Rare Elgin Father Time Railroad Grade 374 with 21 Jewels and Up/Down Wind Indicator (1917)

Manufactured in 1917, a pivotal year as America entered World War I, the Elgin National Watch Company was producing some of the most reliable and meticulously crafted timepieces on the globe. Among their absolute top-tier railroad offerings was the legendary Grade 374 "Father Time." Produced in an exceptionally limited run of just 11,000 units, finding one that has survived over a century in such remarkable condition is a true horological treasure.

The standout feature of this rare piece is the Up/Down Wind Indicator displayed on its immaculate dial. During the golden age of American railroading, strict regulations required workers to wind their watches exactly every 24 hours to prevent unexpected stops while on duty. This indicator served as a vital, life-saving visual safeguard. When the watch is fully wound, the small indicator hand points to 0, meaning zero hours have elapsed since its last full wind. As the day progresses, the hand tracks the elapsed time. Because the robust mainspring possesses a power reserve well beyond a single day, you will actually see the indicator hand continue to move past the 24-hour mark, even after it runs off the printed legend, although in this case, the legend goes to the 40-hour mark.

This remarkable complication is set against a pristine, dazzling white triple-sunk enamel dial. The heavy ink saturation of its railroad Arabic numerals draws a striking contrast against the bright enamel, perfectly complemented by elegant blued steel hands. The size 16 movement is housed in a stunning, excellent-condition 10K yellow gold-filled case crafted by the Dueber Case Company, showcasing beautiful early 20th-century craftsmanship.

Inside beats a stunning 21-jewel, nickel-finished movement, adjusted to five positions, temperature, and isochronism, built specifically to meet the uncompromising safety standards that kept the nation's trains on schedule.

Fully serviced, running strong, and displaying beautifully, this rare piece of Elgin's history makes an excellent cornerstone for any collection and a perfect family heirloom for generations to come. All vintage pocket watches are cleaned, oiled, and adjusted for accuracy and warranted for one full year from the date of purchase.