I took a gamble on a certain auction site and bought an Elgin based on some blurry photos. The watch arrived a couple of days ago and I was pleasantly surprised to find a fairly standard Elgin 16s 7 jewel model 7 in quite a nice Fahys Monarch Coin Silver Case. But the movement didn't fit snugly in the case, it was a bit loose like the case was slightly too big. I took the movement out and tried a few other movments, and I found a parts movement Elgin 16s 7 jewel model 5 fitted perfectly. (Will post photos tonight)
The other thing I noticed was that the case appears to be cut for a setting lever just below the 2 o'clock position which is further around than the other lever set movements I have.
So my question is, what other movements would fit in this case?

Geoff, If you have a 16s Hampden movement try that. It sounds like the lever cut was made for a Hampden. I assume the lever cut was factory made and not a latter cut.

I think this mate must be talking about a 18 sz watch Deacon.

Regular 16sz watches have the lever slot at 6 minutes,

Some 16sz unregular watches have the lever slot at 8 minutes. [ unregular would be Hampden/South Bend/Illinois Getty and a few others ].

Geoff states his case lever slot is even below the 10 minute marker. Most all the 18sz lever slots will be at the 10-11 minute marker.

Pictures tell the tale. Put the movement back in and send us a picture so we can tell what it is that you gots. Front & back without covers would be appreciated.

regards,
bb

I have attached a photo to this message and will post a second. Photo shows the case with the the Elgin movement that fits snugly. The case is definitely around size 16 as the other Elgin size 16s movements I have are only just loose in the case. Photo of the front without the bezel show the factory cut slot for a lever at 12 minutes on the dial. I'll have a look and see if I have a 16s Hampden to try.
Thanks
Geoff

Rear of case with movement fitted.

Well it appears to be a 16sz, Model 5, Grade 182 in Pendant-Set, circa 1901,

So I don't know what the case originally held as I do see that another movement has been in the case.

The lever slot cut at 12-13 minutes is a mystery to me but I know its not cut for a Hampden/South Bend/or Illinois Getty movement as they require a lever slot at 8 minutes.

regards,
bb

Hi Buster,
You are correct, this is not the original movement to the case, but is a parts movement that happens to fit. The case came with a 16s model 7 which was loose in the case and also not original. I was just curious as I am yet to see a movement with the lever slot cut at 12-13 minutes.

With regards to the looseness of the fit, is the model 5 a size 16 and hence is different to the model 7 wchich is 16s?
Geoff

I think that the Models 5 & 7 should both be the same diameter/size which both are 16sz movements, however the model 5 does weigh 3 dwt. more than the model 7's.

Some early watch companies models had slightly larger pillar plates, not saying this is the case for some early Elgin models 5 & 7, just throwing that in the mix-mash as food for thought... I'm not up on Elgins, but we have a member or two that eats & breaths Elgins to say the least

regards,
bb

Buster you are correct on the Hampden idea, but you know I like Hampdens! It almost looks like the case held a hunter movement in the so called sidewinder manner.

Actually Deacon, I did think of that, But..

On a "sidewinder" Hampden, I was thinking..

That the lever would be at the 23-24 minute mark,

And this case is cut for the 27-28" minute mark,

On a sidewinder movement..

So, I am out of ideas.....

regards,
bb