Elgin 18S 21J lever set (LS) adj. 3p grade 412 pocket watch #16005923, attractive nickel split plate movement with screw-down raised gold jewel settings (GJS), spring regulator and a bar-style damascene pattern, double sunk (DS) porcelain enamel dial with fancy Arabic-style numbers, red 5 minute markers and a black marked subsidiary seconds register has some faint hairlines, a small chip at the edge of the dial near the lever and a small expert repair near 5 o'clock, blue steel spade style hands, re-cased into a heavy yellow gold filled (YGF) screw back & bezel (SB&B) case with large flowing floral engraving around a fancy blank monogram shield, coin edge bezels, heavy large bow and a thick glass crystal, case is showing normal even wear overall however there are a number of small spots of brass starting to show on the bezels, frame and pendant, additionally the YGF bow is matched in style but is likely a replacement, measures approx. 56mm diameter x 80mm in length x 17mm thick (crystal included). A high quality vintage Elgin from the early 1900s with one of the nicest finishes we've seen on the Elgin movements in very good condition overall, perfect to carry everyday!
- Year Made: 1912-1913
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Company:
Elgin
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Movement Size:
0318S
- Jewels: 0721J
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Setting/Movement Type:
lever set
- Adjustments: 1-3 positions
- Model/Grade: 412
- Serial #: 16005923
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Movement Details: gold jewel settings (GJS), screw-down jewel settings
- Dial Material: porcelain enamel
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Dial Details:
double sunk (DS)
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Hand Style:
spade
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Case Style:
SB&B
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Case Material:
Gold Filled - Yellow
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Case Details:
re-cased
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Case Width/Diameter:
56mm (2.20 inches)
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Case Length, bow included:
80mm (3.15 inches)
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Case Thickness:
17mm (0.67 inches)
- Crystal Material: glass
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Condition:
Very Good
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Gender:
Gentlemen's
The Elgin watch company, out of Elgin, Illinois, was in business from 1864-1964, and while active, was the largest-producing American watch company, manufacturing an estimated half of all pocket watches ("dollar" watches not included). By 1956 they had produced over 55 million pocket and wrist watches.
As an additional resource, we've posted a
Serial Number Production List which includes information for Elgin serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a
comprehensive article about the company; additional information may also be found on
Wikipedia.
You may browse all of our men's pocket watches from this manufacturer at our
Vintage Men's Elgin Pocket Watches category.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of November 1st, 2025, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
printer-optimized page.
