Internet Horology Club 185
Elgin Size 16 21 jewels Grade 846 (Images added)

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1086047761/m/9933906487

February 14, 2015, 14:21
Michael C. Bussacco
Elgin Size 16 21 jewels Grade 846 (Images added)
I have this pocket watch with a serial number of 4066.I can't find the date that the watch was produced.


Michael C. Bussacco
February 14, 2015, 14:43
Peter Kaszubski
are you sure of the serial # its shows as size 18
15j BWR
February 14, 2015, 16:08
Dave Turner
The Grade number 846 would indicate it to be a

grade 846 flat nickel first 16s model 22 # swiss (Buren)


Dave Turner
February 14, 2015, 21:29
Michael C. Bussacco
The pocket watch that I have has an:
open face Star watch Case 10 kt. rolled gold
lever set case #4,444o,444
R.R. Grade Serial # 4066
Single Sunk Dial Elgin and 21 Jewels on dial
24 hour dial Sixe 18
Montgomery dial
adjusted to 5 positions
Star Watch Case


Michael C. Bussacco
February 14, 2015, 21:39
Michael C. Bussacco
Pardon my inexperience on terminology.
What does BWR mean? 15j=15 jewels
What does Swiss Buren mean? The dealer that I bought the watch from states that is size 16 but he is wrong and the size is 18. A train is engraved on the back of the watch.
Am I to assume that this is a Swiss made pocket watch Model 22.


Michael C. Bussacco
February 14, 2015, 21:39
Dave Turner
How about a picture Michael?


Dave Turner
February 14, 2015, 21:42
Bill Manders
Hi Michael,
I think the best thing to do to let the experts figure out what you have is to post us a picture of the watch, movement, dial , and case. That way I am sure we can clear up what you have.
Bill

I see that Dave and I were typing at the same time.
February 14, 2015, 22:13
Claude Griffith
this is a Swiss movement cased at the South Carolina plant. They do have a 4066 or other numbers on them but this is not a serial number. Most were 17j but I have seen ones that Elgin added jewels for special purposes. Elgin also did 21 and 23 jewel Burens that were cased and timed in Elgin cases.

Pictures would be really helpful
February 15, 2015, 12:25
Michael C. Bussacco
Thank you very much for all the help that have received in this forum. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will do that.
Thanks again


Michael C. Bussacco
February 15, 2015, 12:39
David Abbe
Michael, "BWR" is an abbreviation for "B. W. Raymond, the name Elgin assigned to honor the watch maker who joined them (from Waltham) (correction! B.W. Raymond was an Elgin investor dca) and contributed to their success. (name engraved on movement pictured below)


February 15, 2015, 13:05
Michael C. Bussacco
My Apple 6+ photos won't load into the "click to add image box. I have tried for the last 60 minute. I think the apple photos are not.jpg files.


Michael C. Bussacco
February 15, 2015, 14:05
Dave Turner
If you want to email them to me, I'll be glad to post them for you, until you get it figured out.


Dave Turner
February 15, 2015, 15:02
Michael C. Bussacco
I just sent the photos of my 846 pocket watch pictures to Dave Turner who offered to put them on the forum. Thanks Dave Turner


Michael C. Bussacco
February 15, 2015, 15:16
Claude Griffith
It is a Buren version with the patent regulator, it was also available in 23j and should be adjusted to 3 positions (5 adjustments) Elgin also made these in the non-patent regulator models but the look of the dial and such was the same. The Swiss models that Elgin produced did not have serial numbers.
February 15, 2015, 16:19
Dave Turner
Michael,
So far I don't see any email, and I just checked my Spam folder.


Dave Turner
February 15, 2015, 16:35
David Abbe
Mike sent them to this Dave. This is the Swiss Buren version. Nice movement. The case looks like the Great, late Burlington "Zephyr" passenger run (Chicago to MSP and points west).

Interesting that the Big Book notes the 23J Buren Model 845, but not the Buren 21 Jewel 846 . . . More Rare?

I would ignore the value and use this as a "carry watch". It sports the "look" of the RR Watch era.


February 15, 2015, 21:54
Bill Manders
Thanks for the pictures Michael, I see it is the Swiss version, but might add that it is a very nice looking watch, being 21j and 5 adjustments.
Hopefully all the info above, by the real experts, tells you what you need to know about your watch,
Bill
February 18, 2015, 00:36
David Abbe
While of Swiss Manufacture, as I understand it, your watch remains one of the last Pocket Watches distributed by Elgin under their name. Quite unlike later named watches, this was manufactured to Elgin's request. That does make it both collectible and a piece of history. I took the liberty of copying the description of the last days of Elgin as told (pg's 94-95-96) in Elgin Time: A history . . . E.C.Alft & William H. Briska ISBN# 0-943963-94-X


February 18, 2015, 00:37
David Abbe
pg 94


February 18, 2015, 00:37
David Abbe
pg 95


February 18, 2015, 00:47
David Abbe
pg 96 to make way for a shopping center . . .