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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin 14K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this 14k gold hunter case pocket watch was manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Co. in 1899 and retailed by New York City Watch Co. under the trade name Sun-Dial. The movement is catalogued as grade 177, model 2, in a size 6S configuration. Visible elements include a white dial with black Roman hour numerals, blued spade-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 3 o'clock. The case band features coin-edge reeding. The source notes the case is marked Bell 14k with double covers over the movement side, and the total watch weight is 61.3 grams.

Front three-quarter view showing the opened hunter case, dial, and crown bow
Front three-quarter view showing the opened hunter case, dial, and crown bow — Cordier Auctions. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Grade 177, Model 2
Catalogue / lot identifier
15
Source-reported date
1899
Country
United States

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Provenance

This pocket watch is described as a 14k gold hunter case model manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Co. It is attributed to the New York City Watch Co. as a retailer, marketed under the trade name 'Sun-Dial.'

The auction documentation identifies the piece as grade 177, model 2, in a 6S size, with a production year cited as 1899. There is no independent evidence provided for the watch's history or ownership.

Evidence for this section
  • “A hunter case pocket watch manufactured by Elgin National Watch Co. and retailed by New York City Watch Co. under the trade name Sun-Dial.”
  • “This watch was produced in 1899, grade 177, model 2, size 6S.”

Construction and Case Features

The object features a hunter case with double covers over the movement side. The exterior of the case band is finished with a reeded pattern. The total recorded weight is 61.3 grams.

The interior lid displays a polished finish. The watch is marked 'Bell 14k.' The internal movement is not depicted in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “The hunter case, with double covers on the movement side, is marked Bell 14k.”
  • “The watch weighs 61.3 grams.”

Dial and Condition

The white dial displays black Roman hour numerals and an outer track. The watch includes blued spade-style hands and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 3 o'clock mark relative to the winding crown at 12 o'clock. The dial is marked 'Sun-Dial.'

The source reports the presence of hairline cracks on the dial and notes the watch has not been accuracy checked, though it is reported to set and run.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial has hairline cracks.”
  • “The watch set, runs and keeps time but has not been accuracy checked.”
  • “White dial inscribed 'Sun-Dial.' across the horizontal axis”

Open research questions

  • What is the significance of the 'Bell 14k' stamp in relation to the case manufacturer?
  • Does internal movement inspection verify the grade and model reported in the catalog?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14K Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin National Watch Co.“manufactured by Elgin National Watch Co.”
RetailerNew York City Watch Co.“retailed by New York City Watch Co. under the trade name Sun-Dial.”
Production Year1899“produced in 1899”
Grade and ModelGrade 177, Model 2“grade 177, model 2”
Size6S“size 6S”
Case MarkingBell 14k“marked Bell 14k.”
Weight61.3 grams“weighs 61.3 grams.”

Visible details

  • Yellow gold hunter case shown opened on a reflective black background
  • White dial inscribed 'Sun-Dial.' across the horizontal axis
  • Black Roman numeral hour numerals with outer track
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 3 o'clock relative to the winding crown at 12 o'clock
  • Coin-edge or beaded pattern along the perimeter of the case band
  • Inner case lid shows reflective polished interior

Research qualifications

  • Source notes the dial has hairline cracks
  • Movement was not tested for accuracy though reported to run and keep time
  • Internal movement is not visible in the provided photograph
  • Dates, maker, grade, and retailer information rely solely on the auctioneer's description

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: 14K GOLD ELGIN POCKET WATCH

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 32bfbb01f2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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