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Vintage Elgin Open-Face Pocket Watch – Arabic Numeral Dial, Engraved C - $275
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Watch Details:
Dial: White enamel (porcelain) dial with large, legible Arabic numerals, red five-minute markers, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. Signed "ELGIN".
Case: Silveroid or nickel-silver case (silver-colored base metal) with hand-engraved decorative borders and a blank, shield-shaped cartouche on the back, ready for monogramming. The crown and bow (bail) are intact.
Movement: Elgin mechanical movement. The specific serial number (visible inside the case back) can be used to date it precisely, likely to the 1910s-1920s.
Style: Open-face design (no front cover), typical for a working man's or railroad-style watch.
Condition:
The watch is in good, honest vintage condition. The dial is clean with light, even patina and no major cracks or chips—the red accents are vibrant. The case shows moderate overall wear with some brassing (base metal showing through) on the high points of the engraving and edges. The crystal is likely glass and may have light scratches. The movement's function is unknown and will likely require service. A solid, attractive candidate for restoration or display.
Why It's a Desirable Example:
Superior Dial: The high-contrast, red-accented dial is one of the most sought-after and attractive styles for collectors.
Engraved Case: The engraving adds significant visual appeal.
Elgin Heritage: A well-preserved example from a premier American manufacturer.
Perfect for: The pocket watch collector seeking a classic, legible dial, a restoration enthusiast with a great base to work from, or anyone wanting a handsome display piece of American industrial history.
A standout watch with a dial designed to be read at a glance. A true piece of functional art from the machine age.