Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 214

Veritas (No. 214). O.F. Only, Lever Set. Nickel, 23 Extra Fine Ruby Jewels (Raised Gold Settings), Adjusted to Temperature, Isochronishm and Positions, Quick Train with Gold Wheels, Straight Line Double Roller Escapement with Steel Escape Wheel, Poised Pallet and Fork, Pallet Arbor and Escape Pinion Cone Pivoted and Cap Jeweled, Exposed Pallets, Compensating Balance, Breguet Hair Spring, Micrometric Regulator, Patent Safety Barrel with Spring Box Rigidly Mounted on Bridge, Barrel Arbor Pivots Running in Jewels, Display Winidng Work, Patent Recoiling Click, Patent Self-Locking Setting Device, Double Sunk Glass Enamel Dial, Dust Ring, Plates Beautifully Damakseened, Closely Timed and Finely Finished Throughout.

Grade 214 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels23j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model8
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes
  • Railroad Grade ClassClass A

Grade 214 Production Info

  • Total Production22,700
  • Number of Runs22
  • IntroducedMarch 1901
  • Production Years1900-1912
  • First Serial8,400,001
  • Last Serial16,602,200
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run200
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

Introduced to the trade on March 1, 1901 in the new "Model 1901" product line. [Jewelers' Circular, March 6, 1901]

The No. 214 Veritas movement introduced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1901 represents the first 23-Jewel railroad watch produced by the company. Adorned with the name “Veritas,” this prestigious movement featured 23 ruby jewels in raised gold settings, gold train wheels, a double roller escapement with cap jewels, steel escape wheel, jeweled safety barrel, and was adjusted to the highest degree for precise railroad timekeeping.

The Grade 214 remained part of Elgin’s product lineup until around 1912, when the market trended toward smaller watches, especially for railroad service.


The 1907 A.C. Becken Catalog describes jeweling as "23 extra find ruby jewels." No indication of Sapphire or Diamond jewels. Adjustment is described as "adjusted to temperature, isochronism and positions."

According to Elgin Master Records, the Grade 214 was first fitted with diamond endstones with serial 10,859,001. However, reports indicate a possible later implementation). Sapphire pallet stones were fitted starting with serial 13,425,701.

Master Record Notes:

10859001 First watches with Diamond Endstones for Bal. Caps
C. Center 3rd + 4th Wheels commence - 11926501
Swiss Main Springs - Nov. 1st 1906
Veritas
Order Chicago 2/11 - 07 To have Gilded Engraving
Reg. Spring - commenced 13425501
Sapphire Pallet Stones - commence - 13425701
Pallet Arbor + Esc. Pin. with 24-26 pivots begin 15475201
Service winding wheels - begin with No. 13833101 - May 13, 19010
Stamped "Adjusted 5 positions" beginning at No. 15475001 - 6/18/12
Trained in Adjusting Dept beginning at 16022301
Order C?? 9/16/12 - Use Balance meantime Studs and Nuts
Oval Sapph. Pallet stones begin with - 13425701 - 7/8/13
Nov. 17 1913 Changes back to Flat Sapph. Pallet Stones begin at # No Flat Sapph Pallet Stones
Nut Screw changes from Gold to Nickel 3/16/16
Change order: 1385
Change order: 3365