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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Open Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Elgin open face pocket watch features a 47.00 mm 14-karat yellow gold case decorated with a foliate motif chased and engraved bezel and case back with a monogram cartouche. The white dial displays black Arabic numerals, an outer calibrated minute track with red five-minute markers, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The source states it is powered by a stem-wound and stem-set 17-jewel nickel movement signed Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. U.S.A., bearing movement serial number 16088882 and case number 309476. The watch weighs 43.30 dwt without the accompanying fob chain.

Front view of Elgin 14K yellow gold open face pocket watch showing dial and engraved bezel
Front view of Elgin 14K yellow gold open face pocket watch showing dial and engraved bezel — Freeman's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
freemansauction.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin Nat'l Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
95
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
16088882

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

Case Construction and Aesthetic

This open-face pocket watch features a 47.00 mm case constructed from 14K yellow gold. The exterior displays a decorative foliate motif, executed through chased and engraved work applied to both the bezel and the case back.

The case back design incorporates an engraved cartouche intended for a monogram. According to auction records, the inner case back is stamped '14K 585/1000 FINE 309476'.

Evidence for this section
  • “47.00 mm case diameter”
  • “foliate motif chased and engraved bezel and case back with monogram engraved cartouche”
  • “Inner case back stamp: 14K 585/1000 FINE 309476.”

Movement and Operational Status

The watch is powered by a nickel movement signed 'Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. U.S.A.', identified as a 17-jewel caliber. It is a stem-wound and stem-set mechanism, bearing the movement serial number 16088882.

The source notes that the watch winds, sets, and runs at the time of cataloguing but has not been timed for accuracy.

Evidence for this section
  • “stem wound and set 17 jewel nickel movement signed Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. U.S.A.”
  • “Movement number: 16088882.”
  • “The watch winds, sets and runs at the time of cataloguing but has not been timed for accuracy.”

Condition and Attribution

The lot is documented as having heavy scratching on both the crystal and the cuvette. The items are sold as is.

The lot includes a gold-filled curb link fob chain measuring approximately 10 1/2 inches, stamped 'SIMMONS'.

Evidence for this section
  • “There is heavy scratching to the cuvette and crystal.”
  • “All lots are sold “AS IS”.”
  • “together with a gold-filled curb link fob chain.”
  • “The fob chain measures approximately 10 1/2 inches long.”
  • “Fob chain stamp: SIMMONS.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date range for Elgin movement serial number 16088882?
  • Does the case number 309476 correspond to a specific case manufacturer contracted by Elgin?
  • What is the material composition of the cuvette?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Open Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Diameter47.00 mm“47.00 mm case diameter”
Case Material14K Yellow Gold“14K YELLOW GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH”
Movement Jewels17 jewels“stem wound and set 17 jewel nickel movement”
Movement Serial16088882“Movement number: 16088882.”
Inner Case Back Stamp14K 585/1000 FINE 309476“Inner case back stamp: 14K 585/1000 FINE 309476.”
Watch Weight43.30 dwt“43.30 dwt. (pocket watch only)”
Weight43.30 dwt“43.30 dwt. (pocket watch only)”
Fob Chain MarkingsSIMMONS“Fob chain stamp: SIMMONS.”

Visible details

  • White dial featuring blued spade-style hands and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Elaborately chased and engraved bezel showing foliate patterning.
  • Red five-minute interval markers printed outside the minute track.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and case back interiors are not visible in the provided image.
  • The accompanying gold-filled fob chain mentioned in the catalog description is not shown in the image.
  • The catalog notes heavy scratching to the cuvette and crystal.

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

Consulted source

ELGIN, 14K YELLOW GOLD OPEN FACE POCKET WATCH WITH... | Freeman's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 10173904c5

Terms in this record

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

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