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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin Grade 386 Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This is a hunter-cased pocket watch manufactured by the American company Elgin, identified as a size 16 model. According to the source, the timepiece dates to approximately 1920. The case features a 14K gold-filled finish, with a diameter of 51 mm excluding the crown. A notable feature is the multicolor dial, which incorporates pale blue and gold motifs, Roman numeral indices, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The exterior of the hunter case is decorated with elaborate engraved scrollwork; one side displays a landscape scene framed by floral designs, while the opposite side features a vacant shield intended for initials. The movement is an Elgin Grade 386, Model 6, featuring 17 jewels in screw-set settings. Technical specifications include a three-quarter plate architecture, a Mosely regulator, a double-roller system, and a quick-train arrangement. The watch is crown-wound and crown-set.

Front view of the Elgin Grade 386 hunter-case pocket watch showing the multicolor dial, spade hands, and subsidiary seconds dial.
Front view of the Elgin Grade 386 hunter-case pocket watch showing the multicolor dial, spade hands, and subsidiary seconds dial. — Ashton-Blakey Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Grade 386
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1920
Source-reported place
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

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a hunter-style case, characterized by a hinged cover that protects the crystal and dial. The exterior surface of the case is heavily decorated with intricate scrollwork and floral motifs. One face of the case features a pictorial engraving of a rural scene, while the reverse displays a plain shield or cartouche suitable for personalization.

The dial is designed with a multi-colored aesthetic, utilizing pale blue and gold elements against a white background. It displays black Roman numerals for the hours and features black spade-style hands. A dedicated subsidiary dial for seconds is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, maintaining a traditional layout for a size 16 pocket watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب هانتر ساعت مزین به حکاکی‌های بسیار غنی و استادانه شامل طرح‌های پیچشی و اسکرول است”
  • “صفحه تزیینی و چندرنگ آن با نقوش و موتیف‌های ظریف به رنگ آبی کم‌رنگ و طلایی”
  • “در موقعیت ساعت ۶ دارای یک صفحه فرعی اختصاصی برای نمایش ثانیه‌شمار است”

Movement and Mechanism

The watch is powered by an Elgin Grade 386, Model 6 movement. It is constructed with 17 jewels, with the jewels mounted in screw-set settings. The movement design utilizes a three-quarter plate configuration.

Technically, the caliber incorporates specific features such as a Mosely regulator for timing adjustments, a double-roller escapement system, and a quick-train gear arrangement. The watch is designed to be wound and adjusted via the crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور کوکی Elgin کالیبر Grade 386 مدل Model 6 با ۱۷ سنگ جواهری یاقوت سرخ و کبود در بسترهای پیچ‌دار (Screw-set) است”
  • “معماری پلیت سه‌چهارم، رگولاتور انحصاری Mosely، سیستم دابل رولر و قطار چرخ‌دنده سریع (Quick Train)”

Provenance and Condition

The object is attributed to the American manufacturer Elgin and is dated to approximately 1920. The source classifies the object as being in fine condition and notes that the movement is operating well.

It is important to note that the provided documentation does not include details regarding recent maintenance history, chronometric accuracy, or original accessories such as boxes or papers. The information provided is based on the source's assessment.

Evidence for this section
  • “ساعت جیبی آنتیک از ساخته‌های کمپانی آمریکایی Elgin”
  • “به حدود سال ۱۹۲۰ میلادی تعلق دارد”
  • “در شرایط بسیار خوب (Fine condition) و موتور آن در وضعیت کاری روان و مناسب (Well running) توصیف شده است”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production serial number of this movement to confirm the 1920 production year?
  • Does the case bear any manufacturer marks identifying the gold-filled case maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Grade 386 Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin“کمپانی آمریکایی Elgin”
ReferenceGrade 386“گرید Grade 386”
Case Material14K Gold Filled“روکش طلای ۱۴ عیار (14K Gold Filled)”
Movement Type17-jewel manual wind“موتور کوکی Elgin کالیبر Grade 386 مدل Model 6 با ۱۷ سنگ جواهری یاقوت سرخ و کبود”
Case Size16 size“سایز ۱۶ (16 Size)”
Case Diameter51 mm“قطر ۵۱ میلی‌متر (بدون احتساب دسته کوک)”
Movement FeaturesMosely regulator“رگولاتور انحصاری Mosely”

Visible details

  • The dial displays a central light blue circle surrounded by decorative gold floral-style patterns.
  • The case cover depicts an engraved pastoral scene within a cartouche.
  • The movement is wound and set via the crown located at the 3 o'clock position relative to the dial.
  • Black spade-style hands are used for hour and minute indication.

Research qualifications

  • The exact provenance of the watch is not provided.
  • The source reports the condition as 'fine' and 'well running' but does not specify when the last professional service was performed.

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

Consulted source

ساعت جیبی هانتر Elgin مدل Model 6 گرید Grade 386 با روکش طلای ۱۴ عیار

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record d44942c269

Terms in this record

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

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