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Elgin

Elgin Grade 166

Grade 166 is a 17 Jewels Openface watch manufactured by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 5 movement features a Nickel finish and is adjusted to 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 4,011 Grade 166 movements in 7 distinctive runs.

Grade 166 Movement Characteristics

Size18s
Jewels17 Jewels
ConfigurationOpenface
FinishNickel
Model5
SettingPendant
AdjustedYes
Railroad GradeYes
Profile Code18s-M5-17j-ONP

Grade 166 Production Info

Total Production4,011
Number of Runs7
Production Years1896-1897
First Serial6,480,001
Last Serial6,656,000
Largest Run1,000
Smallest Run1

Research Notes

1897 BH Catalog: "Full Adjusted" and DS Glass Enamel Dial

All Grade 266 movements are upgraded from original Grade 166 (from 17 to 21 jewels). Two relevant runs are designated as Grade 166 in the 1896 Material Catalog Serial List:
6592001-6593000
6655001-6656000

In the 1904 Material Catalog Serial List, these runs have been split, with some remaining Grade 166 and others redefined as 266:
6592701-6593000: Grade 266 in 1904 MC (2 Consecutive Runs)
6655011-6655042: Grade 266 in 1904 MC
6655044-6655700: Grade 266 in 1904 MC

Grade 166 is part of the "Artistic Series" introduced c.1896, which did not sell as well as Elgin had hoped.
6592001-6592700: Remained listed as Grade 166
6655043: Remained listed as a singular Grade 166
6655701-6656000: Remained listed as Grade 166