RAILROAD (RR) WATCHES
It was only after a railway crash in the late 1800's, involving two trains between Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway due to poor time keeping that it opens the need for Railroad (RR) watches to be "railroad approved". Consistent time keeping was the only thing that kept trains from running into each other. So, a standard was developed to define the types of watches that could be used.
Trains opened up a whole new world for people who up until now had no reliable and affordable way of reaching other parts of states and the country. Before this date, there was no real need for a standardized time as people very much stayed in the vicinity of their homes. The railway crash (caused by one of the train driver’s watches being off by 4 minutes) symbolized a point of change.
A notable watch inspector, Webb C. Ball was brought in by the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway in 1891, he was tasked with bringing their time inspection system up to industry standers. He become the Chief Time Inspector for the railways which essentially meant they were responsible for ensuring universal timekeeping was applied for trains crossing the country to avoid such accidents again. Ball's career eventually led to him being the time inspector on more than half the United Sates' railways, leading to a far more uniform set of standards across the US.
This emphasis on accurate timekeeping is something that has transcended the decades with the RR standard (certain accuracy criteria had to be met before a timepiece could be regarded as RR standard). They were the first watches allowed to be used on the Railroads, using a Swiss manual-winding movement. Followed quickly by the American made watches on "the roads".
1905 ELGIN
Railroad Grade 349
“Father Time”
Pocket Watch
Dated from 1905, this is a Railroad approved (officially certified for use on the railroad) timepiece made by the famous U.S.A. watchmarker Elgin National Watch Co., it is a vintage Elgin pocket watch, open face and lever set, model 7, class 65.
It is a manual-wind watch with an original Elgin movement caliber grade 349 (or Father Time), size 18s, 21 jewels, sub-second, adjusted to 5 positions, isochronism, and temperature, 18,000 bph U.S.A. made. Open face movement and lever set.
Grade 349, also known as “Father Time” was produced from 1904 through 1911. Watches with the movement 349 grade would have qualified for service on all railroads and was advertised for railroad service. Each movement was fitted at the factory with a double-sunk dial.
The American Railroad Standard of timekeeping was 4 seconds per day, or 30 seconds per week. This is a tighter tolerance than COSC Chronometer certification.
After 118 years, this watch still has the original white ceramic double-sunk dial with bold Arabic Numerals, red minute markers and large blue steel matching hands. The sub-second is located at 6 o’clock. The dial is also signed with the Elgin name/logo.
These features make the time easy and clear as possible to read creating a distinctive and functional railroad watch aesthetic.
Cased in a 54.5mm round Fahys case, all in yellow gold filled signed “Guaranteed 20 Years.” The case is the original case, and is proudly displaying its well-earned patina, which is a true testament to its legendary reliability. Carried daily by two generations of men from the same family, much of the gold fill has disappeared from the back, but as can clearly be seen in the photos, the watch itself was as well cared for as it is worn.
It also comes on a period correct, pocket watch chain with engraved fob.
This is a true survivor piece that we are sure has borne witness to many important moments, in personal sense, as well as historical. It is in good condition, runs very well and it keeps great time!
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.
The pocket watch holder is not included with the purchase of this pocket watch.
Movement:
Elgin Nat'l Watch Co.
U.S.A.
21 Jewels
No. 349
11819339
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!
WA-3582
