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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face dress pocket watch

Elgin Grade 315 Openface Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This openface pocket watch is attributed by the seller to Elgin National Watch Co. and dated to 1928. The listing states it contains a manual-wind 15-jewel Grade 315 size 12s movement with serial number 30412554, though the movement is unexposed in the image. The round case measures 45.3 mm across and is reported to be 925 sterling silver with case back stamping 1658668. The silver-toned dial features a textured central field, an outer railroad minute track, stylized Arabic numerals, dark hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock.

Three-quarter view of the Elgin openface pocket watch on an acrylic display stand
Three-quarter view of the Elgin openface pocket watch on an acrylic display stand — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face dress pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Grade 315
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5222
Source-reported date
1928
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
30412554

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 Features

The watch features a silver-toned dial signed 'ELGIN' at the top, characterized by a textured central guilloché-style pattern. The layout includes a subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 6 o'clock mark and an outer printed railroad-style minute track.

While the seller description mentions 'large, bold Roman numerals,' visual observation confirms the dial is configured with stylized Arabic hour numerals. The dial is paired with dark-colored hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “Original silver decorated dial with large, bold Roman numerals, black railroad minute track”
  • “The sub-second dial is located at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “The dial is signed with Elgin name at the top.”

Case and External Construction

The timepiece is housed in a round open-face case measuring 45.3 mm in diameter. The exterior is fitted with a fluted crown and a pendant bow located at the 12 o'clock position.

The case material is reported by the source as 925 sterling silver. Internal case back markings are documented by the seller as 1658668, though these markings are not visible in the provided photographic evidence.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open face, housed in a 45.3mm round case.”
  • “All in 925 sterling silver.”
  • “925 Sterling 1658668”

Movement and Specifications

The watch is attributed to the Elgin National Watch Co. and identified as a size 12s, Grade 315 movement, model 3. The seller states the movement contains 15 jewels and is a manual-wind mechanism.

The provided serial number for the movement is 30412554. As the movement is unexposed in the provided imagery, its condition and the accuracy of the reported internal markings cannot be independently verified.

Evidence for this section
  • “original Elgin caliber grade 315 movement with 15 jewels, size 12s, model 3”
  • “30412554”

Open research questions

  • What is the actual production date range for Elgin Grade 315 movements, and does serial number 30412554 correlate with 1928?
  • Can the discrepancy between the stated Roman numerals and the observed Arabic numerals be attributed to a specific production variant or dial restoration?
  • What specific archival records exist for Elgin case serial number 1658668 to confirm the silver composition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Grade 315 Openface Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
GradeGrade 315“original Elgin caliber grade 315 movement with 15 jewels, size 12s, model 3”
Movement Serial Number30412554“30412554”
Case Material925 sterling silver“All in 925 sterling silver.”
Case Diameter45.3 mm“Case 45.3”
Reported Date1928“vintage Elgin pocket watch from 1928.”

Visible details

  • Round metal openface case with fluted crown and pendant bow at 12 o'clock
  • Silver-toned dial with textured central guilloché-style pattern signed ELGIN
  • Stylized Arabic hour numerals and a printed outer railroad minute track
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at the 6 o'clock mark

Research qualifications

  • Source text claims 'large, bold Roman numerals', but the dial visibly features Arabic numerals
  • Movement and interior case markings are reported by the source but not visible in the provided photo

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

Consulted source

1928 ELGIN Dress Pocket Watch 12s Openface Grade 315 15 Jewels 925 Ste – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 45d71df6f8

Terms in this record

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

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