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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch

Elgin Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch, manufactured in 1918 by the Elgin Watch Company in the United States, features a manual wind movement housed within a yellow gold-filled case. The case is hand-engraved and measures 53mm in diameter with a length of 43mm. The dial is constructed from kiln-fired enamel and displays Breguet-style Arabic numerals accompanied by original blued steel hands. The object is presented as an example of 20th-century timekeeping, attributed to the Art Deco style by the source. The condition is reported as excellent. The Elgin Watch Company, known for its production of railroad watches and various scientific instruments, created this timepiece using a handmade dial, contributing to its overall construction. This watch serves as an accessory item that includes its associated gold-filled chain component.

Front view of the Elgin open-faced pocket watch showing the enamel dial, blued steel hands, and sub-seconds register.
Front view of the Elgin open-faced pocket watch showing the enamel dial, blued steel hands, and sub-seconds register. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Open-faced pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Elgin Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1918
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 Construction

The pocket watch features an open-faced configuration with a case crafted from yellow gold-filled material. The exterior of the case is decorated with hand-engraved patterns. The timepiece measures 53mm in diameter and 43mm in length, providing a specific profile intended for wear.

The dial is produced from kiln-fired enamel and is handmade. It is marked with Breguet-style Arabic numerals and features a sub-seconds dial positioned at the six o'clock mark. The time is indicated by a set of original blued steel hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “The kiln-fired enamel dial, adorned with Breguet-style Arabic numerals and original blued steel”
  • “This particular watch boasts a luxurious hand-engraved case and a handmade dial”

Movement and Functionality

The watch operates using a manual wind movement. The Elgin Watch Company, the manufacturer of the movement, was historically noted for the production of timepieces ranging from railroad-grade watches to scientific instruments.

The watch includes a matching gold-filled pocket watch chain as part of the total object set, intended to accompany the watch for immediate use by the owner.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual Wind”
  • “The Elgin Watch Company was renowned for its high-quality timepieces, having produced watches for the railroad and scientific instruments”
  • “it comes with a matching gold-filled pocket watch chain, so you can start using it right away.”

Condition and Provenance

The auction description reports the condition of the watch as excellent. The item is identified as originating from the United States with a manufacturing date of 1918, placing it within the 1910-1919 period.

The documentation provided identifies the object within the context of 20th-century antique watch collections. The source characterizes the aesthetic of the piece as belonging to the Art Deco style.

Evidence for this section
  • “Date of Manufacture: 1918”
  • “Condition: Excellent”
  • “Style: Art Deco”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this 1918 production model?
  • Does the case feature a manufacturer hallmark indicating the supplier of the gold-filled housing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin Watch Company“crafted by the renowned Elgin Watch Company”
Date of Manufacture1918“Date of Manufacture: 1918”
Place of OriginUnited States“Place of Origin: United States”
Case MaterialYellow gold-filled“Encased in luxurious yellow gold-filled material”
Dial TypeKiln-fired enamel“The kiln-fired enamel dial”
Movement TypeManual wind“Movement: Manual Wind”
Case Diameter53mm“53mm in diameter”
Included AccessoryMatching gold-filled chain“comes with a matching gold-filled pocket watch chain”

Visible details

  • Kiln-fired enamel dial with Arabic numerals
  • Hand-engraved case decoration
  • Blued steel spade-style hands
  • Integrated sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • The source uses 'Art Deco' as a stylistic descriptor which may not align with strict historical periodization for 1918
  • The exact composition of the gold-filled material is not specified beyond the term 'yellow gold-filled'

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

Consulted source

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Hand Engraved Pocket Watch - 1918

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record a8b35ccf17

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records