Rare Elgin pocket watch with a convertible movement. c1883

This is an American made pocket watch by Elgin which has what is called a convertible movement. These movements could be put in hunter or open face cases and converted into a hunter or open face depending on the case and dial configuration. However due to the unusual lever setting device, these movements were deeper in thickness than other 16s movements of the time and so could not be put into any case like other American movements of the period. Specific cases were made for these watch movements and so cased versions of these watches are consequently quite rare.

Another strange feature of these Elgin convertible movements is the lever setting device. When engaged the lower larger wheel, on the side of the mainspring, lifts up to engage with the middle wheel and set the hands. Once finished and the lever setting slots back in place, this wheel lowers itself back to its original position

This is a gilt ¾ plate 16 size 11 Jewel Model 1 Grade 93

The gilt ¾ plate movement has a lever escapement and is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co, 1128013”. 

The movement is in 100% mint condition

Case – the movement comes in a top quality silver case, which has a hinged inner, back and bezel. The thick case has gold hinges, a smooth plain finish and is in 95% mint condition – some marks on the back

Dial – the white enamel dial has a full set of blue steel hands. The dial is signed “Elgin Nat’l Watch Co” and is in 75% mint condition – a forked hairline at the 1-2 position

The watch has a thick bevelled mineral glass

The watch measures 53mm x 17.75mm

The watch is stem wound / lever set