Bidspirit auction | Elgin National Watch Company 18-Size

Elgin National Watch Company 18-Size Open Face Pocket Watch Grade 7 Model 1 1881 - An antique open-face pocket watch manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company. This size 18 watch features a white enamel dial with black Roman numeral hour markers, a rail track minute ring, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position. The dial is signed ELGIN NATL WATCH CO. The timepiece is powered by a full-plate manual wind movement, serial number 904109, which dates to approximately 1881. The movement is engraved in cursive script with Elgin Natl Watch Co. and Elgin Ill., and includes a Patent Pinion. The watch is housed in an 18 percent nickel base metal case produced by Keystone, featuring the manufacturer's keystone hallmark and serial number 528210 inside the case back. Hand-scratched watchmaker service marks, including S/027WM and S/634WM, are visible on the interior rim of the case. The watch is currently attached to a distressed brown leather loop fob strap. Case diameter: 2 inches (51 mm) Total length: 11.5 inches. The watch does not run. The white enamel dial shows multiple hairline cracks radiating from the center toward 11 o'clock and through the subsidiary seconds dial, with minor chipping around the center post hole. The three blued steel hands exhibit significant oxidation and surface rust. The case shows heavy surface scratching, minor pitting on the back cover, and overall tarnish consistent with age. The leather fob is heavily worn, showing dryness and surface cracking. The crystal has some surface scratches.