An Elite little Elgin

[John F]

This is one of my current favorite private label Elgins (http://www.nawcc-info.org/Fogarty/ElginElite.jpg), a little 12 size, 17 jewel gem that dates from about 1913, marked "Elite" on the movement. It's a bit on the unusual side for a variety of reasons - the two-tone damaskeening is a series of parallel "wavy" lines, unlike the two-tone "starburst" pattern seen on later Elites and the similarly damaskeened "Transit" PLs made a few years after this one. Most of the Elite and Transit two-tone movements are from the same run, but this one isn't. And while most are grade 345, this is a grade 384 - not a huge difference, to be sure, but enough to distinguish this one a little from the rest. I've seen only one other Elite with this pattern, made about 3 years prior to this one (though I've heard reports of others still out there), and I've also seen a few 12 size Walthams with the same two-tone damaskeening pattern. Given this, I'm fairly confident that these "Elites" are specially-ordered and not an in-house Elgin brand, even though I haven't yet determined for whom they were made.

If you look closely, you'll see that it's dirty as all get out (some ugly hunks of dirt on the crown and ratchet wheel). A balance jewel is broken, as well, so for the time being this one sits in the repair queue awaiting its turn. But I like it all the same.

John

[John F]

This is one of my current favorite private label Elgins (http://www.nawcc-info.org/Fogarty/ElginElite.jpg), a little 12 size, 17 jewel gem that dates from about 1913, marked "Elite" on the movement. It's a bit on the unusual side for a variety of reasons - the two-tone damaskeening is a series of parallel "wavy" lines, unlike the two-tone "starburst" pattern seen on later Elites and the similarly damaskeened "Transit" PLs made a few years after this one. Most of the Elite and Transit two-tone movements are from the same run, but this one isn't. And while most are grade 345, this is a grade 384 - not a huge difference, to be sure, but enough to distinguish this one a little from the rest. I've seen only one other Elite with this pattern, made about 3 years prior to this one (though I've heard reports of others still out there), and I've also seen a few 12 size Walthams with the same two-tone damaskeening pattern. Given this, I'm fairly confident that these "Elites" are specially-ordered and not an in-house Elgin brand, even though I haven't yet determined for whom they were made.

If you look closely, you'll see that it's dirty as all get out (some ugly hunks of dirt on the crown and ratchet wheel). A balance jewel is broken, as well, so for the time being this one sits in the repair queue awaiting its turn. But I like it all the same.

John

[Veritas]

Hello John.Do you have a picture of your Elgin Elite?:)

[Kent]

Hello John.Do you have a picture of your Elgin Elite?:)

Did you click on the link?

[Veritas]

Thanks Kent.After i posted i was looking around the website and i saw a open window.When i clicked on it i saw the picture.:0:
Nice watch but different than mine, i will have to get a picture of mine up.:)

[Veritas]

Here is my Elgin, Elite.
Different in ways than the other one shown here.Mine is marked adjusted to 4 positions.
needs a clean and oil, but runs.A nice looking watch for special ocassions.:)

[Veritas]

I get the feeling sometimes there are not many 12 sz watch collectors around.But i guess that could be a good thing.:)

[crsides]

another Elite 12s in a different pattern. I have seen an 18s in this same pattern. Sorry, my computer went down before i could get a pic posted. Here it is

[Veritas]

Interesting Charlie, i have not seen a 18 sz like this, so may different movements made, would keep someone busy researching them all.