Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 343


Photo Contributed By gma3005
Grade 343 is a 17j Openface watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 7 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 343 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels17j
  • ConfigurationOpenface
  • FinishNickel
  • Model7
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 343 Production Info

  • Total Production1,000
  • Number of Runs1
  • Production Years1906-1906
  • First Serial12,285,001
  • Last Serial12,286,000
  • Largest Run1,000
  • Smallest Run1,000
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

#12285095: Reported as Private Label Marked “The Atlantic” for “N. Gamse New York.” [NAWCC]
#12285119: Verified as Private Label Marked “The Atlantic - N. Gamse. - New York - 17 Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Pinion.” [PWDB]
#12285274: Verified as Marked “Elgin Nat’l. Watch Co. U.S.A. - 17 Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Pinion” with “A.N. Anderson Standard Time” dial. [watchesbyhourminsec]
#12285282: Reported as Private Label for A.N. Anderson. (Verified Dial Marked “A.N. Anderson Standard Time”) [Barnebys]
#12285297: Reported as Marked “Elgin Nat’l. Watch Co.” with “A.N. Anderson Dial” [IHC]
#12285535: Verified as Marked “Overland - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A. - 17 Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Pinion.” [Milanuncios]
#12285595 Verified as Marked "Overland - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A. - 17 Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Pinion.” [NAWCC]
#12285608: Verified as Marked “G.M. Wheeler - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A. - 17 Jewels - Adjusted - Safety Pinion.” [SH]
#12285630 Verified as Marked "G.M. Wheeler - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A." on barrel bridge. These movements each have a different damaskeening pattern. [NAWCC]
#12285821: Strong statistical evidence of a surviving example.
#12285982: Reported as surviving Grade 343 example [NAWCC].

Based on these observations of surviving examples, it is likely the first batch of movements [12285001-~12285200] were marked ”The Atlantic” and sold by N. Gamse. The next batch [~12285201-12285300] were sold to A.N. Anderson, marked “Elgin Nat’l. Watch Co. U.S.A.” and furnished with dials marked “A.N. Anderson Standard Time.” There is a notable gap between ~12285301-~12285500. However, statistical evidence supports that production continued through this block, but we currently lack explicit reports of surviving examples. The next batch [~12285501-~12285600] was marked “Overland - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A.” The next batch [~12285601-~12285650] were marked “G.M. Wheeler - Elgin, Ill. U.S.A.” These serial number splits are subject to change in the future as additional information is discovered. There is also strong statistical support of a surviving example at serial #12285821 and a reported “Grade 343” surviving example at #12285982.