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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Elgin National Watch Co. Gold-Filled Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This antique open-face pocket watch movement is manufactured by Elgin National Watch Co., with the source reporting a production date of circa 1925. The movement features decorative pattern damaskeening across its bridges, engraved with the maker's signature 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.', '17 JEWELS', and serial number 27868382. It is equipped with a micrometric regulator over the balance cock. According to source documentation, the caliber is a Grade 387, size 16S movement housed in an Art Deco gold-filled case measuring 49 mm in diameter and 14 mm in depth.

Movement view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch showing damaskeened bridges, micrometer regulator, and serial number 27868382
Movement view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch showing damaskeened bridges, micrometer regulator, and serial number 27868382 — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1925
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
27868382

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

Movement Identification and Physical Characteristics

Direct visual inspection of the movement reveals an engine-turned damaskeened finish across nickel-plated bridges, engraved with the manufacturer's mark 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.'. Additional visible factory inscriptions confirm the movement configuration, noting '17 JEWELS' and serial number '27868382' along the outer perimeter. A micrometric regulator is mounted on the balance cock.

The vendor text further classifies this mechanism as a 'Grade 387, 16S, 17J mechanism' and dates its manufacture to '1925'. A visible gold-colored case rim and fluted onion crown border the movement, consistent with an open-face casing design.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bridge plate engraved 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.'”
  • “Outer perimeter engraved with serial number '27868382'”
  • “Micrometric regulator mounted on the balance cock”
  • “Grade 387, 16S, 17J mechanism”
  • “Date of Manufacture: 1925”

Case Construction and Unseen Components

The dealer's description details the case as an open-face container composed of '10-carat gold plate' or 'Gold-filled' metal, reportedly measuring '49 mm (1.93 in)' in diameter and '14 mm (0.56 in)' in depth. The housing is described as featuring a 'screw back' decorated with an 'art-deco pattern'.

The front dial elements are not visible in the movement photograph and rest entirely on the listing description. The seller reports an open-face presentation displaying a 'porcelain enamel ivory dial with bold Arabic numbers and blue steel hands'.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Material: Gold-filled”
  • “screw back and features a fancy art-deco pattern”
  • “porcelain enamel ivory dial with bold Arabic numbers and blue steel hands”

Condition Reporting and Documentation Limits

The source designates the overall condition as 'Good' and notes that it is 'in very good condition, but may require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.' Operational functionality, timing accuracy, and maintenance history are seller claims and cannot be independently evaluated from the provided documentation.

Physical verification is strictly limited to the rear movement plate shown in the single catalog photograph. Internal case hallmarks, specific casemaker signatures, and the described ivory porcelain enamel dial cannot be corroborated without additional visual evidence and are not recorded in this source.

Evidence for this section
  • “Condition: Good”
  • “in very good condition, but may require some maintenance to keep it running smoothly.”

Open research questions

  • What manufacturer hallmarks, serial numbers, or purity stamps are present inside the screw-back case lid to identify the casemaker?
  • Does direct examination of the dial confirm the reported ivory porcelain enamel composition, Arabic numerals, and blued steel handset?
  • Does serial number 27868382 precisely align with factory ledgers for Elgin Grade 387, size 16 production runs in 1925?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin National Watch Co. Gold-Filled Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin National Watch Co.“Creator: Elgin”
Mechanism SpecificationGrade 387, 16S, 17J“Grade 387, 16S, 17J mechanism”
Date of Manufacture1925“Date of Manufacture: 1925”
Case MaterialGold-filled / 10-carat gold plate“Case Material: Gold-filled”
Case Diameter49 mm“Diameter: 49 mm (1.93 in)”
Case Depth14 mm“Depth: 14 mm (0.56 in)”
Case ConstructionScrew back with Art Deco pattern“screw back and features a fancy art-deco pattern”
Reported Dial FeaturesPorcelain enamel ivory dial with Arabic numerals and blued steel hands“porcelain enamel ivory dial with bold Arabic numbers and blue steel hands”

Visible details

  • Bridge plate engraved 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.'
  • Outer perimeter engraved with serial number '27868382'
  • Inscribed '17 JEWELS'
  • Micrometric regulator mounted on the balance cock
  • Engine-turned damaskeened finish across nickel-plated bridges
  • Visible gold-colored case rim and fluted onion crown

Research qualifications

  • The dial and case exterior are not depicted in the provided photograph; descriptions of the Art Deco casing and ivory enamel dial rely entirely on seller statements.

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

Consulted source

Gold Filled Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch - 1925 » Watch Museum: Discover The World Of Antique & Vintage Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 6a1fa3a177

Terms in this record

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

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