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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Pocket watch movement

Elgin Strand 16-size 17-jewel pocket watch movement

Partially verified

This is an uncased open-face, stem-wound and stem-set pocket watch movement produced by the Elgin National Watch Company. Built with a 16-size three-finger bridge nickel architecture, the movement displays decorative wave damascening. Visible engravings include 'Strand', 'ELGIN NAT'L WATCH CO.', 'U.S.A.', '17 JEWELS', '4 POSITIONS', 'ADJUSTED', 'DOUBLE ROLLER', and serial number 19643004. It features a micrometer regulator on the balance cock. The seller lists its dimensions as 42.7 mm by 7.3 mm and dates it to circa 1917, while also noting a white enamel dial with blued steel hands.

Top-down view of the nickel three-finger bridge Elgin Strand pocket watch movement
Top-down view of the nickel three-finger bridge Elgin Strand pocket watch movement — Atlam Watches. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.antiquesboutique.com
Category
Movement · Pocket watch movement
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Co.
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
MA108
Source-reported date
c. 1917
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
19643004

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 Architecture and Plate Markings

The item is an uncased open-face movement displaying a nickel three-finger bridge configuration finished with damascening across its plates. Visible components include a balance assembly fitted with a micrometer regulator mechanism, jewel settings, and exposed winding wheels.

The movement plates bear clear factory engravings. Visible inscriptions on the bridges read 'Strand', 'ELGIN NAT'L WATCH CO.', and 'U.S.A.'. Operational specifications engraved on the bridges state '17 JEWELS', '4 POSITIONS', 'ADJUSTED', and 'DOUBLE ROLLER', alongside serial number 19643004.

Evidence for this section
  • “Open-face pocket watch movement layout with three-finger bridge plate configuration”
  • “Visible barrel bridge and train bridge engravings: 'Strand', 'ELGIN NAT'L WATCH CO.', 'U.S.A.', and serial '19643004'”
  • “Additional markings read '17 JEWELS', '4 POSITIONS', 'ADJUSTED', and 'DOUBLE ROLLER'”
  • “Balance assembly fitted with a micrometer regulator mechanism”

Reported Dial, Escapement, and Running State

According to the seller listing, the movement is stem-wound and stem-set, built with a lever escapement, though it is offered without a winding stem. The seller notes that while the balance and spring appear intact, the mechanism is currently fully wound and not ticking.

The seller also records that the movement is accompanied by a white enamel dial signed 'Elgin' with blued steel hands. However, the dial is not visible in the provided movement-side photograph, preventing independent observation of its condition, markers, or layout.

Evidence for this section
  • “This is an open face, stem wound / Stem set pocket watch movement – does not come with a winder.”
  • “The movement has a good balance and spring however the movement is fully wound and is not ticking”
  • “Movement – the nickel 3 finger bridge movement has a lever escapement and a micrometer regulator.”
  • “Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands. The dial is signed “Elgin””

Source Discrepancies and Dating Limitations

The listing contains conflicting dating information. The page title gives an estimated date of 'c1917', while the listing's metadata categorizes the item under 'Period Victorian (1837 to 1901)'. Without independent production registers, neither period is confirmed by the source text alone.

In addition, the dealer text transcribes the serial number as '# 19633004', whereas direct inspection of the engraved movement plate confirms the serial is 19643004. Dimensions provided in the listing text are 42.7 mm by 7.3 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “16 size 17 Jewel 3 Finger Bridge Elgin movement c1917”
  • “Period Victorian (1837 to 1901)”
  • “# 19633004”
  • “Visible barrel bridge and train bridge engravings: 'Strand', 'ELGIN NAT'L WATCH CO.', 'U.S.A.', and serial '19643004'”
  • “The movement measures 42.7mm x 7.3mm”

Open research questions

  • What specific mechanical fault or obstruction prevents this movement from ticking while fully wound?
  • What style of numerals, minute track, and sub-dial configuration are present on the unphotographed white enamel dial described by the seller?
  • Does Elgin National Watch Company production serial 19643004 correspond to circa 1917 or an earlier production run in factory ledgers?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Strand 16-size 17-jewel pocket watch movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerElgin Nat'l Watch Co.“Strand, Elgin Nat’l Watch Co”
Model NameStrand“signed “Strand, Elgin Nat’l Watch Co”
Jewel Count and Size16 size, 17 jewels“16 size 17 Jewel 3 Finger Bridge Elgin movement”
Dimensions42.7mm x 7.3mm“The movement measures 42.7mm x 7.3mm”
Item CodeMA108 (AB-193201)“Code MA108 (AB-193201)”
Reported Operational StatusFully wound and not ticking“the movement is fully wound and is not ticking”
Reported Escapement TypeLever escapement“the nickel 3 finger bridge movement has a lever escapement and a micrometer regulator”
Listing Period ClassificationVictorian (1837 to 1901)“Period Victorian (1837 to 1901)”

Visible details

  • Open-face pocket watch movement layout with three-finger bridge plate configuration
  • Damascened finish on the nickel plates and balance cock
  • Visible barrel bridge and train bridge engravings: 'Strand', 'ELGIN NAT'L WATCH CO.', 'U.S.A.', and serial '19643004'
  • Additional markings read '17 JEWELS', '4 POSITIONS', 'ADJUSTED', and 'DOUBLE ROLLER'
  • Balance assembly fitted with a micrometer regulator mechanism

Research qualifications

  • The dealer listing description transcribes the serial number as 19633004, whereas the movement plate clearly reads 19643004
  • The dial and hands mentioned in the listing description are not shown in this photograph

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

Consulted source

16 size 17 Jewel 3 Finger Bridge Elgin movement c1917 in Antique Pocket Watches

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a25a1652f7

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

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