Offered here is a particularly attractive Elgin pocket watch dating to approximately 1907, distinguished by an unusually bold solid 14K rose gold case with a deeply carved flowing design.

The case is the immediate focal point of this watch. Rather than conventional floral engraving or a plain polished surface, the exterior displays a dramatic deeply carved wavy pattern with the flowing, organic character associated with Art Nouveau design. The sculptural decoration creates alternating raised and recessed surfaces that give the case considerably more depth and visual movement than ordinary engraved cases of the period.

Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Elgin
Country: USA
Type: Man’s
Serial #: 12679685
Circa Date: 1907

CASE

Size: 16 Size.

Style: Open Face.

Material: 14K Rose Gold.

Decorations:  Deep Carved Wavy Design.

Weighs:  Approximate 26 DWTS

Conditions:  C  3-14  (The case is in Very Good condition – multiple dents)

DIAL

Color: White.

Type: Single sunk porcelain dial.

Numerals: Arabic Numerals.

Hands: Spade Hands.

Conditions:  D  3  (The dial is in Very Good condition)

MOVEMENT

Jewels: 15 Jewels.

Setting: Stem Set.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Material: Nickel.

Layout: ¾-Plate Layout.

Signed:  Yes.

Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

CONDITION

The watch will be timed out and refreshed by our watchmaker if needed prior to shipment.

The photographs shown are professionally taken images of the actual item being offered for sale. We do not use stock photos, so the watch you see is the watch you will receive.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and provide the best representation of the unusual square case, dial, movement, and overall condition.

Exceptional Art Nouveau-Inspired Case Design

The most compelling feature of this Elgin is undoubtedly its solid 14K rose gold case.

Art Nouveau design favored flowing lines, organic forms, asymmetry, and a sense of continuous movement. Those characteristics are reflected particularly well in the deep, undulating pattern covering this case.

Unlike conventional surface engraving, the decoration has substantial depth. Raised and recessed areas interact with the warm rose gold surface, creating a sculptural appearance that changes as the watch is viewed from different angles.

The result is a case that functions almost as a piece of decorative art in its own right.

Solid 14K Rose Gold

The use of solid 14K rose gold further distinguishes the watch.

Rose gold obtains its characteristic warm reddish tone from the composition of the gold alloy. On this watch, that color works especially well with the deeply carved decoration because the contours of the case create areas of highlight and shadow.

At approximately 26 DWTS, or about 40.4 grams, the watch also has substantial physical presence.

For a collection centered on Elgin watches, solid-gold American pocket watches, Art Nouveau jewelry and horology, or unusually decorated watch cases, the case design gives this example considerable visual appeal.