Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 149

Grade 149 is a 20j or 21j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 2 movement features a nickel finish and is adjusted to 5 positions, isochronism and temperature. Elgin introduced this particular grade to the market October 1, 1894. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.

Grade 149 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels20j or 21j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishNickel
  • Model2
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes
  • Railroad Grade ClassClass C

Grade 149 Production Info

  • Total Production8,600
  • Number of Runs9
  • IntroducedOctober 1, 1894
  • Production Years1896-1906
  • First Serial6,348,001
  • Last Serial10,422,700
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run100
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

20 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape (Capped), Pallet (Capped), Center (Pairs, Except Center)
21 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape (Capped), Pallet (Capped), Center (Pairs)
21j in 1896 Catalog
Soft Enamel Dial in 1896 Catalog, Glass Enamel Dial in 1903 Oskamp Catalog, 1896 ACB Catalog
20j in 1896 ACB Catalog
20j in 1898 S.F. Meyer Catalog (Adjusted to T, I, and Position)
21j in 1897 Busiest House Catalog, "Finest Adjustment"

First Introduced October 1, 1894 [The Keystone, October 1894]

Notes From Master Records:
Original stop works mechanism was eliminated at some point.
Adjustment upgraded from 3 positions to 5.
Steel escape wheel was added after 6,361,801.
7,027,501-7,028,000: Marked Father Time, new bridges and recoil clicks
Double Roller added in July 1905
10,422,401-10,422,600: New Bridges, Marked "348"
10,422,701-10,423,000: New Bridges, Marked "348"
12,120,001-12,121,000: New Bridges, Marked "348" (July 1906, Listed as 348)
[NAWCC Bulletin:https://nawcc.org/images/stories/publications/railroaders_column_pdfs/331_219.pdf]

Evidence supports that Run 7 [8,489,001-8,490,000] may not have been manufactured (no known observations).

Observations From First Run (Mixed 20-Jewel and 21-Jewel):
6,348,007: Unmarked 20-Jewel [eBay:https://www.ebay.com/itm/ELGIN-20-JEWEL-18S-GRADE-149-VERY-EARLY-FIRST-RUN-POCKET-WATCH-MVT-/122861787414?hash=item1c9b221916%3Ag%3AaCAAAOSwbtNaM0OQ&nma=true&si=Wj%252Fc%252B7duzDYKBlDEOrlFLb%252BUlFk%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557]
6,348,195: Reported as Unmarked Jewel Count (Likely 20-Jewel) [NAWCC:https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/elgin-grade-149-20-jewel-latest-find.83659/]
6,348,316: Unmarked 20-Jewel, Tight Geometric Radial Pattern [NAWCC:https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/elgin-grade-149-20-jewel-latest-find.83659/]
6,348,413: Unmarked 20-Jewel [NAWCC:https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/elgin-grade-149-20-jewel-latest-find.83659/]
6,348,473: (Serial Blurry) Unmarked 20-Jewel, Blackletter Dial [IHC185:http://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/2563983097]
6,348,575: Unmarked 20-Jewel [Photo Observation]
6,348,962: Reported as 21-Jewels (No mention of marked or not) [PWDB]
6,348,966: Reported as Marked 21-Jewels [PWDB]



From Master Records for Grade 149:
----------
Originally
Engraved - Gilded
Steel Escape Wheels - 6361801
Screws Revised Mch. 1. 1896.
Recoiling Clicks + Dust Rings 8489001

500 No. 149 - 7027500-600-700-800-900
New Bridges Engraved "Father Time" (order Oct. 30 - 1901)
Gilded Engraving - These were returned to Plate and made for Recoiling Click
April 29

Order for 1500 - Engraved "Father Time" on B. Br. Same as 500 above
Fold Settings - Gilded Engravings
10422400-500-600-700-800-900 Changed to Double Roller - July 1905
10422500-700-800-900; 12120000-100-200-300-400 Changed to Grade 348 Discarded Bar. Bridge making New ones Engraving them 348 July - '06

[In different handwriting]
10 422 - listed as grade 149, but marked No. 348
12 120: listed as grade 348
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Associated Grades

252