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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.
The dial on this 1906 Elgin immediately sets it apart, combining a vibrant blue center with silver decorative motifs and uniquely styled Arabic numerals. A precise outer minute track surrounds the design, marked with dots at five-minute intervals and triangles at the quarter hours—subtle, purposeful details that enhance its classic look. This timepiece was completed in Elgin, Illinois in 1906 and is powered by Elgin’s 17-jewel Grade 344 movement, produced from 1906 to 1928. This example comes from the first year of manufacture, making it especially notable for collectors. The movement features intricately decorated ratchet and crown wheels, Geneva-stripe damaskeening, and restored blue accents throughout the screws and hardware. Each blued component was finished in our Little Rock workshop using traditional hand-applied thermal treatment (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 original golden Louis XIV-style hands were left unrestored and look excellent against the enamel backdrop—an authentic touch of early 1900s American design. The combination of this dial and first-year movement results in a strong, elegant piece that fits seamlessly into any collection.
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: 1906
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: 12381105
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.