In addition to creating one of the most iconic works of art in American horology, William A. Gabriel also designed a repeating watch mechanism while chief designer at the Elgin.
Pictured: Patent Recoiling Click From Elgin No. 240 B.W. Raymond - 18-Size, Model 8, 19 Jewels, c.1910, Serial No. 14652533.
As a brief departure from the study exploring the 18-Size “Veritas Model,” this post highlights the first model design from the new safety barrel generation of Elgin movements introduced around.
One of the issues with the traditional going barrel is that the barrel arbor only rotates while the watch is being wound. When running, the barrel rotates as the mainspring.
Starting in 1898, new models introduced by the Elgin National Watch Company began featuring George Hunter’s patented safety barrel design, removing the necessity of a safety pinion on the center.
A look inside the jeweled safety barrel from the Grade 240 B.W. Raymond reveals the barrel arbor attached to the main wheel while the mainspring is coiled inside the spring.
