Up for sale is a beautiful antique Elgin men’s manual-wind dress watch, featuring a decorative fancy dial and a signed Philadelphia Watch Case Company Silverode case. The watch is powered by an American-made Elgin Grade 118, 11-jewel movement dating to approximately 1893 based on movement serial number 4,835,232.
One of the most distinctive features of this watch is its elegant white fancy dial, decorated with gold-colored floral and fleur-de-lis-style accents. Stylized black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and blue hands with open-circle detailing give the watch a striking antique presentation. A subsidiary seconds display sits at the 6 o’clock position.
The watch is in full working condition and running and holding accurate time. It is fitted with an aftermarket black leather strap.
The case is signed “Philadelphia Watch Case Co.” with the company’s crown emblem and “Silverode” designation inside the back. Silverode is a silver-colored nickel alloy, rather than sterling or solid silver. The case features fixed strap lugs and complements the decorative dial beautifully.
The Philadelphia Watch Case Company traces its origins to 1884 and became an established American manufacturer of watch cases. Originally based in Philadelphia, the business relocated to Riverside, New Jersey, in 1892. The combination of an Elgin movement and a separately signed Philadelphia case brings together two historic names in American watchmaking.
The movement features attractive gilt-finished plates, blue screws, decorative engraving, and the signatures “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co.” and “Safety Pinion.” The circa-1893 date refers specifically to the movement; the case is of later manufacture, and the date of assembly in its present wristwatch configuration has not been established.
The watch is in very good vintage physical condition with signs of use and age. The photos best describe its physical condition and should be reviewed carefully prior to purchase.
Key Details:
* Brand: Elgin
* Movement: Grade 118, Model 2, 11-jewel manual wind
* Movement Serial Number: 4,835,232
* Movement Date: Circa 1893
* Movement Finish: Gilt
* Case Manufacturer: Philadelphia Watch Case Company
* Case Material: Silverode nickel alloy
* Case Serial Number: 981,688
* Dial: Decorative white fancy dial with black Arabic numerals and gold-colored accents
* Functions: Hours, minutes, subsidiary seconds
* Strap: Aftermarket black leather
* Working Condition: Full working condition and holding accurate time
* Physical Condition: Very good vintage condition with signs of use and age
A beautiful antique Elgin combining an ornate fancy dial, a nineteenth-century American-made movement, and a signed case from a historic American manufacturer. A distinctive addition to a collection of antique Elgin watches or early American timepieces.
Ships carefully. Feel free to message me with any questions.