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Elgin National Watch Co.
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Elgin G.M. Wheeler Pocket Watch
George May Wheeler was an executive at the Galena & Chicago Railroad which passed through Elgin, Illinois. Mr. Wheeler was an associate William H. Ferry and Benjamin Wright Raymond, both connected to the Galena & Chicago Railroad in the early 1860s. He served on the board of directors from 1864-1867. It is unknown why the company continued to use the Wheeler name for approximately 60 years.
Important Note: G.M. Wheeler movements were often mixed in runs with "nameless" grades. The majority of these runs were not differentiated in serial lists published by the company. As a result, the production estimates listed below also encompass the nameless variants from these runs. The actual production of movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" is likely much less than the production estimates listed below.
Elgin G.M. Wheeler Pocket Watch Grade List
| Est. Production Years: | 1867 - 1876 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 1 |
| Setting: | Key |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 11-13 |
| Adjustments: | Unadjusted |
| Total Production: | 75,146 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 226.24 |
| Introduced: | November 26, 1867 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M1-11j/13j-HGK-U-G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co. |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. The majority of movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler," estimated at 70,346 units.
| Est. Production Years: | 1873 - 1877 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 2 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 11-13 |
| Adjustments: | Unadjusted |
| Total Production: | 10,973 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 33.03 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M2-11j/13j-HGL-U-G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co. |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1873 - 1886 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 1 |
| Setting: | Key |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 13-15 |
| Adjustments: | Unadjusted |
| Total Production: | 53,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 159.57 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M1-13j/15j-HGK-U-G.M. Wheeler/Mixed |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1879 - 1896 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 2/3 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 13-17 |
| Adjustments: | Mixed |
| Total Production: | 163,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 490.75 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M2/M3-13j/15j/17j-HGL-U/A-G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./Mixed |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1887 - 1895 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 5 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 15-17 |
| Adjustments: | Mixed |
| Total Production: | 69,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 207.74 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M5-15j/17j-ONP-U/A-Mixed/Elgin Nat'l Watch Co./G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1887 - 1896 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 5 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 15-17 |
| Adjustments: | Mixed |
| Total Production: | 98,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 295.05 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M5-15j/17j-OGP-U/A-Mixed/Elgin Nat'l Watch Co./Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1887 - 1896 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 3 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 15-17 |
| Adjustments: | U/AT/A |
| Total Production: | 74,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 222.79 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M3-15j/17j-HNL-U/AT/A-Mixed/G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l Watch Co./Elgin Natl. Watch Co./Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co. |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1894 - 1896 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 5 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 15-17 |
| Adjustments: | AT |
| Total Production: | 6,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 18.06 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M5-17j/15j-OGP-AT-Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1895 - 1906 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 5 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 15-17 |
| Adjustments: | AT |
| Total Production: | 33,885 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 102.02 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M5-17j/15j-ONP-AT-Mixed/G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co. |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1896 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 3 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Gilt |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | Adjusted |
| Total Production: | 7,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 21.07 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M3-17j-HGL-A-Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1896 - 1905 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 3 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | AT |
| Total Production: | 41,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 123.44 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M3-17j-HNL-AT-Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" Actual production of G.M. Wheeler movements in this grade classification is unknown.
| Est. Production Years: | 1905 - 1912 |
| Size: | 16 |
| Model: | 6 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI |
| Total Production: | 15,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 45.16 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 16s-M6-17j-HNP-A3PTI-G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co."" However, almost all movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1905 - 1917 |
| Size: | 16 |
| Model: | 7 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | AT |
| Total Production: | 17,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 51.18 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 16s-M7-17j-ONP-AT-G.M. Wheeler |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1906 - 1912 |
| Size: | 12 |
| Model: | 2 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | Adjusted |
| Total Production: | 10,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 30.10 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 12s-M2-17j-HNP-A-G.M. Wheeler |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1906 - 1917 |
| Size: | 12 |
| Model: | 3 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PT |
| Total Production: | 20,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 60.21 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 12s-M3-17j-ONP-A3PT-G.M. Wheeler |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1907 - 1908 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 4 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | Adjusted |
| Total Production: | 3,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 9.03 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M4-17j-HNL-A-Mixed/G.M. Wheeler |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co." and other variants. Only a small number were marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1907 - 1917 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 7 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3P/A |
| Total Production: | 11,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 33.12 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M7-17j-ONL-A3P/A-Mixed/G.M. Wheeler/Overland/G.M. Wheeler/Overland/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./Elgin Nat'l Watch Co./Elgin Natl Watch Co |
Production is mixed with movements marked "G.M. Wheeler" and "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co." and other variants. Only a small number were marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1909 - 1911 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 9 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Hunting |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI |
| Total Production: | 2,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 6.02 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M9-17j-HNL-A3PTI |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1909 - 1911 |
| Size: | 18 |
| Model: | 8 |
| Setting: | Lever |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI |
| Total Production: | 5,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 15.05 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 18s-M8-17j-ONL-A3PTI-G.M. Wheeler/Elgin Nat'l. Watch Co./Not Made |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1917 |
| Size: | 12 |
| Model: | 4 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI/A5PTI |
| Total Production: | 4,900 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 14.75 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 12s-M4-17j-ONP-A3PTI/A5PTI-G.M. Wheeler |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1917 |
| Size: | 12 |
| Model: | 4 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI |
| Total Production: | 1,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 3.01 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 12s-M4-17j-ONP-A3PTI |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Est. Production Years: | 1918 - 1928 |
| Size: | 12 |
| Model: | 4 |
| Setting: | Pendant |
| Configuration: | Openface |
| Movement Finish: | Nickel |
| Jewels: | 17 |
| Adjustments: | A3PTI |
| Total Production: | 69,000 |
| PWDB Rarity Index: | 207.74 |
| Grade Profile Code: | 12s-M4-17j-ONP-A3PTI-G.M. Wheeler |
All known movements are marked "G.M. Wheeler."
| Grade Number | Est. Production Years | Size | Model | Setting | Configuration | Movement Finish | Jewels | Adjustments | Est. Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 1867 - 1876 | 18 | 1 | Key | Hunting | Gilt | 11-13 | U | 75,146 |
| 63 | 1873 - 1877 | 18 | 2 | Lever | Hunting | Gilt | 11-13 | U | 10,973 |
| 81 | 1873 - 1886 | 18 | 1 | Key | Hunting | Gilt | 13-15 | U | 53,000 |
| 82 | 1879 - 1896 | 18 | 2/3 | Lever | Hunting | Gilt | 13-17 | U/A | 163,000 |
| 44 | 1887 - 1895 | 18 | 5 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 15-17 | U/A | 69,000 |
| 75 | 1887 - 1896 | 18 | 5 | Pendant | Openface | Gilt | 15-17 | U/A | 98,000 |
| 103 | 1887 - 1896 | 18 | 3 | Lever | Hunting | Nickel | 15-17 | U/AT/A | 74,000 |
| 147 | 1894 - 1896 | 18 | 5 | Pendant | Openface | Gilt | 15-17 | AT | 6,000 |
| 148 | 1895 - 1906 | 18 | 5 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 15-17 | AT | 33,885 |
| 143 | 1896 | 18 | 3 | Lever | Hunting | Gilt | 17 | A | 7,000 |
| 144 | 1896 - 1905 | 18 | 3 | Lever | Hunting | Nickel | 17 | AT | 41,000 |
| 337 | 1905 - 1912 | 16 | 6 | Pendant | Hunting | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI | 15,000 |
| 338 | 1905 - 1917 | 16 | 7 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 17 | AT | 17,000 |
| 346 | 1906 - 1912 | 12 | 2 | Pendant | Hunting | Nickel | 17 | A | 10,000 |
| 347 | 1906 - 1917 | 12 | 3 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3PT | 20,000 |
| 352 | 1907 - 1908 | 18 | 4 | Lever | Hunting | Nickel | 17 | A | 3,000 |
| 353 | 1907 - 1917 | 18 | 7 | Lever | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3P/A | 11,000 |
| 368 | 1909 - 1911 | 18 | 9 | Lever | Hunting | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI | 2,000 |
| 369 | 1909 - 1911 | 18 | 8 | Lever | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI | 5,000 |
| 441 | 1917 | 12 | 4 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI/A5PTI | 4,900 |
| 449 | 1917 | 12 | 4 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI | 1,000 |
| 452 | 1918 - 1928 | 12 | 4 | Pendant | Openface | Nickel | 17 | A3PTI | 69,000 |
| Est. Total Production: | 788,904 |
Further Reading and References:
1871 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1871
1872 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1872
1873 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1873
1874 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1874
1875 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1875
1876 Elgin Almanac, National Watch Company, 1876
1896 Elgin Material Catalog, Elgin National Watch Company, 1896
1904 Elgin Material Catalog, Elgin National Watch Company, 1904
1915 Elgin Material Catalog, Elgin National Watch Company, 1915
1927 Elgin Material Catalog, Elgin National Watch Company, 1927
c.1950 Elgin Material Catalog Supplements, Elgin National Watch Company, c.1950
The Complete History of Watch Making in America by Charles S. Crossman
The Watch Factories of America Past and Present: A complete history of Watch Making in America by Henry G. Abbott
Elgin National Watch Company, The Keystone, August 1890
NOTE: Production metrics are based on the Elgin Numbered Grade Classification System. Other variants, including "unnamed" movements and movements with different named grades may have recieved the same grade number. The data on these pages attempts to segment and isolate the targeted named grade within the number classification for analysis.