11J 18s 1893 Elgin...a Carrier, or not?

[D.Reed]

I recently bought this pretty little Elgin, and my intent is to wear it, as it looks great and keeps spot on time! In fact, for being 111 years old, it appears as though someone stuffed it away and forgot about it for at least 80 of those years. It is stem wind and set. The case is a Fahys Oresilver, and is in great shape. Just wanted to share it with you all b/c it's just such a nice watch, even though it is a lower grade movement.
Let me know what you all think. Sorry about the scan of the movement, it's not the best.

Darren
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=40822587-5443-e7d4-249e-77fa5738180a&size=
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=281d52c7-3942-1d3b-17f2-12965b3cce0c&size=
" Pressure makes diamonds..."

[D.Reed]

I recently bought this pretty little Elgin, and my intent is to wear it, as it looks great and keeps spot on time! In fact, for being 111 years old, it appears as though someone stuffed it away and forgot about it for at least 80 of those years. It is stem wind and set. The case is a Fahys Oresilver, and is in great shape. Just wanted to share it with you all b/c it's just such a nice watch, even though it is a lower grade movement.
Let me know what you all think. Sorry about the scan of the movement, it's not the best.

Darren
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=40822587-5443-e7d4-249e-77fa5738180a&size=
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=281d52c7-3942-1d3b-17f2-12965b3cce0c&size=
" Pressure makes diamonds..."

[lamarw]

You say little; that looks like a big old hand full of watch to me. It is nice and you have a right to be proud of it. Then explain to everyone that you show it to why the Roman Numeral four is IIII as oposed to IV.

Lamar~

[HenryB]

The key to watch research is the serial number on the works.

If you tell us that number, then the date of manufacture can be ascertained, as well as the number of movement and the amount of jewels.

I have an old Elgin similair to yours, as well as several Illinois that are Key-wind, Key set.

Still my theory, that they are still in good shape, because they were such a pain to wind and set, they were put away in favor of a pendant wind and pendant/lever watch.

[lamarw]

Hey Darren, It is a fun question and enjoyable one to discuss. I would recommend that you look at the "Find" block at the top of this forum page and just type in Roman Numeral IIII. This has been discussed in great depth (LOL) and with several research attachments in previous post on this great Forum. Most believe it was derived because of the appearance of balance that it provided the dial. In other words aesthetic reasons. In the referenced past post you will get a more detailed answer.

Lamar~

[Tom Huber]

Darren, Definitely a great carry watch. With good care, a watch will continue to be a great timekeeper and (God forbid) if you should ever have an unfortunate accident with it, parts are still available.

Carry it with pride.

Tom

Tom Huber

[D.Reed]

Thanks Tom!
Perhaps someday my income will allow me something a bit nicer but until then I don't mind collecting watches that 'the man on the street' would have carried. :smile:

And Lamar, thanks for the tip! I'll read up on it!

Darren

" Pressure makes diamonds..."