Nov 8, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
Offered here is a classic early 20th-century American pocket watch by the Elgin National Watch Company, a model that became known as the “working man’s” watch for its combination of durability, dependability, and affordability. Produced around 1911, this piece exemplifies Elgin’s commitment to quality craftsmanship accessible to the everyday tradesman or railroad worker of the period.
The white enamel dial is signed “ELGIN” and features bold Arabic numerals, a red outer minute track, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock. The dial is clean with only light aging and retains excellent legibility. The blued-steel spade and whip hands show attractive coloration and are well matched to the dial’s classic layout.
The nickel-finished movement is beautifully damaskeened and marked:
“Elgin Nat’l Watch Co., U.S.A., 7 Jewels, Safety Pinion.”
The serial number 16468834 dates production to circa 1911, during Elgin’s height as America’s most prolific watchmaker. The safety pinion system was an Elgin innovation designed to prevent damage to the train during mainspring failure—an important feature for reliable daily wear.
The gold-filled case by Kingston, serial number 2334118, is engraved with a pastoral landscape scene on the back and a floral-scroll bezel, giving it both durability and aesthetic charm. The case opens smoothly on both front and rear covers, with interior markings reading:
“Kingston Guaranteed”
and exhibits a warm, even patina consistent with light use and age.
This pocket watch winds, sets, and runs smoothly at the time of cataloging, though accuracy and duration of power reserve have not been tested. Offered as-is.
Elgin’s early 20th-century pocket watches were built for dependability and remain among the most collectible and mechanically reliable vintage American timepieces. This “Working Man’s” 7-jewel model in a handsome gold-filled Kingston case is both historically significant and aesthetically appealing.
Comparable examples in similar condition typically range from $350 to $600, depending on case condition and operation.
This well-preserved example, showing bright engraving and smooth function, is valued around $475.
Offered for sale as-is, this Elgin Working Man’s pocket watch is a fine representation of the rugged practicality and beauty of American horology from the early 1900s.
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This pocket watch winds, sets, and runs smoothly at the time of cataloging, though accuracy and duration of power reserve have not been tested. Offered as-is.
Offered for sale as-is, this Elgin Working Man’s pocket watch is a fine representation of the rugged practicality and beauty of American horology from the early 1900s.
Details:
Maker: Elgin National Watch Co., U.S.A.
Serial Number: 16,468,834
Jewels: 7
Movement: Nickel damaskeened finish, safety pinion, open-face design
Dial: White enamel with black Arabic numerals and red minute track
Hands: Blued steel spade and whip
Case Material: Gold-filled by Kingston
Case Serial: 2,334,118
Back Engraving: Scenic landscape with buildings and trees
Era: Circa 1911
Condition: Excellent antique condition; bright dial with minor age wear; crisp engraving; winds and runs; not tested for accuracy.
Shipping
Shipping & Pick-Up Information
General Policy:
Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs. Shipping information is not included in the purchase price of your item(s).
If you are the successful bidder, you may either:
Have your items shipped via Best Estate Services, Inc. in-house shipping department, or Collect your property in person during the designated local pick-up period.
For all shipping and pick-up inquiries, please contact us at:
📧 hello@bestestateservices.com
📞 (262) 799-5167
8. Shipping Details
All shipping will be handled in-house by Best Estate Services, Inc. via USPS unless otherwise arranged. A flat handling fee of $15.00 per package will be applied and added to your invoice along with the applicable USPS postage cost. Shipping and handling fees will appear as separate line items on your invoice. Packages will be shipped once payment for both the item(s) and shipping has been received and cleared. Tracking information will be provided via email once your package has been processed.
Note: For oversized or fragile items (such as large furniture, sculptures, or specialty pieces), please contact us prior to bidding to discuss available shipping options or to coordinate third-party freight service if required.
9. Local Pick-Up
All local pick-up arrangements must be made by Tuesday End of Day following the close of the auction. Local pickups are subject to a flat $5.00 handling fee. Local pick-up will take place 8 days after the close of the auction, on the following Monday between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Important Pick-Up Rules:
No cash will be accepted at local pick-up locations. All invoices must be paid online prior to arrival.
If you are sending someone else to pick up your items, you must provide a copy of their driver’s license in advance of pick-up for authorization.
Pick-ups are by appointment only within the designated time window.
Please contact us promptly if you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up so alternate arrangements can be discussed.
10. Storage Fees
All items must be picked up or have shipping arranged within two (2) weeks of the auction close.
Items left beyond that time will incur a storage fee of $10 per lot per day, regardless of size or value.
Thank you for participating in our auction and for choosing Best Estate Services, Inc.
We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again.
📧 hello@bestestateservices.com
📞 (262) 799-5167
Available payment options
Thank you for bidding with Best Estate Services. The auction has now closed. Winning bidders can expect to receive an invoice for their winning lots and a separate shipping invoice within the next 48–72 hours. This invoice can be paid directly through the payment link sent to you. Please note that your winning bid invoice and shipping invoice are two separate invoices. If pickup is available for your items, you will have the option to select pickup when you receive notification from our shipping department. After selecting pickup, you will be notified of the pickup location and available pickup time window. Thank you again for participating in our auction.