Internet Horology Club 185
Elgin convertible with R in serial number

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/3903962897

April 18, 2023, 13:55
Larry Helms
Elgin convertible with R in serial number
Does anyone know what the "R" is for in an Elgin Convertible grade 50 serial number? I have several grade 50's but none have an "R".

R3507256

Thank you,
Larry
April 28, 2023, 23:53
Bila Wirriganwalters
Hi Larry,

I have a question for you about the Elgin, is the "R" only on the dial plate serial or is it marked on other pieces of the watch that has serial numbers, i.e. such as the Barrel-bridge, back-plate and the like, thanks?

kind regards,
bila
May 01, 2023, 04:57
Larry Helms
Bila,
It is marked on the barrel bridge the back plate and the like.

Larry
May 01, 2023, 18:42
Bila Wirriganwalters
Thanks Larry for the response, below you will see another marked with the "R", it is only marked on the dial plate. THis belongs to a good friend, he is on another Forum and has given me permission to post his photosSmile

Both he and I are as curious as you are to why the "R" before the serial number???


May 01, 2023, 18:43
Bila Wirriganwalters
Here is the back-plate view.


May 02, 2023, 07:40
Larry Helms
bila,
It is interesting that it seems to be from the same run both 3507XXX.

Larry
May 02, 2023, 08:16
Bila Wirriganwalters
Yes Larry, the same run, I have not looked to see what size run this was. Maybe a 1000, I wonder if all were marked with the R?

Yours also marked on the barrel bridge as well, yet my Friends one only on the dial plate. Seems an odd thing to do by the Company???
May 02, 2023, 10:21
Larry Helms
Bila,
looks like elgin used letters for the first numbers over one million. For instance the R is seen in row 3x and column .5. This would indicate 35. This is seen under the balance cock on mine R07256.


May 02, 2023, 10:59
Steven Ford
Larry,
Here's another that fits your grid.
I've seen others with letters and symbols at the start of the number, but I don't have photos of them.

Steve