Elgin
Elgin Grade 81
Grade 81 is a 13/15 Jewels Hunting watch manufactured by Elgin. The size 18s, Model 1 movement features a Gilt finish. Elgin manufactured a total of 53,000 Grade 81 movements in 13 distinctive runs.
Grade 81 Movement Characteristics
| Size | 18s |
|---|---|
| Jewels | 13/15 Jewels |
| Configuration | Hunting |
| Finish | Gilt |
| Model | 1 |
| Setting | Key |
| Adjusted | No |
| Railroad Grade | No |
| Profile Code | 18s-M1-13j/15j-HGK |
Grade 81 Production Info
| Total Production | 53,000 |
|---|---|
| Number of Runs | 13 |
| Production Years | 1873-1886 |
| First Serial | 278,001 |
| Last Serial | 1,869,000 |
| Largest Run | 5,000 |
| Smallest Run | 1,000 |
Research Notes
The Grade 81 is the Key-Wind Version of the Grade 82.
The 1885 Otto Young catalog describes the "G.M. Wheeler" and Grade 82/81 as "Expansion Balance, Adjusted, 13 Jewels (3 pairs in settings), Patent Regulator. Key Wind: $15.50, Stem Wind: $21.00.
Additionally, the 1885 Otto Young catalog indicates the "Plain Regulator" variation of the "No. 81" was discontinued. As a result, these were being sold at a reduced price of $13.50.
13 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape (Pairs)
15 Jewels: 3rd, 4th, Escape, Pallet (Pairs)