Elgin from 1898 with a Near Flawless Porcelain-Enamel Dial
This timepiece is a pocket watch conversion, and the movement can be seen through the caseback. The timepiece features 19 jewels, blue movement accents, and a near flawless porcelain-enamel dial.
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 19 jewels, blue movement accents, and a near flawless porcelain-enamel dial.
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 19 jewels, blue movement accents, and a near flawless porcelain-enamel dial.
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 1898—the very first year the Grade 189 movement was ever manufactured. It houses Elgin's 19-jewel Grade 189 movement, an ultra-rare caliber produced between 1898 and 1914, with only 10,000 ever made. Considering Elgin produced over 50 million timepieces in its history, this particular piece is quite literally one in a million. The movement features 19 jewels, raised jewel settings, and a jeweled motor barrel. Each component was carefully refinished with blue accents on the screws and hardware using precise hand-thermal treatment—a traditional watchmaking technique that enhances corrosion resistance and adds visual elegance. The jewel settings, gear train, balance, and balance weights were individually hand-polished to restore their original golden luster and sheen. The watch hands were also restored to a brilliant blue using thermal coloring. The Elgin dial, crafted from porcelain enamel, remains in near-flawless condition. Its bold Arabic numerals are highly legible, embodying the classic railroad aesthetic. The heat-blued hands stand out clearly against the dial, further highlighting the iconic styling of the railroad era.
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: 1898
Dial Material: Porcelain-enamel (near flawless)
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
Original Case Included: No
Serial Number: 7460746
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
All Frett & Co. Clockworks watches come with a full 1-year warranty unless otherwise stated.