Elgin Three-Hand Pocket Watch, 1900s

The movement inside this one carries two names — Elgin's own, and, engraved just as prominently, "H.H. Taylor," the retailer who clearly ordered it signed for their counter, and that double signature is what pulled me toward this particular example. The dial is white enamel with bold Roman numerals, a sunk subsidiary seconds register at six, and blued spade hands that still show their colour cleanly under the glass. Turn it over and the case is stamped Philadelphia Watch Case Co. "Silverode" — a base-metal case rather than sterling — and I've had it lightly polished, so the engine-turned back reads crisp rather than tired. Inside, the gilt plates are damaskeened, with blued screws and "Adjusted" marked near the balance. It's a plain three-hand Elgin from the 1900s, best suited to someone drawn to the retailer signature and movement finishing rather than case ornament.