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Enter the serial number from the pocket watch movement below. Do not use the case number. Tips for looking up your watch

How to Find Info About Your Pocket Watch

The Pocket Watch Database has compiled data covering the major American pocket watch manufacturers and created an easy way to find information using the serial number on the watch movement. Here are a few tips to find information about your pocket watch:

  1. Always input the serial number from the pocket watch movement (the "mechanism" of the watch).
  2. Never use the serial number from the case or any other part.
  3. Always select the correct manufacturer, which is usually stamped on the watch movement or dial.
  4. If the manufacturer is not listed on the site, you may have a "private label" watch or it may not be American-made.
  5. If the serial number includes a letter, enter it along with the number when using the lookup feature.
  6. Many pocket watch case backs screw off. Others may require a dull wide blade to pry or pop the cover. Be careful not to scratch or damage the movement.
  7. Consider uploading images of your watch by creating a collection account on the website. This is compeltely free and assists in promoting research in American horology.
  8. Understand that many companies did not keep accurate or complete records. As a result, information displayed on this site may have inaccuracies. This is to be expected, and we have included an option to report inaccurate information on the result pages so the database can be continually improved.
Pocket Watch Serial Number Lookup - Hamilton, South Bend, Illinois, Rockford, Waltham & Elgin Pocket Watches
  Serial Number:
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Information Provided by PocketWatchDatabase.com: https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/elgin/53278

Grade: 55

J.T. Ryerson

Manufacturer: Elgin
Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 53278
Grade: 55
Variation: J.T. Ryerson
Model: 1
Class: 5
Estimated Production Year: 1871
Run Quantity: 1,000
Grade/Model Run: 29 of 99
Total Production: 73,095
Size: 18s
Jewels: 7j
Movement Configuration: Either
Movement Finish: Gilt
Movement Setting: Key
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Balance Type: Solid
Balance Material: Nickel
Train: Slow
Regulator: Plain
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No
Quality Rating:
U.S. Patents: 77078
Data Research: 1896 Elgin Serial List
1904 Elgin Serial List
1915 Elgin Serial List
1927/1950 Elgin Serial List
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Data Confidence Rating:

Verifications & Observations

53001
Verification Serial Map
54000
  • Cincinnatus
    26
    June 26, 2018:
    Serial Number 53278 was reported as accurate
  • cougwatch
    91
    February 18, 2015:
    Serial Number 53611 was reported as inaccurate
    Note: Hunting Movement Labeled JT Ryerson
  • December 12, 2013:
    Serial Number 53029 was reported as inaccurate
    No further details were submitted with the report.
2