Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 70

Grade 70 is a 15j or 17j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 2 movement features a gilt finish and is adjusted to 2 positions. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade.

Grade 70 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j or 17j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishGilt
  • Model2
  • SettingLever
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 70 Production Info

  • Total Production74,500
  • Number of Runs53
  • Production Years1873-1896
  • First Serial246,501
  • Last Serial6,148,000
  • Largest Run5,000
  • Smallest Run12
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

The Grade 70 is the Stem-Wind Version of the Grade 69.

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

The 1885 Otto Young catalog describes the "B.W. Raymond" and Grade 70/69 as "Expansion Balance, Adjusted, Double Sunk Dial, 15 Jewels (4 pairs in settings), Patent Regulator. Key Wind: $42.50, Stem Wind: $55.00.

F.M Sproehnle & Co. published an advertisement in the November 7, 1894 issue of The Jewelers' Circular closing out the Elgin H.H. Taylor movements. The following B.W Raymond movements were also offered as alternative options.

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

Associated Grades

69