Hello, A Elgin dial question for the experts. I have a 18s 3/4 plate BWR open face needing a dial. Are Elgin dials the same from Hunter to open face? Are the 18s 3/4 plate the same as the full plate as far as feet positions go? Thanks for any info provided.

Aaron Bereiter
Very Proud IHC Charter #55

Aaron,

There are essentially 4 types of 18s Elgin dials. One type has feet behind the 16.5, 36.5, and 54.0 minute marks, and fits models 1 through 5 (for what it's worth, these dials will also fit Waltham 1857 models). The next type has feet behind the 19.0, 36.0, and 54.7 minute marks, and fits model 6 movements only.

Next, there's a model with dial feet behind the 16.5, 36.5, and 54.0 minute marks, and fits model 7 movements only. Finally, there's a model with feet behind the 13.0, 36.2, and 56.2 minute marks, which fits movement models 8 and 9.

This information is available in two different charts (one by manufacturer, and one arranged numerically by dial foot location) in Roy Ehrhardt's "American Pocket Watches, Identification and Price Guide." By using the dial foot location chart, it's possible to identify dials of unknown type, such as a private label dials, etc.

Hope this helps!

Steve Maddox
President, Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas