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Elgin

Elgin Grade 156

Grade 156 is a 21 Jewels Hunting watch manufactured by Elgin. The size 16s, Model 6 movement features a Nickel finish and is adjusted to 5 positions, isochronism and temperature. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial. Elgin manufactured a total of 3,200 Grade 156 movements in 4 distinctive runs.

Grade 156 Movement Characteristics

Size16s
Jewels21 Jewels
ConfigurationHunting
FinishNickel
Model6
SettingPendant
AdjustedYes
Railroad GradeYes
Railroad Grade ClassF
Profile Code16s-M6-21j-HNP

Grade 156 Production Info

Total Production3,200
Number of Runs4
Production Years1896-1909
First Serial6,463,001
Last Serial13,504,200
Largest Run1,000
Smallest Run200

Research Notes

Introduced November 1895 as part of the new product line, "Elgin's Latest New (1895) Model" (Keystone)

Soft Enamel (1896, 1898-SF) to Glass Enamel (1903, 1904-BH, c.1915-D, 1907 A.C. Becken)
"Adjusted to Temperature and Positions", DS Soft-Enamel Dial - 1898 S.F Meyer Catalog
1903 No. 76 - DS Glass Enamel Dial
1907 A.C. Becken: "red ruby jewels" "adjusted to temperature, isochronism and positions" "glass enamel dial"

Elgin advertisement in the Keystone Magazine introducing the 1895 Models describes Grade 156 paired with a "Double Sunk Soft Enamel Dial" and "First Quality Moon Hands"

Based on observations and statistical analysis, only the first 200 of the last Grade 156 run was actually manufactured.

6463001-6464000: 1,000
6995001-6996000: 1,000
10249001-10250000: 1,000
13504001-13505000: First 200
Total Estimated Production: 3,200

According to Material Catalogs, the movement was upgraded to a double-roller escapement beginning with serial #10249901.

Associated Grades

162