Pocket Watch Database

Elgin Grade 80

Grade 80 is a 15j Hunting watch maufacturered by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 2 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 80 Movement Characteristics

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

Grade 80 Production Info

  • Total Production41,000
  • Number of Runs17
  • Production Years1874-1895
  • First Serial338,501
  • Last Serial5,540,000
  • Largest Run5,000
  • Smallest Run500
  • Most Common Run1,000

Research Notes

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

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

79