Elgin Hunter case pocket watch, 15 jewels, 1902
Record status
Individual type · research required
Period
1902
Maker / issuer
Elgin National Watch CompanyThe 1902 Elgin hunter case pocket watch with 15 jewels is an American personal timekeeper manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company. Originating in 1902, this watch format features a 6-size movement built with 15 jewels and is housed within a 14-karat gold hunter case.
The piece represents the high-volume domestic manufacturing accomplished at the firm's primary complex in Elgin, Illinois, which was the largest facility in the world dedicated to watchmaking. Designed with an enclosed hunter case, the model provided protective casing over the watch face, combining a 6s mechanical movement with fine gold casing for portable pocket use.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 2
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The Elgin National Watch Company was originally incorporated in 1864 as the National Watch Company before adopting the Elgin name officially in 1874. Located in Elgin, Illinois, the company operated the world's largest site dedicated to watchmaking, delivering its first movement in 1867. Over its operational lifespan, Elgin became a major American manufacturer, ultimately responsible for producing half of all pocket watches made in the United States, excluding dollar-type models. Pocket watches produced in 1902 reflect this extensive era of civilian timepiece manufacturing at the Illinois complex.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Gold (as described on the source photograph page)
- Movement size
- 6 size (as described by the source)
Technical characteristics
- Jewel count
- 15 jewels (as described by the source)
Design
- Case type
- Hunter case
Identification
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Identify the protective hunter-style outer case composed of 14-karat gold. Confirm the movement dimensions correspond to a 6-size (6s) mechanical caliber. Verify the jewel count of 15 jewels alongside Elgin markings indicating a 1902 production year.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Escapement type not documented; requires movement examination or a horological reference.
- Serial-number dating, case dimensions and weight remain untranscribed.
- No catalogue reference number is asserted; standard horological catalogues have not been transcribed for this specimen.