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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch

Elgin National Watch Co. 14K Tri-Colored Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique pocket watch is reported by the seller to have been manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Co. of Illinois circa 1887. The 43mm hunter case is stated to be crafted in three colors of 14K gold, featuring engraved floral and bird motifs centered around a small diamond. The white dial displays black Roman numerals, Breguet-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to Renaissance Antiques, the timepiece is powered by a 15-jewel lever-set mechanical movement with movement serial number 2347456 and case number 17303.

Open view of the Elgin hunter case pocket watch showing dial and front bezel
Open view of the Elgin hunter case pocket watch showing dial and front bezel — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Pocket watch · Hunter case pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
ROBU 5 P
Source-reported date
Circa 1887
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
2347456

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 visible portion of the pocket watch features an open hunter case framing a white dial signed 'ELGIN' beneath the 12 o'clock mark. Time is indicated using black Roman numerals surrounded by a perimeter minute track, with Breguet-style hands for the hours and minutes. At the 6 o'clock position, a subsidiary seconds dial is demarcated with Arabic numerals at ten-second intervals.

The dealer identifies the face as a two-piece porcelain dial. Around the perimeter of the open dial view, an engraved pattern is visible on the case rim, flanked by a fluted onion-style crown and round bow situated at the 3 o'clock position.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open hunter case exposing a white dial signed 'ELGIN' below the 12 o'clock numeral.”
  • “The two-piece porcelain dial displays the time on Roman numerals and includes a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position”
  • “Engraved pattern visible around the perimeter of the case rim.”

Case Construction and Decorative Details

The watch is housed in a 43mm hunter case reported by the seller to be crafted in three colors of 14K gold under case number 17303. According to the dealer description, the case is adorned with engravings of flowers and birds centered around a small diamond.

Because the provided visual documentation only depicts an open dial-side photograph, the described exterior floral and bird engravings, tri-color gold composition, and central diamond setting are not visible in the provided image.

Evidence for this section
  • “The 43mm hunter case is adorned with intricate engravings of flowers and birds, expertly crafted in three colors of 14K gold.”
  • “At the center of the design lies a small, sparkling diamond”
  • “Case# 17303”

Reported Movement and Technical Specifications

The seller reports that the watch is powered by a 15-jewel lever-set movement bearing movement number 2347456, assigned a date of circa 1887 and attributed to the Elgin National Watch Co. of Illinois.

The movement is not visible in the provided photograph, and no cuvette or movement markings can be independently verified from the source image. Jewel count, lever-set operation, and serial markings rely entirely on the dealer's catalog listing.

Evidence for this section
  • “The timepiece features a 15-jewel lever set movement.”
  • “Movement# 2347456”
  • “Circa 1887”

Open research questions

  • What specific grade, size, and model designation corresponds to Elgin movement serial number 2347456 in factory production records?
  • What manufacturer or case maker hallmarks appear on the inside of hunter case number 17303?
  • What is the physical condition and motif layout of the exterior tri-color gold covers and central diamond setting when closed?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin National Watch Co. 14K Tri-Colored Gold Hunter Case Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin National Watch Co.“Elgin National Watch Co. of Illinois”
Case diameter43mm“The 43mm hunter case”
Movement number2347456“Movement# 2347456”
Case number17303“Case# 17303”
DateCirca 1887“Circa 1887”
Jewel count15-jewel“15-jewel lever set movement”
Case material14K Tri-Colored Gold“American 14K Tri-Colored Gold Hunter Case”
Dial ConstructionTwo-piece porcelain“The two-piece porcelain dial displays the time on Roman numerals”
Gemstone AccentDiamond“At the center of the design lies a small, sparkling diamond”

Visible details

  • Open hunter case exposing a white dial signed 'ELGIN' below the 12 o'clock numeral.
  • Black Roman hour numerals with an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position with Arabic ten-second numerals.
  • Breguet-style hands for hours and minutes.
  • Fluted onion-style winding crown and round bow positioned at 3 o'clock.
  • Engraved pattern visible around the perimeter of the case rim.

Research qualifications

  • Outer engraved case decoration and central diamond described by the seller are not visible in the open dial view.
  • Movement is not visible in the provided photograph; jewel count and movement number rely on dealer description.

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

Consulted source

American 14K Tri-Colored Gold Hunters Case Pocket Watch by the Elgin National Watch Co. - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f33f5863c9

Terms in this record

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

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