Best Estate Services
Timed Auction

Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones

Sat, Nov 8, 2025 06:00PM EST - Sun, Nov 23, 2025 03:00PM EST
  2025-11-08 18:00:00 2025-11-23 15:00:00 America/New_York Best Estate Services Best Estate Services : Pocket Watches ; Jewelry & Jewelry Grade Gemstones https://auction.bestestateservices.com/auctions/best-estate-services/pocket-watches-jewelry-jewelry-grade-gemstones-20983
$1.00 Starting Bids NO RESERVES! Opens Nov 8, staggered lot closing Nov 23. An exclusive auction of men’s vintage pocket watches, fine jewelry, and jewelry-grade gemstones. Featuring gold and silver timepieces from Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, and more, plus 14K–18K gold rings, chains, and collectible opals, emeralds, and quartz from around the world. No reserves — all bids start at just $1! Opens Nov 8, closes Nov 23.
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Timed Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot
Lot 964

Elgin National Watch Co. Pocket Watch – Serial #5168024 – Fahys Coin Silver Case

Estimate: $10 - $1,000
Starting Bid
$1

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $1
$20 $5
$500 $10
$1,000 $25
$5,000 $50
$10,000 $100
$15,000 $500
$20,000 $1,000
$50,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
$500,000 $10,000

Antique Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch – keywind Model 2 movement – Fahys Coin Silver No.1 case – serial #5168024 – circa 1888.


Description:

A handsome late-19th-century Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch, an excellent example of early American horology. The movement bears the serial number 5168024, which dates to approximately 1888. It features a gilded three-quarter plate movement, engraved “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co.”, and includes a “Safety Pinion”—a signature Elgin innovation that helped prevent damage to the train in the event of a mainspring break.

The balance cock is elegantly hand-engraved with a geometric motif, and the blued-steel screws and polished regulator pointer highlight the precision of Elgin’s production during this golden era of American watchmaking.

This watch is housed in a Fahys Coin Silver No.1 case, stamped on the inside back cover with:

  • “FAHYS”

  • “COIN”

  • “No. 1”

  • Case number M7948

Additional patent dates stamped inside the dust cover read:
“Pat. Apr. 5, 1881” and “Pat. Apr. 22, 1884”—confirming this as an original Fahys case from the 1880s. The case also shows hand-engraved watchmaker service marks, a testament to its long life and professional maintenance.

The dial is a clean white enamel with Roman numerals, blued-steel spade hands, and a seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co.” The simplicity of the face contrasts elegantly with the rich, warm tone of the movement and silver case.

Value and Sale Information:

This piece represents an important chapter in Elgin’s early production, demonstrating the brand’s technical sophistication and widespread popularity in late-19th-century America. The Fahys Coin Silver No.1 case adds substantial collector appeal, being one of the most respected American case manufacturers of the period.

Comparable Elgin keywind pocket watches in coin silver cases typically bring $350–$600, with condition and originality driving value.

This particular example, with its complete movement, original Fahys case, and excellent presentation, is valued around $475.


Offered for sale as-is.

A well-preserved Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch, combining robust 19th-century engineering with a classic silver American case — a fine addition to any vintage timepiece collection.

 

Condition: Very good for age; case shows light wear and even patina; dial clean with faint hairlines; movement visually clean; not tested for running condition.

Offered for sale as-is.

A well-preserved Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch, combining robust 19th-century engineering with a classic silver American case — a fine addition to any vintage timepiece collection.

 


 

Available payment options

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Timed Auction Terms & Conditions No Reserve ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS. This auction is not an approval sale, and all sales are final. No returns will be accepted under any circumstances. 1. Conditions of Sale This is a public sale conducted by Best Estate Services, Inc. (“the Auctioneer”). Best Estate Services, Inc. acts solely as an agent for the items being sold. By bidding on any item, the purchaser agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Sale and any other terms announced or published 2. As-Is Condition All items (hereinafter referred to as “item(s), lot(s), article(s), property,” etc.) are sold AS IS, without any guarantee or warranty, express or implied. Best Estate Services, Inc., its agents, employees, and/or consignors make no representations or warranties regarding the correctness of the catalog, description, authenticity, condition, size, quality, rarity, provenance, or historical relevance of any property. No statement, whether oral or written, shall be deemed a guarantee unless expressly stated in writing. 3. Item Inspection All prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect the items prior to bidding. If an in-person inspection is not possible, bidders are responsible for requesting condition reports and/or additional photographs before bidding. Descriptions and reports are provided in good faith, but all items are antique or vintage and may show signs of age or wear. 4. Last-Minute Bidding Due to internet latency or device factors, last-second bids may not register correctly. To avoid errors, bidders are encouraged to refresh their browser frequently near the close of bidding. Final auction results will stand as recorded in our system. To prevent last-second issues, bidders are encouraged to use the “Max Bid” feature. 5. Buyer’s Fees A Buyer’s Premium will be added to all winning bids to determine the final purchase price. Internet Premium: 23% Credit Card Processing Fee: 3% 6. Payment Terms Currency: USD Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover — American Express not accepted) Cashier’s Check Wire Transfer Cash will not be accepted at any local pick-up location. All invoices must be paid online or via approved non-cash methods prior to pick-up. For purchases under $1,500, payment may be made by credit/debit card, cashier’s check, or wire transfer. For purchases over $1,500, payment must be made by cashier’s check (with a bank letter of reference) or wire transfer. Checks should be made payable to: BEST ESTATE SERVICES INC. To coordinate wire transfers, call (262) 799-5167. ⚠️ Please Note: BIDSQUARE only collects credit card information for bidder verification. Invoices: Invoices including shipping and handling charges will be sent Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. All invoices must be paid immediately upon receipt. 7. Shipping & Pick-Up Information General Policy: Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s). If you are the successful bidder, you may either: Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period. For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at: 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167 8. Shipping Details All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed. Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required. 9. Local Pick-Up All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Important Pick-Up Rules: No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival. If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization. Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window. Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed. 10. Storage Fees All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close. Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value. Thank You Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again. 📧 hello@bestestateservices.com 📞 (262) 799-5167

Shipping

Shipping & Pick-Up Information

General Policy:

Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s).

If you are the successful bidder, you may either:

Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period.

For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 hello@bestestateservices.com

📞 (262) 799-5167

8. Shipping Details

All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed.

Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required.

9. Local Pick-Up

All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Important Pick-Up Rules:

No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival.
If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization.
Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window.
Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed.

10. Storage Fees

All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close.
Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value.

Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.

📧 hello@bestestateservices.com
 

📞 (262) 799-5167

Details:

  • Maker: Elgin National Watch Co., Elgin, Illinois

  • Movement Serial Number: 5168024

  • Model: 2

  • Grade: Likely Grade 95 (13-size, 7 jewels typical)

  • Movement Type: Manual-wind, lever escapement, keywind/keyset

  • Jewels: Estimated 7

  • Dial: White enamel with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds

  • Hands: Blued-steel spade style

  • Case: Fahys Coin Silver No.1

  • Case Material: Coin silver (.900 fine)

  • Case Number: M7948

  • Patents: April 5, 1881 & April 22, 1884

  • Era: Circa 1888

  • Condition: Very good for age; case shows light wear and even patina; dial clean with faint hairlines; movement visually clean; not tested for running condition.