Bidspirit auction | Elgin Manual Wind Cushion Case

Elgin Manual Wind Cushion Case Wristwatch with Porcelain Dial - This antique manual wind wristwatch features a white porcelain enamel dial signed ELGIN in black serif lettering. The dial is configured with black Arabic numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position with 10-second graduations, and a red outer minute track marked at 5-minute intervals. The watch is housed in a cushion-shaped base metal case with fixed wire lugs and a large knurled crown. The case sides are decorated with an engraved geometric lattice pattern. The interior case back is stamped S.W.C.CO. above a hexagonal cartouche containing the word STARWHITE, followed by the serial number 0250665. Hand-scratched jeweler's service marks are present on the interior, including the numerals 17163. The mechanical movement is finely decorated with damaskeening and is signed ELGIN NATL WATCH CO U.S.A. and SAFETY PINION. It bears the serial number 14050924. The watch is in running condition. The porcelain dial shows significant damage with multiple intersecting spider cracks and hairlines across the lower half, particularly visible between the 5 and 9 o'clock positions (photo 1). The exterior case back and sides exhibit heavy wear, pitting to the plating, and green verdigris corrosion especially around the lugs and seams (photos 2, 4, and 5). The crystal is heavily scratched and shows significant yellowing consistent with aged celluloid or acrylic (photo 1). The fixed wire lugs are slightly distorted and show heavy oxidation (photo 6). The movement appears visually complete with some surface grime (photo 8).