cup style jewel settings are particularly striking. They sit above the surrounding plate surface in a way that puts them fully on display, allowing their golden tones to catch and reflect light from every angle. From dial to movement, a true standout piece.
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: 300 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: 1904
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
Jewels: 15 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: 10388721
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.