Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch movement features a white dial with black Roman numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial marked with 60-second intervals and red outer minute markers. The mechanism is a 15-jewel movement engraved with "Elgin Natl Watch Co. U.S.A." and the serial number 11762904. It is marked "Safety Pinion" on the movement plate, which exhibits decorative engraving and a balance cock with scrollwork patterns. While the auction description notes that the movement is running, it lacks the original hands. The movement is presented as an individual component for restoration, showing evidence of past use and age-related wear on the metallic surfaces.

Movement plate view showing the serial number 11762904 and mechanical details, with a ruler for scale.
Movement plate view showing the serial number 11762904 and mechanical details, with a ruler for scale. — Pasadena Auction House (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
2013
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
United States
Source-reported serial
11762904

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 Display

The movement is paired with a white dial featuring black printed Roman numerals for the primary time display. A subsidiary seconds dial is located at the six o'clock position, marked with 10-second increments. The outer edge of the dial includes red-colored Arabic numerals indicating five-minute intervals from five to 60.

The central portion of the dial contains the manufacturer name "ELGIN". The hands are currently missing from the center post, and the subdial hand appears to be the only remaining indicator. There are visible signs of aging on the dial surface, including fine fractures near the numerals.

Evidence for this section
  • “features a clean dial with Roman numerals and a separate seconds subdial.”

Movement Construction

The movement is an open-style caliber featuring a balance bridge decorated with engraved scrollwork. The main plate carries the manufacturer inscription "Elgin Natl Watch Co. U.S.A." alongside the serial number 11762904. The mechanism is identified as a 15-jewel movement.

Additional markings on the plate include "SAFETY PINION," identifying a specific technical feature of the gear train. The movement plates exhibit engine-turned or striped damaskeening patterns.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement itself is intricately designed and marked "Elgin National Watch Co." with serial number 11762904.”

Provenance and Condition

The item is catalogued as Lot 2013 by the Pasadena Auction House. The auction description states that the item is currently in a running condition, though it explicitly qualifies this claim by noting reliance on consignor information rather than internal expert testing.

The piece is presented for sale without its housing, focusing on the movement as a restoration project.

Evidence for this section
  • “Although running, the watch is missing its hands, presenting a great opportunity for restoration.”
  • “We are not watch experts, and we encourage you to conduct your own research”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production date associated with serial number 11762904?
  • Does the caliber layout suggest a specific size, such as 16s or 18s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin National Watch Co.“marked "Elgin National Watch Co.”
Serial number11762904“serial number 11762904”
Lot number2013“Lot 2013”
Condition noteRunning, missing hands“Although running, the watch is missing its hands”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Roman numerals
  • Engraved balance cock with floral scroll pattern
  • Movement marked with serial number 11762904
  • Safety Pinion designation visible on the plate

Research qualifications

  • Absence of original hands
  • Operational status stated by consignor but not guaranteed by the seller

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

Consulted source

Elgin Antique Watch Movement

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c5e195de58

Terms in this record

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

Other pocket watch movement records