Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 79


Photo Contributed By Groovysalsa
Grade 79 is a 15j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 1 movement features a gilt 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 79 Movement Characteristics

  • Size18s
  • Jewels15j
  • ConfigurationHunting
  • FinishGilt
  • Model1
  • SettingKey
  • AdjustedYes
  • Railroad GradeYes

Grade 79 Production Info

  • Total Production14,900
  • Number of Runs9
  • Production Years1873-1885
  • First Serial277,001
  • Last Serial1,792,000
  • Largest Run4,000
  • Smallest Run900
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

The Grade 79 is the Key-Wind Version of the Grade 80.

The 1885 Otto Young catalog describes the "H.H. Taylor" and Grade 80/79 as "Expansion Balance, Adjusted, 15 Jewels (4 pairs in settings), Patent Regulator. Key Wind: $24.00, Stem Wind: $30.00.

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

Associated Grades

80