Rare, antique 1905 Elgin wristwatch with a fancy dial in excellent condition for its age. The 15 jewel movement runs fast and has a mechanical stem winder for a 24 hr operation. The accuracy of the movement has not been assessed since the watch runs many minutes fast over a 24 hour operation. As seen in the picture, the movement as the means to be easily regulated by an experienced horologist. Over the past two weeks, the watch has been wound six times and has run successfully, but fast, over each 24 hour operation.

I purchased this watch as an investment over 25 years ago from a watch dealer who did not provide previous owner information. The watch has been stored in a safe, and taken out once a year to be wound and run. I have not serviced the watch. The movement looks very clean upon visual inspection.

The dial is white, with fancy gold accents, appears to be porcelain (as observed under a microscope) and is in excellent condition — no discoloration, blemishes, or cracks. The hands have a fancy design and are gold colored with a slight discoration on the minute hand (clearly visible under the microscope; barely visible with the naked eye). The crystal is in excellent condition, no visible scratches, nicks or cracks, and may have been replaced by the watch dealer since it is in such excellent condition for a 119 year old watch. The case is made by Star Watch Co, is stainless steel and in good condition — small scratches due normal wear by a previous owner. The sides of the case have an art-deco style cross stitch pattern. The crown is stainless steel with fine scratches. The band is a new regular, 19mm crocodile black leather band (unbranded) with a gold colored clasp that was provided by the watch dealer.

Observed on the movement:

Elgin National Watch Co

15 jewels

Serial #: 11501024

Safety Pinion

Specifics on the movement (provided by Elgin Watches Serial Numbers index website):

Production year: 1905

Size: 0s

Grade: 318

Model: 2

Class: 116

Run Quantity: 4000

Observed on the case back next to the crown: Star emblem Base Metal

Observed on the interior of the case back:

Star Watch Case Co

Stainless Steel Back

2950464

For a rare 119 year old time piece made in the USA, this watch is in very good condition. It would make an exceptional addition to any watch collection. I have not been able to find on the Internet an equivalent, running 1905 Elgin wrist watch with such a fancy, possibly porcelain dial. I suggest the watch be serviced, adjusted, and lubricated upon purchase by a competent horologist. As with all antique watch movements, there is no quaranty that watch will continue to operate in the future. The watch is sold as is, no returns. Serious bidders only please.