Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 150

Grade 150 is a 20j or 21j Openface watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 5 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 150 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels20j or 21j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model5
  • SettingPendant
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes
  • Railroad Grade ClassClass C

Grade 150 Production Info

  • Total Production7,820
  • Number of Runs23
  • IntroducedOctober 1, 1894
  • Production Years1896-1900
  • First Serial6,349,001
  • Last Serial8,491,000
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run1
  • 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)
Soft Enamel Dial
Glass Enamel Dial in 1896 ACB Catalog
20j in 1898 S.F. Meyer Catalog (Adjusted to T, I, and Position, D.S.D)
1897 BH Catalog: "Finest Adjustment" and DS Glass Enamel Dial

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

Notes From Master Records:
Stop works retained as of January 1, 1895.
7,435,001-*: Marked E.N.W.Co.
7,875,001-*: Recoil clicks and dust rings
180 of the Grade 150 movements were modified to Grade 277 (Changed from pendant-set to lever-set)
[NAWCC Bulletin:https://nawcc.org/images/stories/publications/railroaders_column_pdfs/331_219.pdf]


Observations From First Run (Mixed 20-Jewel and 21-Jewel):
6,349,029: Unmarked 20-Jewel, Blackletter Dial [IC185:http://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/7823991387]
6,349,077: Unmarked 20-Jewel, Blackletter Dial [IC185:http://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/7823991387]
6,349,470: Reported as 20-Jewel [NAWCC:https://mb.nawcc.org/threads/21-jewel-grade-150-elgin-pocket-watch.25670/]