Elgin
Elgin Grade 161
Grade 161 is a 17 Jewels Openface watch manufactured by Elgin. The size 16s, Model 7 movement features a Nickel finish and is adjusted to 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 4,000 Grade 161 movements in 4 distinctive runs.
Grade 161 Movement Characteristics
| Size | 16s |
|---|---|
| Jewels | 17 Jewels |
| Configuration | Openface |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Model | 7 |
| Setting | Pendant |
| Adjusted | Yes |
| Railroad Grade | Yes |
| Railroad Grade Class | F |
| Profile Code | 16s-M7-17j-ONP |
Grade 161 Production Info
| Total Production | 4,000 |
|---|---|
| Number of Runs | 4 |
| Production Years | 1896-1900 |
| First Serial | 6,468,001 |
| Last Serial | 8,497,000 |
| Largest Run | 1,000 |
| Smallest Run | 1,000 |
Research Notes
Introduced November 1895 as part of the new product line, "Elgin's Latest New (1895) Model" (Keystone)
"Adjusted to Temperature and Positions", D.S. Soft Enamel Dial - 1898 S.F. Meyer Catalog
1897 BH: "Full Adjusted" and DS Glass Enamel Dial
1903 No. 76 - DS Glass Enamel Dial
Elgin advertisement in the Keystone Magazine introducing the 1895 Models describes Grade 161 paired with a "Double Sunk Soft Enamel Dial" and "First Quality Moon Hands"