Elgin
Elgin Grade 50
Grade 50 is a 15 Jewels Convertible watch manufactured by Elgin. The size 16s, Model 1 movement features a Nickel finish and is adjusted. During the time the watch was manufactured, it would have qualified for railroad service and is considered to be railroad grade. Elgin manufactured a total of 35,500 Grade 50 movements in 34 distinctive runs.
Grade 50 Movement Characteristics
| Size | 16s |
|---|---|
| Jewels | 15 Jewels |
| Configuration | Convertible |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Model | 1 |
| Setting | Lever |
| Adjusted | Yes |
| Railroad Grade | Yes |
| Profile Code | 16s-M1-15j-CNL |
Grade 50 Production Info
| Total Production | 35,500 |
|---|---|
| Number of Runs | 34 |
| Production Years | 1879-1896 |
| First Serial | 603,001 |
| Last Serial | 6,435,500 |
| Largest Run | 2,000 |
| Smallest Run | 500 |
Research Notes
Hairspring was upgraded during production from flat to Breguet. The stud location corresponds with this upgrade, moving from the middle of the balance bridge to the end (approximately 1884).
#1,374,748: Verified as Flat [PWDB Contribution]
#1,398,304: Verified as Breguet [PWDB Contribution]
Statistical analysis indicates only the first 500 of the last designated run [6435001-6436000] were actually produced.
The August 19, 1892 issue of The Jewelers' Circular lists the No. 50 (along with the B.W. Raymond and No. 86) as accepted by William Walcott, time inspector of the Cincinnati, Hamilton and Dayton railroad (qualified as "Railroad Grade").