Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 55

Grade 55 is a 7j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 1 movement features a gilt finish.

Grade 55 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels7j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishGilt
  • Model1
  • SettingKey
  • AdjustedNo
  • Railroad GradeNo

Grade 55 Production Info

  • Total Production73,095
  • Number of Runs99
  • Production Years1867-1876
  • First Serial5,001
  • Last Serial444,400
  • Largest Run5,000
  • Smallest Run1
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

Runs of Grade 55 feature the following names:
J.T. Ryerson [42,084]- 7 Jewels, Solid Nickel Balance
W.H. Ferry [11,777] - 11 Jewels, Solid Nickel Balance
Mat. Laflin [15,584] - 7 Jewels, Expansion Balance
G.M. Wheeler [2,000] - 11 Jewels, Expansion Balance
Ambiguous (Named or Nameless) [1,650] - 7-11 Jewels

The 93rd run of Grade 55 (442,001-444,000) should be named Ryerson, Ferry, or Laflin. However, several "G.M. Wheeler" examples have been reported near the end of the run. According to company serial lists, the next 13 runs alternate between Grade 55 and "Wheeler" as the runs designated "Grade 55" and "Wheeler" are phased out. While future grades are named "Wheeler," the last run designated as "Wheeler" instead of a grade number in the 1896 Material Catalog is 444,401-445,000. The equivalent "Grade 57" continues beyond this point but is not indicated as "Wheeler" in serial lists.