Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 33

Grade 33 is a 15j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 2 movement features a nickel finish and is adjusted. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade.

Grade 33 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishNickel
  • Model2
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 33 Production Info

  • Total Production16,000
  • Number of Runs15
  • Production Years1887-1895
  • First Serial2,126,001
  • Last Serial5,989,000
  • Largest Run2,000
  • Smallest Run1,000
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

Most Grade 29 examples are marked "H.H. Taylor." However, several "Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co." examples have been discovered, and mixed runs with the two marking variations have been confirmed.

The Benj. Allen & Co. published an advertisement in the November 14, 1894 issue of The Jewelers' Circular offering a close out for Elgin H.H. Taylor movements, specifying "The Elgin Watch Co. have discontinued the Taylor Movement."

[Listed]
H.H. Taylor, Gilded, 15 Jeweled, adjusted, Hunting or Open Face. [Matches Grade 79]
H.H. Taylor, Nickel, 15 [Jeweled, adjusted,] Hunting Only. [Matches Grade 33]
No. 33, Nickel, 15 Jeweled, adjusted, Hunting.
No. 80, Gilded, 15 [Jeweled, adjusted, Hunting].
No. 76, Gilded, 15 Jeweled, adjusted, Open Face.

F.M Sproehnle & Co. published a similar advertisement in the November 7, 1894 issue of The Jewelers' Circular including the following close out offers.

H.H. Taylor
Compensation Balance, Breguet Hairspring, adjusted, 15 Jewels (4 pairs setting), Patent Regulator, Hunting or Open Face.
Gilded Movement, $15.00 [Matches Grade 79]
Nickel Movement, $18.00 [Matches Grade 33]
No. 80, Gilt, Hunting, $15.00
No. 76, Gilt, Open Face, $15.00
No. 33, Nickel, Hunting, $18.00

New 17=Jewel Elgin
18-Size Movement.
B.W. Raymond.
Compensation Balance, Breguet Hairspring, adjusted, D.S. Dial, 17 Jewels (4 pairs settings), Patent Regulator, Hunting or Open Face.
Gilded Movement, $28.00
Nickel Movement, $32.00
No. 70, Gilt, Hunting, $28.00
No. 77, Gilt, Open Face, $28.00
No. 27, Nickel, Hunting, $32.00
No. 116, Nickel, Open Face, $32.00