Pocket Watch Database
Contributor
AIexander
Supporter
Member Since
August 18, 2023
Watches
97
Verifications
1
This Watch Was Admired By:
Other J. F. Wilson
Serial #5
Movement Image
Dial Image
Case Exterior Image
Case Markings Image
| Manufacturer | Other |
| Grade | J. F. Wilson |
| Serial Number | 5 |
| Size | 18s |
| Model | Elgin Tourbillon |
| Jewel Count | ? |
| Setting | Pendant |
| Finish | Gilt |
| Case Material | |
| Case Manufacturer | |
| Case Grade/Model | |
| Case Serial # | |
| Case Details | Additional case band added to accommodate thickness of the movement. |
| Dial Material | |
| Dial Type | |
| Dial Style | |
| Dial Signing Name | |
| Dial Details | Here’s a one minute tourbillon made by John F. Wilson, who worked as a machinist at the Elgin National Watch Company for a whopping 42 years of his life. Wilson used Elgin Watch Co. material in order to make his tourbillons (apparently this movement was originally a B. W. Raymond). These tourbillons are a bit crude compared to most, but still quite interesting. The movements are thick, and Wilson apparently used a clock spring to power these conversions. After he retired from the Elgin Watch Company, he moved to Florida. Unfortunately, in 1972, Wilson perished when his trailer caught fire and he was unable to escape. He was 81 years old at the time of his death. He’s buried in Bluff City Cemetery in Elgin, Illinois and created somewhere around 15 of these Elgin tourbillon conversions during his lifetime. |
| Movement Markings | J. F. Wilson No. 5 |
Contributed to the database by AIexander on May 31, 2025.
This collection record was most recently edited on May 31, 2025.
This collection record was most recently edited on May 31, 2025.