Internet Horology Club 185
Elgin dial question

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https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/4891051803

April 10, 2008, 11:31
Edward Kitner
Elgin dial question
Did Elgin produce dials as described below. It looks like it might be a reproduction.

"The original double sunk enamel dial is beautiful as well, with no issues I can detect. This great dial features BIG BOLD numbers and a sub second bit at the 6 position. Signed "Elgin" in block. This is the factory original double sunk dial that has the ground down center section, a two piece dial, as opposed to the 3 piece double sunk dial, that apparently cost more to make)


April 10, 2008, 12:03
Marty Bell
Ed, If you are looking for an original DS dial-this isn't one of them. It looks to be NOS (New Old Stock) and factory made from around the end of the 1930's or so; but I know Elgin started buying Swiss parts about then,too! (Just to add to the confusion...)
You can check the approximate production date of your watch using the serial number at www.elgin.org - there are also pictures of dials on old advertisements that are very handy to check such things out.


Marty
April 10, 2008, 13:11
Thomas A. Overfield
This is a faux double sunk dial where the center is recessed but not a "cut out" piece. I've seen a lot of these for both Elgins and Walthams. I've always thought they were original and used as a cost saving measure by the manufacturers. Anyone know for sure?
April 10, 2008, 15:44
Edward Kitner
This watch has a mfg date of 1916. If the dials were produced in the thirties, I guess I need to start looking for an origional version.
Anyone have any other ideas about the dial?

Marty and Tom,thanks for the help.
April 11, 2008, 12:25
Edward Kitner
I have been checking out some Elgin dials on e-bay and watch sellers on line, and have noticed a few with the same type of dial.
Tom you may may be right about the dials being original.
But the question still haunts me about it being on a 1916 mfg watch.
Anyone know if the dials were made that early?
Ed