1904 Elgin National Watch Co. Hunter Cased Pocket Watch FULLY SERVICED 21 Ruby Jeweled Classic! Start Price USD 795.00 Current Price USD 795.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 825.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, October 14, 2008 End Time Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Location Tampa, Florida See more about '1904 Elgin National Watch Co. Hunter Cased Pocket Watch' Description Voted Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" eight years in a row Elgin Watch Company was a grand endeavor from the moment it was conceived in 1864. Smoke from the Civil War had not yet cleared and businessmen were already being lured from Massachusetts' Waltham Watch Company to organize and build a monumental watch factory in Elgin, Ill. By 1865 the company was organized and capitalized with half a million dollars, and unimaginable post-war sum. The companies leaders thrust themselves into the industrial revolution and were, in a few short years, running the biggest pocket watch company in the world. By the middle of the 20th Century they also dominated the wristwatch world, producing, among other popular models the "Lord and Lady Elgin" series distinguished by high-grade movements and progressive case designs. We are elated to offer what we believe to be one of the most attractive and rare pocket watches we've had the pleasure to bring to our clients. This Elgin National Watch Company timepiece, circa 1904, contains one of the highest grade mechanisms produced: a solid nickel, ruby jeweled, 3/4 plate 21 ruby jeweled movement, cased in a magnificent engine-turned hunter case. First, a bit about the movement of this watch. A 21 jewel grade 274 is one of the highest grade movements produced by Elgin -- and one of the most desirable. Featuring no less than solid gold jewel settings in solid nickel plates, a solid gold train; ruby jewels and a genuine DIAMOND end stone fitted in the factory, this movement would have been carried by someone who could afford the finer things in life -- business owner, railroad executive -- someone who would have known the value of a fine timepiece. Higher grade and more complicated than a standard pocket watch movement, these mechanisms were snapped up by the "better heeled" Victorian clients to be used accurate timekeeping and whipping up envy among friends and associates. Rarity is definitely an attribute of this timepiece: A fraction of the movements produced by Elgin sported these upgrades. This example is bright and clean, quite frankly, a work of mechanical art. Please take a few moments to enjoy the images of the watch, as it is a genuine piece of horological history. Movements of this caliber were almost always fitted into equally fine cases. In a fitting complement to this "Veritas" grade movement, this engine-turned classic is in very good original condition. We cannot imagine a more beautiful, more historic piece of American watchmaking history for those who wish to not only carry not just a handsome pocket watch but work of art. For those who wish to own or give quality, we offer this excellent choice. We have taken the liberty of having this beautiful timepiece cleaned, oiled and calibrated so that it keeps time like it did a the turn of the century. As many of our fine buyers and repeat clients know, each day we offer a smattering of things we've picked up here and there, many fine watches and pieces of jewelry that for one reason or another we'll not be offering on our Web site -- some new old stock! Take a moment to look through our eBay offerings and bypass the estate and yard sale madness for watches and outstanding pieces of Victorian and Deco jewelry -- many of which are running and pristine -- that are ridiculously underpriced. Watches this week include a '20s ladies antique watch or two, '30s Deco pieces, a '40s military style wristwatch, and fine Retro stainless steel wristwatches that are representative of a style that’s becoming all the rage; as well as gold rings and vintage wire lug examples perfect for restoration. Coming up are sterling silver wristwatches and a few items dug out of the workbench drawer of a retired watchmaker or two. Don't know anything about wristwatches? Have no idea about your grandfather's railroad pocket watch? We're one of the Web's largest vintage wrist and pocket watch dealers and are delighted to answer any questions you have about the timepieces we offer or those heirlooms you're unsure of. We extend a heartfelt invitation to see our other offerings and stop by each week to find out what's next! Add Me to Your Favorite Sellers We take great pride in our images and item descriptions and are careful to note as much about an item as we can. However, this is an auction and we do not sell auction items on approval; therefore, all items we sell on eBay are sold AS IS and all sales are final. If you have a question or would like to see the image of an item at another angle, we are happy to accommodate you before auction's end. If you have any doubts about our reputation (check our feedback) or our offerings, please don't bid. WE WILL NOT GIVE PARTIAL REFUNDS!!!!! Thank you to our responsible customers who have paid us promptly! Out of respect for those of our customers who go to the trouble to pay promptly, we will be forced to file a non-paying bidder claim with eBay and leave negative feedback for those who bid irresponsibly. If you do not intend to pay, do not bid. SHIPPING: All bidders to pay actual shipping costs. WE ARE HAPPY TO COMBINE SHIPPING ON MULTIPLE ITEMS. We ship via USPS in the United States. Federal Express to our overseas customers or by USPS. International buyers MUST email us at auction's end and we will calculate shipping costs. Because of the unpredictable nature of today's mail, we cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged by the post office or UPS, and so require postal insurance for overseas items. Your bid acknowledges that you understand this policy. INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS: WE DO NOT SHIP TO MALAYSIA. All other international bidders are welcome, but please note it is our policy to ship via registered airmail for security reasons. If you do not wish to pay for registered mail, you must take responsibility if the package does not arrive to you. We will not falsify customs forms. All customs fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Payment must be received within seven days of auction's end or bidder forfeits right-of-purchase. We prefer PayPal payments, but accept money orders, personal checks and credit cards. If paying by check, items will be held for 10 days. PayPal and money order payments are sent out upon receipt. Strickland Vintage Watches is a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, American Watchmaker's Institute, and have served as timepiece appraisers for Eppraisals.com. We also have been honored as one of Forbes magazine's "Best of the Web" in timepieces, and are long-standing eBay Powersellers, in our 10th year on eBay and are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. We invite you to find out more about us by clicking on our ME page! Place a Bid!