WWI Era Elgin Grade 345 from 1916 with a Two-tone Gilt Movement Finish
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a flawless porcelain-enamel dial, and a two-tone gilt movement finish.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a flawless porcelain-enamel dial, and a two-tone gilt movement finish.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 17 jewels, a flawless porcelain-enamel dial, and a two-tone gilt movement finish.
This piece is in our 44 mm conversion case, learn more about case size and profile.
*Every detail—from servicing, restoring, repairing and casing—is completed in our shop in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA*
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 timepiece was crafted in Elgin, Illinois, and completed in 1916 during World War I. It houses Elgin's 17-jewel Grade 345 movement—a reliable workhorse produced from 1905 to 1933. The movement features 17 jewels, intricately decorated ratchet and crown wheels, and a stunning two-tone gilt finish. This is the first time we have ever come across a two-tone gilt finish on an Elgin, and the movement is in spectacular condition. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster. The watch hands were not restored and remain in their original heat-blued condition. The metal Elgin dial features highly legible bold numerals and is in flawless condition. The heat-blued hands create a striking contrast against the white porcelain of the dial—an awesome visual pairing.
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: 1916 (WWI Era)
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (flawless)
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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 18656246
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.