[stevenwr]

Hello. This Elgin was bought for my grandfather by his father in 1922 as a wedding gift. It was given to me on Christmas day. It means the world to me. I'm trying to learn about it. I've never seen one with this dial. Does anyone recognize this exact dial? I've heard that jewelers would have other dials, sometimes made by other companies, that they could put on a watch if the customer didn't like the factory installed dial. Does anyone know if this watch came from the factory with this dial? It's a 1922 Elgin grade 315 size 12. Thank you so much!

Steve.

[Image removed by stevenwr]

 

[Ray MacDonald]

I haven't seen this particular dial but I would think it's probably an original factory made Elgin one, given the time of manufacture. This was at a time when the metal painted watch dial was taking over from the older enamel (black/white) one and so two-tone and early art deco motifs would be all the rage. You have a very handsome penknife fob to go with it.
All in all quite a lovely heirloom and thanks for posting the picture. A "Great Gatsby" style of watch to be sure.

 

[stevenwr]

Hi, Ray.

Thanks for the compliments on the watch and the fob. By the way, if you have any information on the fob, I'd love to hear it. I don't know anything about it, other than the fact that my grandfather used it to clean his fingernails. I don't know if it was bought with the watch or not.

Thanks again.

Steve.

 

[Ray MacDonald]

Well obviously a fob can be used to hold on to with one hand while you hold the watch in the other, or to pull the watch out out of your pocket. Most guys wore a vest with the watch in one pocket and the fob in the other with the chain in between. But I'm sure you know that already.
Your fob looks like it might feature a combination of knife and watch case opener but I can't be sure. Does the watch case have some sort of hinged cover over the movement?
I would be almost certain the fob and chain came new with the watch, as nobody buying a new pocket watch as a gift would neglect the chain/fob.

 

[stevenwr]

Hi, Ray.

Wow, that's really neat that the fob and chain might also be original to the watch.

The watch does not have hinged cover. The bezel and back both screw on and off the case.

The fob has a small knife on one side, and on the other side is a long, slender thing with a serrated edge, like a small file. By the way, on the loop of the knife, it says "GOLD TOP" so I assume it's gold fill like the watch.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge.

Steve.

Well obviously a fob can be used to hold on to with one hand while you hold the watch in the other, or to pull the watch out out of your pocket. Most guys wore a vest with the watch in one pocket and the fob in the other with the chain in between. But I'm sure you know that already.
Your fob looks like it might feature a combination of knife and watch case opener but I can't be sure. Does the watch case have some sort of hinged cover over the movement?
I would be almost certain the fob and chain came new with the watch, as nobody buying a new pocket watch as a gift would neglect the chain/fob.

 

[WNUT]

Hello. This Elgin was bought for my grandfather by his father in 1922 as a wedding gift. It was given to me on Christmas day. It means the world to me. I'm trying to learn about it. I've never seen one with this dial. Does anyone recognize this exact dial? I've heard that jewelers would have other dials, sometimes made by other companies, that they could put on a watch if the customer didn't like the factory installed dial. Does anyone know if this watch came from the factory with this dial? It's a 1922 Elgin grade 315 size 12. Thank you so much!
Steve.

Hi, Elgin did use that style of dial in the early 1900's. Usually from about 1915 to the late 20's. By style, I mean the center circle. It could be a scene, like your's or just an imprinted or indented circle. Other watch companies did the same.
I had one somewhat like it, but sold it. Otherwise I'd show you a pic of what I mean.
I believe it's original...IMHO
Hope this helps a little.
regards, Dave
PS - That watch movement (your watch) was made from 1903 until 1939. 1,033,900 were made. It has 15 Jewels.

 

[stevenwr]

Hi, WNUT.

Thanks for the information. I've seen lots of Elgins with the center circle, many with designs. It's amazing to me how many different designs there were in that center circle. No two seem to be alike, but that doesn't make sense from a manufacturing point of view. It seems like they'd have to reset their printer for each watch dial. I know they must have made multiples of this design and of other designs, but I haven't seen any. In fact, the closed I've seen was on an American Standard brand watch from the 1930's.

Thanks again for the help.

Steve.

Hi, Elgin did use that style of dial in the early 1900's. Usually from about 1915 to the late 20's. By style, I mean the center circle. It could be a scene, like your's or just an imprinted or indented circle. Other watch companies did the same.
I had one somewhat like it, but sold it. Otherwise I'd show you a pic of what I mean.
I believe it's original...IMHO
Hope this helps a little.
regards, Dave
PS - That watch movement (your watch) was made from 1903 until 1939. 1,033,900 were made. It has 15 Jewels.

 

[Ray MacDonald]

Well in this case it sounds like a conventional penknife with a nail file for personal grooming.