Elgin “Mat. Laflin” very early 7-jewel movement from 1871
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This is one of the earliest Elgin watches I’ve worked on, with serial number 63563 dating its production to 1871, the second full year of Elgin watch manufacture. Elgin would make over 60 million watches, and this one's in the first 0.1% to be made.
It is an 18-size, 7-jewel movement, grade "Mat. Laflin" named for Matthew Laflin who was one of the largest shareholders in the early “National Watch Company of Elgin, Illinois.”
Running smooth with outstanding balance amplitude, powered by an "unbreakable" white alloy mainspring. Keeping excellent time within a minute a day.
Dial is correct for the movement and could very well be the original, it is signed "National Watch Co." which is correct for these very early Elgins. There are a few hairlines and small flakes out of the dial, as most of them do now, but no major damage and it is stable, and looks nice. Matching hands.
The Keystone coin silver watch case is very sharp and complements the early movement well; all closures snap closed tightly and the gold hinges are still very stiff, so the bezel and case back do not "flop" around but hold their positions. It's a very nice case but it has been dropped at some point in the last 140 years, with a couple dents that you can't really notice unless you look for them. Nice thick clear crystal.
Fully serviced in May 2025 and it was an unremarkable and completely routine cleaning. Although there were plenty of signs that this watch has been worked on many, many times in the last 164 years, nothing was damaged, the jewels are all intact, and the white alloy mainspring will probably last for the rest of the century. It's very rare to encounter a movement this old and not find anything that needs repairing or adjusting!
$325
PA residents add 6% sales tax
Pick it up for free at the shop in Gettysburg PA, or add $15 for insured shipping to the U.S.
