Elgin Grade 201: A 0-Size Ladies Watch with 19 Jewels
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While men’s watches received plenty of attention, American watch companies also strategically marketed watches to women. Because these watches were typically purchased as fashion accessories, the quality of the movement tended to be on the lower end. The precision of the movement was usually less important than the case that housed it.
However, American watch companies offered finer movements for the upper end of the market that could afford it.
Elgin introduced the Grade 201 around 1899 as the finest movement in the company’s 0-Size lineup, boasting 19 ruby jewels, raised gold settings, and factory adjustments.
When introduced, the movement sold for around $50.00, similar in pricing to the 18-Size B.W. Raymond, the 16-Size 155/161, and the 12-Size 189/193. This would equate to roughly $1,900 in today’s economy, adjusting for inflation.
For comparison, the Grade 198 and 202 were positioned at the low end of the 0-Size Elgin lineup with seven jewels and sold for $15.00 [1900 Lapp & Flershem Illustrated Catalog].
Total production for the Grade 201 reached approximately 5,000 before being discontinued around 1913.
The condition of the subject for this post, movement #14601419, has certainly seen better days. It is currently an orphaned movement – the case likely being scrapped at some point in history. Despite some rust and a missing screw or two, it represents Elgins finest 0-Size movement at the turn of the century.
