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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 is attributed to the Elgin Watch Co. and dated to 1911. The timepiece features a yellow gold-filled casing with a diameter of 44mm. It is equipped with a manual winding movement containing 15 jewels. The watch face consists of a silvered dial, which is marked with Arabic numerals and accompanied by blued steel hands. The source material notes the item is a new old stock case. The manufacturer is stated to be Elgin, though the place of origin is cited as Switzerland. The watch is described as being in excellent condition.

Front view of the Elgin open-faced pocket watch featuring a silvered dial, Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial.
Front view of the Elgin open-faced pocket watch featuring a silvered dial, Arabic numerals, and a subsidiary seconds dial. — 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 Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1911
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

The pocket watch is housed in a yellow gold-filled case measuring 44mm in diameter. The design is open-faced, revealing the dial directly without a protective cover. The watch features a silvered dial that provides a backdrop for the display of time.

The dial is detailed with Arabic numerals for the hour markers and incorporates a subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position. The time is indicated by blued steel hands, which contrast with the silvered surface of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Measuring 44mm in diameter”

Movement and Functionality

The watch is powered by a manual winding movement. The technical specification includes 15 jewels within the mechanism, which are intended to reduce friction and improve the precision of the timekeeping function.

As a manual wind movement, the watch requires periodic winding via the crown to maintain its power reserve. The movement is attributed to the Elgin Watch Co.

Evidence for this section
  • “made by the Elgin Watch Co.”

Origin and Condition

The source documentation attributes the watch to the year 1911 and identifies the place of origin as Switzerland. The watch is associated with the Elgin Watch Co., a manufacturer noted for its American watchmaking heritage.

The auction description reports the watch is in excellent condition. It is also described as possessing a 'New Old Stock' case, suggesting it may have been held in inventory for an extended period without being used.

Evidence for this section
  • “Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco New Old Stock Case - 1911”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or serial number of the movement inside the case?
  • Does the movement originate from the American Elgin factory or a Swiss supplier?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin Watch Co.“made by the Elgin Watch Co.”
Date of Manufacture1911“Date of Manufacture: 1911”
Place of OriginSwitzerland“Place of Origin: Switzerland”
Case Diameter44mm“Measuring 44mm in diameter”
DialSilvered dial with Arabic numerals“original silvered dial with Arabic numerals”

Visible details

  • Yellow gold-filled open-faced case
  • Silvered dial with Arabic numerals
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
  • Blued steel hands

Research qualifications

  • The source provides conflicting information by attributing the movement to the American Elgin Watch Co. while simultaneously stating the place of origin is Switzerland.
  • The term 'New Old Stock' is used to describe the case, but the extent of original versus replaced parts is not specified.

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

Consulted source

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco New Old Stock Case - 1911

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record caa366ea12

Terms in this record

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

Other open-faced pocket watch records