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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch

Elgin Open-Face Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-face pocket watch by the Elgin National Watch Company features a white enamel dial with Arabic hour numerals, blued hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The watch is cased in chromed metal with a milled coin-edge front bezel, measuring approximately 44.6 mm in diameter. According to the seller, the internal manual-winding lever-set movement is signed 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.' with serial number 8320790. A curb-link chain with a circular swivel spring ring is attached to the bow.

Front view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch with attached chain
Front view of the Elgin open-face pocket watch with attached chain — Catawiki. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.catawiki.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
106782149
Source-reported date
1850-1949
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
8320790

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

Visual observation of the pocket watch shows an open-face format with a white enamel dial signed 'ELGIN' below the 12 o'clock marker. The display features Arabic hour numerals, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock.

The seller describes the dial as intact with no observed chips or cracks, noting light age-related discoloration and minor soiling along the inner bezel edge. The front of the case is fitted with a milled coin-edge patterned bezel surrounding the crystal.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial signed 'ELGIN' below 12 o'clock.”
  • “Arabic numerals with blued steel hands and an outer minute track.”
  • “Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Milled coin-edge patterned front bezel around the crystal.”
  • “There is light age-related discolouration and minor soiling along the inner bezel edge.”

Case Construction and Accessories

The watch is cased in chromed metal, reported with an approximate diameter of 44.6 mm, a total length of 51.4 mm including the crown, and 54.1 mm including both crown and ring. The total weight is listed as approximately 66 grams.

The case features a snap-back closure, with the seller noting scattered fine surface scratches on the back and mid-band, but no dents or gouges. A curb-link metal chain with a swivel clip end is attached to the bow; the seller notes that the origin of the chain and its originality to this watch are unknown.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case material: Chromed”
  • “Case diameter: approx. 44.6 mm”
  • “Total length including crown: approx. 51.4 mm”
  • “Total length including crown and ring: approx. 54.1 mm”
  • “Weight: approx. 66 g”
  • “A curb-link watch chain with a swivel clip end is included (whether original to this watch is unknown).”

Reported Movement and Operational Claims

The internal mechanism is not visible in the provided primary photo and relies entirely on seller descriptions. The seller states the watch contains a manual-winding lever-set movement signed 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.' with serial number 8320790 stamped on the mainplate.

Additional seller claims describe a nickel-finished mainplate with damascened decoration, an oscillating balance wheel, a visible lever escapement, and an F–S regulation index. The seller reported a bench rate of approximately +2 minutes 30 seconds per day when checked flat and dial-up, though long-term performance is unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a manual-winding lever-set caliber signed 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.' with serial number 8320790 on the mainplate”
  • “The nickel-finished mainplate features attractive engine-turned (damascened) decoration.”
  • “The fast–slow regulation index is marked F and S.”
  • “Timekeeping: approx. +2 minutes 30 seconds per day (checked lying flat after a full wind)”

Dating and Source Inconsistencies

The listing exhibits contradictory chronological classifications. The auction title specifies '1900-1949' and text references movement serial 8320790 to the early 20th century, whereas the technical specifications table designates the period as '1850-1900'.

The lot was offered without original box or documentation ('No box or papers'), and the seller states that water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elgin Watch Company - Antique Open-Face Enamel Dial Sub-Seconds - 1900-1949”
  • “Period: 1850-1900”
  • “Movement serial 8320790 falls within Elgin's production records placing it in the early 20th century”
  • “No box or papers.”

Open research questions

  • What exact year of production and Elgin movement grade correspond to serial number 8320790 in published Elgin factory records?
  • Are case maker signatures, reference numbers, or metal hallmarks present on the interior of the snap-back case?
  • What is the composition of the crystal (mineral glass versus later acrylic replacement)?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Open-Face Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial8320790“serial number 8320790”
Case Diameterapprox. 44.6 mm“Case diameter: approx. 44.6 mm”
Case MaterialChromed“Case material: Chromed”
Movement InscriptionELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.“signed 'ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. U.S.A.'”
Total Length with Crownapprox. 51.4 mm“Total length including crown: approx. 51.4 mm”
Total Length with Ringapprox. 54.1 mm“Total length including crown and ring: approx. 54.1 mm”
Total Weightapprox. 66 g“Weight: approx. 66 g”
Reported Daily Rateapprox. +2 minutes 30 seconds per day“measured rate of approximately +2 minutes 30 seconds per day (gaining)”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial signed 'ELGIN' below 12 o'clock.
  • Arabic numerals with blued steel hands and an outer minute track.
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Milled coin-edge patterned front bezel around the crystal.
  • Attached curb-link metal chain terminated by a circular spring ring clasp.

Research qualifications

  • Dating is contradictory in the source listing, referenced as both '1900-1949' and '1850-1900'.
  • Movement condition and serial number are not visible in the presented photograph and rely on source reporting.
  • Originality of the attached chain is unknown according to the seller.

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

Consulted source

Elgin Watch Company - Antique Open-Face Enamel Dial Sub-Seconds - 1900-1949 - auction online Catawiki

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 829986fe1e

Terms in this record

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

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