Elgin Hunter case pocket watch, 15 jewels, grade 316, circa 1916
Record status
Individual type · research required
Period
circa 1916
Maker / issuer
Elgin National Watch CompanyThe Elgin Grade 316 pocket watch is an American-made, 18-size timepiece configured with a protective hunter case, a 15-jewel movement, and a lever escapement. Identified as Model 2 within the manufacturer's catalog and dating to circa 1916, it was produced in the United States by the Elgin National Watch Company.
This pocket watch features a lever-set mechanism typical of early twentieth-century American production. Manufactured during an era when Elgin maintained the world's largest watchmaking complex in Elgin, Illinois, the Grade 316 represents the firm's extensive production of civilian pocket watch models prior to the factory's mid-century decline.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 1
- 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
Originally incorporated in 1864 as the National Watch Company and renamed the Elgin National Watch Company in 1874, the firm established its manufacturing center in Elgin, Illinois. In 1910, the company constructed the Elgin National Watch Company Observatory to maintain scientifically precise timekeeping. Circa 1916, when this Grade 316 model was produced, Elgin was one of the foremost American manufacturers, ultimately producing half of all pocket watches made in the United States, excluding dollar-type watches, before shutting down its historic factory in 1964.
Physical characteristics
- Movement size
- 18 size (as described by the source)
Technical characteristics
- Escapement
- Lever escapement
- Jewel count
- 15 jewels (as described by the source)
Design
- Case type
- Hunter case
Identification
- Grade
- 316
- Model
- 2
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Designated as Grade 316 and Model 2 with a movement containing 15 jewels. Built in an 18-size (18s) form factor housed within a hunter case. Operates using a lever escapement and a lever-set configuration.
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
- 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.