Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An authentic antique American open-face pocket watch featuring an ornate damaskeened nickel movement produced around 1908. It houses a classic white enamel dial with a subsidiary seconds dial, housed in a durable gunmetal or darkened base-metal case.
Story
Manufactured in Illinois around 1908, movement serial #13607344 ticks with the industrial precision that built America's railway-era timekeeping. Elgin produced over half of all quality pocket watches in the U.S. at its peak.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, the Elgin National Watch Company grew to become the world's largest site for watch manufacturing. Known for precision engineering and mass-production efficiency, Elgin democratized accurate timekeeping for millions of working-class Americans until closing its doors in the 1960s.
Condition & Value
The dial exhibits hairline cracks near the lower portion and seconds sub-dial. The watch case shows significant finish wear and patina consistent with age. Missing the winding crown at the top stem. Missing the minute hand. Value is affected by missing parts and dial crazing.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Your first full report is on us.
See sold comps, value drivers, and where to sell. One complimentary report, no card required.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.