Elgin 16-size convertible pocket watch

Technical characteristics

Type

Open-face pocket watch

Dimensions

50mm wide x 18mm deep

Place recorded

United States

Maker / attribution

Elgin National Watch Co.

Winding and Setting

Stem wound / lever set

Movement Serial Number

4329351

Movement Grade and Model

Model 2, Grade 86

Design

Visible features

• White enamel dial signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' in cursive script • Black Arabic hour numerals with outer track and red five-minute numerals • Blued steel spade-style minute and hour hands with a small subsidiary seconds hand at 6 o'clock • Fluted winding crown with an arched metal bow at 12 o'clock • Polished silver open-face case showing light surface wear along the bezel

Visual Dial and Case Appearance

The timepiece presents an open-face pocket watch format fronted by a white enamel dial signed 'Elgin Natl. Watch Co.' in cursive script across the upper register. The dial layout incorporates black Arabic hour numerals bordered by an outer track displaying red five-minute numerals. Time is indicated by blued steel spade-style minute and hour hands, paired with a small subsidiary seconds hand positioned at 6 o'clock. The movement is fitted inside a polished silver open-face case that exhibits light surface wear along the bezel. Positioned at 12 o'clock are a fluted winding crown and an arched metal bow, completing the external open-face configuration.

Case Construction and Documentary Cautions

The seller reports the case to be silver with a screw-off back and bezel, bearing the stamping 'Fahys Coin, Pat Feb 19th 1884'. The overall external dimensions are listed as 50 mm in width by 18 mm in depth, protected by a mineral glass crystal. Condition notes from the dealer state that the bow has been replaced and mention minor surface marks and bruises on the case metal. Because the provided photograph only displays the front dial and bezel, internal and reverse details—such as the three-finger bridge design, serial number 4329351, damascening, Fahys patent marks, and convertible setting wheels—are not recorded in the image and rely entirely on the seller's description.

Reported Movement and Convertible Mechanism

According to the seller, the watch houses an Elgin 16-size Model 2, Grade 86 movement featuring a three-finger bridge layout and 15 jewels. The movement is reported to carry the signature 'Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, Adjusted, 4329351', alongside a lever escapement, micrometer regulator, and damascening. The movement is described as a convertible mechanism capable of being adapted to open-face or hunter formats depending on dial and case setup. The listing states that engaging its lever-setting mechanism causes 'the lower larger wheel, on the side of the mainspring, lifts up to engage with the middle wheel and set the hands', returning when slotted back into place. Due to this specialized setting device, the movement is noted as being deeper in thickness than other 16-size movements of the period, requiring specifically made cases.

Identification

Reference

Model 2, Grade 86

Serial number

4329351

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.