Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 266


Photo Contributed By davehere
Grade 266 is a 21j Openface watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 7 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 266 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels21j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model7
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 266 Production Info

  • Total Production989
  • Number of Runs4
  • Production Years1897-1897
  • First Serial6,592,701
  • Last Serial6,655,700
  • Largest Run657
  • Smallest Run32
  • Most Common Run200

Research Notes

17 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape, Pallet, Center (Pairs)
21 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape (Capped), Pallet (Capped), Center (Pairs)

All Grade 266 movements are upgraded from original Grade 166 (from 17 to 21 jewels). Two relevant runs are designated as Grade 166 in the 1896 Material Catalog Serial List:
6592001-6593000
6655001-6656000

In the 1904 Material Catalog Serial List, these runs have been split, with some remaining Grade 166 and others redefined as 266:
6592701-6593000: Grade 266 in 1904 MC (2 Consecutive Runs)
6655011-6655042: Grade 266 in 1904 MC
6655044-6655700: Grade 266 in 1904 MC

Grade 166 is part of the "Artistic Series" introduced c.1896, which did not sell as well as Elgin had hoped.
6592001-6592700 Remained listed as Grade 166
6655043 Remained listed as a singular Grade 166
6655701-6656000 Remained listed as Grade 166