c.1889 Elgin Grade 71 6-Size Movement with Raised Gold Settings
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The Grade 71 represented the finest ladies’ movement offered by the Elgin National Watch Company in the 1880s. Originally introduced as an 8-Size movement in 1878, the Grade 71 featured 17 ruby jewels in elegant raised gold settings, similar to those ornamenting the prestigious 21-Jewel interchangeable movements. The introduction of the new ladies’ line was likely in response to Waltham’s 8-Size “Riverside” stem-wind movements introduced a few years earlier.
The Grade 71 also represented the first 17-Jewel grade manufactured at the Elgin factory and was the only Elgin grade to feature 17 jewels until the introduction of the 0-Size Grade 112 around 1889.
The 1882 Otto Young & Co. catalog described the 8-Size Grade 71 movement:
“No. 71 (Nickel). Expansion Balance, 17 Ruby Jewels (5 pairs in raised Gold Settings), Breguet Spring, finely adjusted and finished throughout.” 1882 Otto Young & Co. Catalog
The price for this premium ladies’ movement was listed at $71.55, equivalent to approximately $2,200 in today’s economy. The only Elgin grades that demanded a higher price at the time were the interchangeable grades No. 72 ($127.41) and No. 91 ($135.41).
By the time Otto Young distributed their 1885 catalog, the prices for the interchangeable movements had increased dramatically. The No. 72 was listed at $170.00, and the No. 91 was $180.00. However, the ladies’ 8-Size No. 71 had decreased in price to $60.00.
By 1888, the ladies’ line was finally listed as 6-Size in the Otto Young catalog. However, factory records and observations of surviving examples suggest the company transitioned from the 8-Size model to the 6-Size model around 1884, following the trends established in the market at the time.
Many of the later Grade 71 movements were fitted with moon hands and an illustrative Elgin “Castle” dial or other fancy variations.
Total production of the Grade 71 is estimated at 5,000… 1,000 in the earlier Size 8 variation and 4,000 in the Size 6:
514,001-515,000 [1,000, c.1878]: 8-Size
1,170,001-1,171,000 [1,000, c.1883]: 6-Size
1,458,001-1,460,000 [2,000, c.1884]: 6-Size
3,006,001-3,007,000 [1,000, c.1889]: 6-Size
Hello. In reference to Elgin 8 size Grade 71. Was it made in a hunter version?
Yes. These models were hunting configuration.
I have a 1896 Elgin Model 5, pendant. Hunting case, traditionally hinged with crown and fob/necklace loop at 3:00 and 9:00.