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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face railroad pocket watch

Elgin B.W. Raymond Grade 240 18s Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by the Elgin National Watch Company is dated to 1904. According to the seller, it features a size 18s, lever-set, manual-winding grade 240 first-generation movement fitted with 19 jewels and serial number 10981110. The white dial displays bold black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with red five-minute designations, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at the 6 o'clock position. The movement is fitted inside an engraved yellow-tone case described by the source as 10K yellow gold filled with Crescent Watch Case Company markings.

Front view of the Elgin B.W. Raymond pocket watch displaying the dial and case bezel
Front view of the Elgin B.W. Raymond pocket watch displaying the dial and case bezel — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face railroad pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Company
Reference
Grade 240, Model 8, Class 91
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-3891
Source-reported date
1904
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
10981110

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

Dial and Visual Presentation

The pocket watch features an open-face dial format with a white dial signed ELGIN under the 12 o'clock area. The time display incorporates bold black Arabic numerals, an outer chapter ring marked with black minute tick marks and red Arabic five-minute numerals, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned above 6 o'clock.

The front bezel of the yellow-tone case displays an engraved repeating leaf or scroll pattern. At the 12 o'clock position, the watch is fitted with a fluted winding crown and an attached circular pendant bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “White dial signed ELGIN with bold black Arabic hour numerals”
  • “Outer track features black minute tick marks and red Arabic five-minute numerals”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock”
  • “Engraved leaf or scroll pattern along the front bezel of the yellow-tone case”
  • “Fluted winding crown with attached circular pendant bow at 12 o'clock”

Source-Reported Movement Specifications

According to the seller listing, the watch houses a manual-winding Elgin National Watch Company movement identified as caliber grade 240 (first generation), model 8, class 91. The listing states the movement contains 19 jewels, operates as an 18s size lever-set mechanism, and bears serial number 10981110.

The seller associates the watch with a 1904 production date and notes movement markings reading 'B. W. Raymond Elgin Watch Co. U.S.A. Grade 240 19 Jewels Serial Number 10981110'. Because the movement is not visible in the provided photo, these mechanical and textual details are treated as source-reported claims rather than verified observations.

Evidence for this section
  • “caliber grade 240 (first generation), model 8, class 91, lever set, sub second, U.S.A. made”
  • “dated from 1904”
  • “B. W. Raymond Elgin Watch Co. U.S.A. Grade 240 19 Jewels Serial Number 10981110”

Case Construction and Dimensional Ambiguities

The listing describes the case as 'all 10K yellow gold filled' and reports internal case back markings reading 'C.W.C.C.O. Planet Trade Mark 685473'.

The source provides contradictory case dimensions. In the descriptive narrative, the watch is stated to be housed in a '54.7mm round case', while the measurements table records 'Case Diameter 49', alongside 'Case w/Crown 71.1' and 'Case Thickness 17.5'. These conflicting diameter measurements remain unresolved without direct physical inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “all 10K yellow gold filled”
  • “Case Back Markings: C.W.C.C.O. Planet Trade Mark 685473”
  • “54.7mm round case”
  • “Measurements (mm): Case Diameter 49 Case w/Crown 71.1 Case Thickness 17.5”

Open research questions

  • What is the verified case diameter when measured across the middle body excluding the crown, reconciling the source's 54.7 mm narrative claim with the 49 mm table entry?
  • Does direct physical inspection of the internal movement confirm the serial number 10981110, 19-jewel count, and grade 240 designation reported by the seller?
  • Does opening the case back confirm the reported 'C.W.C.C.O. Planet Trade Mark 685473' stamping and reveal whether the case is screw-back or hinged?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin B.W. Raymond Grade 240 18s Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement GradeGrade 240 (first generation)“caliber grade 240 (first generation)”
Jewels19 Jewels“19 jewels”
Serial Number10981110“Serial Number 10981110”
Case Back MarkingsC.W.C.C.O. Planet Trade Mark 685473“Case Back Markings: C.W.C.C.O. Planet Trade Mark 685473”
Case Material10K yellow gold filled“all 10K yellow gold filled”
Case Thickness17.5 mm“Case Thickness 17.5”
Length Including Crown71.1 mm“Case w/Crown 71.1”

Visible details

  • White dial signed ELGIN with bold black Arabic hour numerals
  • Outer track features black minute tick marks and red Arabic five-minute numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned above 6 o'clock
  • Engraved leaf or scroll pattern along the front bezel of the yellow-tone case
  • Fluted winding crown with attached circular pendant bow at 12 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Source text provides conflicting case diameter measurements (54.7 mm versus 49 mm)
  • Movement and internal case back markings are reported by the source but not visible in the provided image

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

Consulted source

1904 ELGIN B.W. Raymond 18s Pocket Watch 19 Jewels Grade 240 1st Gener – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a91d6a7307

Terms in this record

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

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