Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch – 14K yellow gold hunter case – Roman numeral dial – circa 1880s.
Description:
A finely crafted Elgin 14K gold pocket watch, a testament to the precision and artistry of Elgin National Watch Company, one of America’s most revered watchmakers. This elegant hunter-case design features an ornate floral engraving and intricate engine-turned detailing, exemplifying the sophistication of late 19th-century American horology.
The case is crafted in solid 14-karat yellow gold, with a richly detailed repoussé floral and scroll motif on both the front and back. The textured guilloché background is framed with a beaded edge pattern, creating a brilliant interplay of light. The spring-hinged front cover opens smoothly to reveal the classic enamel dial.
The dial is signed “Elgin” and features Roman numerals, blued-steel spade hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The white enamel remains bright with only minimal signs of age, while the glass crystal is clear and well-fitted. The watch retains a polished gold crown and bow, adding to its refined presentation.
Inside, the Elgin movement—serial number 862616—is a manual-wind, keyless lever-set movement, indicative of Elgin’s early high-grade production. Based on Elgin’s manufacturing records, this serial number dates the watch to approximately 1881, placing it within the company’s first few decades of operation. The movement likely features 11 to 15 jewels, adjusted for accuracy, with traditional American damaskeening (circular engine-turned finish) on the plates.
Value and Sale Information:
The Elgin National Watch Company, founded in 1864, became synonymous with dependable American timekeeping. Its early watches combined mechanical innovation with exquisite case craftsmanship, appealing to both railroad professionals and the affluent middle class.
This particular example—crafted in solid 14K gold with a detailed hunter case—is a desirable model for collectors. The movement’s early production date (circa 1881) places it in Elgin’s formative years, and the excellent preservation of its case and dial enhances its collectibility.
Comparable Elgin 14K hunter pocket watches from the 1880s typically trade in the $700–$1,100 range, depending on movement grade, weight, and condition.
This example, with its intricate engraving and fine preservation, carries an estimated value of $900.
Offered for sale as-is.
A beautifully preserved Elgin 14K gold pocket watch, dating to the early 1880s — a fine example of American watchmaking artistry and craftsmanship, ideal for collectors of antique gold timepieces.
Condition: Excellent for age; enamel dial clean with light wear, case shows gentle patina and micro-scratches consistent with use; cover hinge firm; movement visually clean but not tested for running condition.
Offered for sale as-is.
A beautifully preserved Elgin 14K gold pocket watch, dating to the early 1880s — a fine example of American watchmaking artistry and craftsmanship, ideal for collectors of antique gold timepieces.
Available payment options
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