Elgin 12S 15J grade 315 pocket watch #25948376, handsome nickel split plate movement with screw-down jewel settings and a fancy concentric circle damascene pattern, elaborate single sunk (SS) silver-toned metal dial with a center detail of vertical line engraving that is finished with alternating matte and polished finishes, outer ring with a matte finish under the fancy black Arabic-style numbers and a polished-finish subsidiary seconds register marked in black has a few small spots of discoloration, bold blue steel double cross-bar diamond style hands, beautiful 14k white gold Elgin swing out square case with slightly flared sides, a thin vertical engraving across the back cover, deep geometric and floral engraving on both bezels, chevron engraved patterns on the frame, hidden hinge and a fancy French-style bow with floral engraving, case is showing normal very light wear overall with a small bit of smoothing on the frame engraving but no notable scratches or damage, measures approx. 43mm wide x 55mm in length x 11mm thick (crystal included). A very handsome triple signed solid gold Elgin from the 1920s in excellent+ overall condition!
- Year Made: 1923-1924
-
Company:
Elgin
-
Movement Size:
0712S
- Jewels: 1315J
-
Setting/Movement Type:
pendant set
- Model/Grade: 315
- Serial #: 25948376
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Movement Details: screw-down jewel settings
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: silver
-
Hand Style:
diamond - double cross-bar
-
Case Style:
swing-out
-
Case Material:
Solid Gold - White
-
Case Details:
factory case, French bow, hidden hinge, square
-
Case Width/Diameter:
43mm (1.69 inches)
-
Case Length, bow included:
55mm (2.17 inches)
-
Case Thickness:
11mm (0.43 inches)
- Crystal Material: plastic
-
Condition:
Excellent +
-
Gender:
Unisex
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 22nd, 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.
