Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 184


Photo Contributed By CG12960
Grade 184 is a 17j Openface watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 5 movement features a nickel finish and is adjustedtemperature. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade.

Grade 184 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels17j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model5
  • SettingPendant
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 184 Production Info

  • Total Production10,120
  • Number of Runs32
  • Production Years1898-1900
  • First Serial7,223,001
  • Last Serial8,502,000
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run10
  • Most Common Run10

Research Notes

Grade 184 momentarily replaced Grade 116 during the production c.1898-1900. No known catalog descriptions are available for the Grade 184 Raymond, especially considering the limited production. One of the primary differences between the 116 and the 184 is that the later was fitted with a steel escape wheel, which was being required by more railroad inspectors during this time. Therefore, it is safe to assume the Grade 184 was intended for railroad service despite the lack of documentation describing level of adjustment.

As pendant-set watches were beginning to be excluded from railroad service on some railroads, Elgin shifted marketing focus to the new Grade 180 Raymond and discontinued the Grade 184 Raymond c.1900.

Elgin published an advertisement in The Keystone November 1901 issue that describes the Full Plate B.W. Raymond as:
"Stem-Wind Movements. Hunting or Open-Face. Named B.W. Raymond. Htg., Lever Set.; O.F. [Lever Set]; O.F., Pend. [Set]; Nickel. 17 ruby jewels (gold settings); adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and positions; quick train, straight line escapement with steel escape wheel; exposed pallets; compensating balance; Breguet hairspring; micrometric regulator; patent recoiling click; double sunk dial; dust ring; damaskeened plates; carefully timed, and finely finished throughout."

The only Open Face, Pendant Set, Nickel, 18-Size Raymond offered by Elgin was the Grade 184. Thus, this description supports the 184 Raymond being adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and positions.

Hunting, Lever-Set: Grade 183
Open Face, Lever-Set: Grade 180
Open Face, Pendant-Set: Grade 184