The 12 size 17 jewel Lord Elgin is the most underrated and appreciated of all the Lord Elgin pocket watches produced. Less than 1,000 were produced making them second in rarity to the 23 jewel Lord Elgins. I have only seen 5 that were intact.

The 17 jewel movement was of very high quality and included a gold dome only found on the higher grade Lord Elgins and was adjusted to 5 positions.

It also seems that this watch may have been an experiment by Elgin. Many of the key parts differ from other Elgin movements. This is a nice way of saying that you shouldn't buy a movement that requires replacement of parts--they are NOT available.

While many of the 17j Lord Elgins were in 14kt cases the one I just purchased is in a gold filled case that seems to be original to the watch. I paid $74 for the watch which I think is a steal considering how scarce it is.

Bob

Dial

Sometimes it is hard to believe that people pass on good grade 16 and 12 size watches that are low production watches. I have picked up Elgin grades 161's(2), 361's(2) and grade 342's (4-trying one from each run)and most I picked up for about the price you mention. These are nice watches, I have a 19J LE and still dream of somehow getting a grade 351 to add to my collection. Nice watch marked a bit different than the 19J version (engraved 8 adjustments, 3 typical and 5 positions)