I couldn't believe my eyes when my latest acquisition arrived today. I made an offer of $75.00 for this Elgin and the seller accepted it. He was asking $119. for it.

The nicest thing is, it's keeping perfect time, and the movement appears to be in MINT condition. I mean MINT, really. The video or photos just don't do it justice. Also, it's another transitional movement from 1874 and the key stud looks as though it's never had a key touch it.

Here's a vide and a couple of photos.

Let me know what you think would you?

Thanks

Bud

Elgin, Mat Laflin Video

Hey Bud, I'm a big fan of key winds,and looks like you have a beauty there. I carried an Elgin similar to that one for a long time everyday and they are very reliable watches.

Hi Cecil, and thanks. Yes, I love it already. When I bought it I didn't realize it was a transitional movement, and it's so clean and pristine. Like I said, the key stud doesn't look like it's ever had a key on it.

I'm super happy with it and for $75.00 how could I possibly go wrong.

Regards

Bud

Bud, That looks like a real nice running watch. I really like 7 jewel movements that have been well cared for. They can last almost indefinitely with proper maintenance. Unless you know for sure this one has been serviced recently, it would probably be a good idea to do it if you plan on using it with any regularity.

Bud, If I read the s/n 255208 correctly (from the "bouncing numbers" in the nice video) you have an extremely rare, Grade 68 Signed and highly collectible (much much more than the watch guide ever dreamed) VALUABLE, and incomparably fine watch . . .610 TOTAL EVER MADE!

Hi Bud, Great find, anytime you can pick up a complete, running watch for $75.00, that's great, but you really hit a home run here. That video knocked me out, it sounded like that watch was right here with me.

Gary

Thanks Roger, and you too Gary, I didn't realize you could hear it. Unfortunately that's one of the things (small birds are another) I can't hear anymore. Too many years on the ranges.

Hi David, really? Wow, and I know you wouldn't be kidding me. Extremely rare? WoW!! Oh, and the serial number is indeed 255208.

The other great thing (and this is the item number: 270672750714) the back of the case was really wavy and had some dents but I was able to get 99% out and the back looks almost mint again. Out with the dents, and a good polish with Rennaissance Pre-Lim stripper.

My only wish is that I knew what you mean by "VALUABLE, and incomparably fine watch".

Although it's not for sale, I would like to know how valuable, and about "incomparibly" fine.

Thanks again guys, and thank you David for the great news about my latest find.

Bud

There you go Bud....

A really fine looking watch and a GREAT find on eBay....There are still plenty to find out there and eBay is as good a place as there is when looking for a nice watch....

Good Luck in Hunting....and speaking of Hunting, you know you need to find a Hunters Case for this one, right...?

Regards,

Jerry

Wow 610 ever made, and what, possibly 150-170 still in existence? I seem to remember reading someplace that on average you can expect about 1/4 of what was made to exist after 90-100 years. That would also include pieces not in such great shape. Yet another type of watch that my eyes have been opened to thanks to this site. I do like ebay and this shows that you can find a diamond in all the garbage and deception there.

P.S. In case you dont know about it there is an Elgin serial lookup. It has a great serial search that gives totals in the database section.

Hi Bud,Lets see what happens.Search Results For "255208"
Serial Number SN Range RunQty Name Year grade size code jewels Adj/reg/etc.
-------------- -------- ------ ---- ---- ----- ---- ------ ------ ------------
255208 255001 410 LAF 1874 68* 18s hfg2ls 7j
first run of grade 68; all produced in one year; 208 of 610 in grade;
8608 of lever setting
*** dial may be marked "National Watch Co" or "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co" ***


grade total runs first yr last yr class size code jewels Adj/name
----- ----- ----- -------- ------- ----- ---- ------ ------ ----------
68 610 3 1874 1874 5 18s hfg2ls 7j LAF -

(*) notes on grade 68: Marked: LAF or None. slow train (4.5 bps)
# "transitional" Either Keywind or pendant wind.

Wow, thank Hubert, and this one is indeed marked on the dial as "Elgin Nat'l Watch Co. and only the words "Mat Laflin" and "Elgin Ill." on the movement.

Bud

That is a nice find Bud! Amazing what a grade number can do to the value. I have a grade 55 also from 1874 and that value is quite less, and was reflected in the buying price of 58 dollars. Still only a 7 jewel and named after a Elgin connection, but purely key-wind, not transitional. Any like yours runs very well!

This movement has a solid balance whereas your's is a split balance. I have a soft spot for those early Elgin's with gilt movements.