Internet Horology Club 185
Matched Serial Number set: 21J Elgin Convertibles

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/7871099913

August 29, 2008, 22:11
Barry Rosell
Matched Serial Number set: 21J Elgin Convertibles
Hi, long-time no post; been working too hard on my old car project this summer. :-) I'd promised Lindell I'd post photos of these when I completed restoration, and there they are. Was very excited to find a sequential serial number for my prized Elgin 21J model 91 "convertible". My favorite watch, even before finding the next one made!


August 29, 2008, 22:15
Barry Rosell
Perfect original friction-fit dials and first-quality hands.


August 29, 2008, 22:21
Barry Rosell
..and just for completeness, my 2nd favorite watch, my 3/4 plate version, the Model-72 21J Elgin convertible. These watches are just a joy to take apart and put back together. Not even the American Watch Co. grade '72 is a match for the finish on EVERY part of these Elgins... though I love them too! :-)


August 29, 2008, 22:27
Steve Middlesworth
Barry,

Those are awesome Wink. I have a sheet with my serial numbers sitting here at my computer desk always on the lookout for a consecutive numbered watch. I have come to within 300 or so or in the same production run but none yet. This is the equivalent to a golfer getting a hole in one and you have hit the big one. Outstanding!!!!!!

Steve
August 30, 2008, 09:48
Thomas A. Overfield
Are those glass dust covers? Do you have them made for you or did those cases actually come with them?

-TAO
August 30, 2008, 09:51
Barry Rosell
Yes, those are both original glass dust-covers. I'm also a sucker for those, so was EXTREMELY excited to find the second watch (#094) in original case with that glass cover.
August 30, 2008, 11:35
Lindell V. Riddle

Barry, what a beautiful pair! Eek Eek

Seeing those two watches together is quite an experience, thanks for sharing them. I remember when you were bidding on the second one I was rooting for you. It was expensive, but worth every penny. The theory goes that finding consecutive numbers is easier with rare items as there are fewer to begin with so mathematically the chances are increased proportionally. So keep on comparing numbers everyone!

Lindell

Wink
August 31, 2008, 15:46
Gene Piano
Man what a great pair! Speaking of 21 72's here you go. Notice the detail under the plate. Geno


August 31, 2008, 15:47
Gene Piano
Another view


August 31, 2008, 15:49
Gene Piano
top plate back


August 31, 2008, 15:54
Gene Piano
Trying to get this Waltham Model 72. Geno
August 31, 2008, 19:53
Sheila Gilbert
Barry,
Since Elgin's are my all time favorite, you can guess how my heart jumped when I saw your watches!

Gorgeous! Fantastic, Breathtaking!

I got even more excited when I calmed down, and only then realized, that there were glass dust covers too! Oh Me, Oh My, what Gems they are.

Congratulations, I'm green with envy.


Sheila
August 31, 2008, 21:43
Barry Rosell
Thanks Sheila. Gene, what a great Waltham '72! :-)
Here are photos of the Elgin '91 in pieces. Note all the gold components, like the gold hour wheel on the dial-side of the watch. Rivet pins and such are gold too. Another feature I love about the high-grade Elgins (these, and the very early 162 and 156) is the stop-works.


September 01, 2008, 19:49
Gene Piano
Barry, the Elgin 91 and 72 are among my all time favorite watches. Geno