Elgin Model 1, 18-size Grade 7, seven jewel, in heavy pair-case SOLD

SOLD

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This was an extremely satisfying watch restoration, because the very heavy Fahy’s Oresilver (nickel alloy) pair-case has seen little use and remains very tight and crisp with none of the "rattle" that often effects more worn-out examples. 

The 7-jewel Model 1 movement is a common Elgin 18-size, and the low six digit serial number 795233 gives it a production date of 1881. It is a coarse train movement which means it runs at 4.5 beats per second, or 16,200 an hour. Shortly after this was made, Elgin (and most other watchmakers) switched to quick train movements with 18,000 beats per hour. This doesn’t change anything and it will keep good time, but it’s an interesting movement from a very early period of watchmaking. In comparison, modern watches usually run at 28,800 beats per hour (8 per second). 

The movement runs well with great amplitude. It has the original blue steel mainspring that it came with, which has some serviceable life left, but is becoming quite ”set” and tired, and someday, maybe in a few years, could be a candidate for replacing. 

I carried it for a couple days and it kept great time, within a couple minutes per day. For a 7-jewel watch with a tired mainspring this is really good.

Dial has some visible hairlines, and is far from perfect but is serviceable and stable. 

$245

PA residents add 6% sales tax

Pick up at Gettysburg PA or add $15 for shipping to US addresses.