The Art of American Horology Part ll,...

Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue @ 45th Street, Dec 04, 2002

LOT 667

The 21-Jewel ConvertibleElgin National Watch Company, No. 607310, first run of Grade 72, sold to John H. Hanan, circa 1880.Very fine and equally rare, 18K gold, hunting-cased, keyless, 21 jewel, "convertible" presentation watch.

USD 7,000 - 9,000

C. Four-body, by Benedict Brothers, 171 Broadway, NY, No. 259397, "drum-type", triple-hinged, back and front engine turned with Barley corn pattern, bezels with polished small cones on circular engine turning, band with "vermicelli" engine turning, engine turned cuvette with presentation inscription dated June 29, 1883.D. White enamel, double-, snap-on fit, fine Roman numerals, outer encircled line minute divisions, sunk sub-seconds. Blued steel, Breguet hands. M. 16 size, nickel, 3/4 split plate, damascened with sunburst pattern, wavy lines and rosettes, cock engraved with flowers, spotted pillar plate, 21 jewels in raised gold settings, adjus-ted, gold going train, gold minute wheel, straight line counterpoised lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold temperature and mean screws, bluedsteel Breguet balance spring, Moseley & Hunter patented (No. 157,021) micrometric regulator, lever-set.Signed on dial and movement, case signed by Benedict Brothers.Diam. 53mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-6-12-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

Worn

HANDS Original

Notes

This almost mint-condition watch represents Elgin's highest grade. In 1879, Elgin designed and launched its so-called "convertible" movement which was made to fit in both a hunting-case and an open-face watch. These models with 21 jewels became Elgin's highest grades. The present example with an 18K gold, almost mint-condition case by Benedict and friction-fit dial is especially rare, particularly since 18K gold cases are rarely seen in this model.The National Time Museum in Chicago has a similar model, No. 607351, however it has been re-cased and the condition in not quite as good.