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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Elgin 16-size convertible pocket watch

Partially verified

This is an American open-face pocket watch manufactured by Elgin National Watch Company, dated by the source to circa 1891. The dealer states it houses a 16-size Model 2, Grade 86 convertible movement fitted with 15 jewels and a three-finger bridge design. Designed to be adaptable between open-face and hunting configurations, the movement incorporates a specialised lever-setting mechanism that required a deeper profile case. It is cased in a Fahys Coin silver case measuring 50 mm wide by 18 mm deep, fronted by a white enamel dial with Arabic numerals, red five-minute intervals, and a subsidiary seconds display.

Dial and front view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch
Dial and front view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch — Atlam Watches / Antiques Boutique. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Model 2, Grade 86
Catalogue / lot identifier
AB-47804
Source-reported date
circa 1891
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
4329351

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

Visual Dial and Case Appearance

The timepiece presents an open-face pocket watch format fronted by a white enamel dial signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' in cursive script across the upper register. The dial layout incorporates black Arabic hour numerals bordered by an outer track displaying red five-minute numerals. Time is indicated by blued steel spade-style minute and hour hands, paired with a small subsidiary seconds hand positioned at 6 o'clock.

The movement is fitted inside a polished silver open-face case that exhibits light surface wear along the bezel. Positioned at 12 o'clock are a fluted winding crown and an arched metal bow, completing the external open-face configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' in cursive script”
  • “Black Arabic hour numerals with outer track and red five-minute numerals”
  • “Polished silver open-face case showing light surface wear along the bezel”

Reported Movement and Convertible Mechanism

According to the seller, the watch houses an Elgin 16-size Model 2, Grade 86 movement featuring a three-finger bridge layout and 15 jewels. The movement is reported to carry the signature 'Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, Adjusted, 4329351', alongside a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, and damascening.

The movement is described as a convertible mechanism capable of being adapted to open-face or hunter formats depending on dial and case setup. The listing states that engaging its lever-setting mechanism causes 'the lower larger wheel, on the side of the mainspring, lifts up to engage with the middle wheel and set the hands', returning when slotted back into place. Due to this specialized setting device, the movement is noted as being deeper in thickness than other 16-size movements of the period, requiring specifically made cases.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is a three finger bridge 16 size 15 Jewel Model 2, Grade 86.”
  • “The movement is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, Adjusted, 4329351”.”
  • “When engaged the lower larger wheel, on the side of the mainspring, lifts up to engage with the middle wheel and set the hands.”

Case Construction and Documentary Cautions

The seller reports the case to be silver with a screw-off back and bezel, bearing the stamping 'Fahys Coin, Pat Feb 19th 1884'. The overall external dimensions are listed as 50 mm in width by 18 mm in depth, protected by a mineral glass crystal. Condition notes from the dealer state that the bow has been replaced and mention minor surface marks and bruises on the case metal.

Because the provided photograph only displays the front dial and bezel, internal and reverse details—such as the three-finger bridge design, serial number 4329351, damascening, Fahys patent marks, and convertible setting wheels—are not recorded in the image and rely entirely on the seller's description.

Evidence for this section
  • “The case is signed Fahys Coin, Pat Feb 19th 1884.”
  • “The watch measures 50mm wide x 18mm deep”
  • “little marks and bruises plus the bow has been changed”

Open research questions

  • Does direct physical inspection of the inner case back verify the Fahys Coin stamp and February 19, 1884 patent inscription?
  • Can physical inspection of the uncased movement confirm the serial number 4329351, the 15-jewel count, and the operational lifting action of the convertible setting wheel?
  • What specific alloy composition and metal purity hallmarks or stamps exist inside the Fahys Coin case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin 16-size convertible pocket watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Grade and ModelModel 2, Grade 86“This is a three finger bridge 16 size 15 Jewel Model 2, Grade 86.”
Movement Serial Number4329351“The movement is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, Adjusted, 4329351”.”
Dimensions50mm wide x 18mm deep“The watch measures 50mm wide x 18mm deep”
Winding and SettingStem wound / lever set“The watch is stem wound / lever set”
Case Signature and PatentFahys Coin, Pat Feb 19th 1884“The case is signed Fahys Coin, Pat Feb 19th 1884.”
Crystal MaterialMineral glass“The watch has a mineral glass”
Case ClosureScrew-off back and bezel“the movement comes in a silver open face case, which has a screw off back and bezel.”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' in cursive script
  • Black Arabic hour numerals with outer track and red five-minute numerals
  • Blued steel spade-style minute and hour hands with a small subsidiary seconds hand at 6 o'clock
  • Fluted winding crown with an arched metal bow at 12 o'clock
  • Polished silver open-face case showing light surface wear along the bezel

Research qualifications

  • Movement and inner case markings are not visible in the provided photograph; all technical attributes are source-reported
  • The source notes that the bow has been replaced

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

Consulted source

Rare Elgin pocket watch with a convertible movement. c1891 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 43cc05ab3a

Terms in this record

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

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