ELGIN 26682320 Pocket Watch Movement Fancy Dial 345 Ca.

( Brand: Elgin ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 26682320 ), ( Type: Movement ), ( Movement Type: Mechanical ), ( Compatible Model: Elgin Model 3 ), ( Material: Nickel, Metal ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )

Review ELGIN Grade 345 Model Size Pocket Watch Movement And Fancy Dial Ca.

The **Elgin 26682320 345 12-Pocket Watch Movement with Fancy Dial, dated 1924**, is a meticulously crafted timekeeping marvel that embodies the artistry and precision of early 20th-century horology. This movement, a relic of Elgin Watch Company s golden era, showcases an elegant **12-jewel, lever-set, full-plate movement** with a striking **fancy dial** that exudes vintage charm. The movement itself is a testament to mechanical ingenuity, featuring a **high-grade lever escapement** for smooth, accurate timekeeping, complemented by a **silvered balance wheel and hairspring** that ensures consistent regulation. The **345-size** (approximately 15.5mm) movement is compact yet robust, designed to fit seamlessly into a pocket watch case, whether it be a traditional leather strap or a classic metal bracelet. The **fancy dial** associated with this movement often includes intricate engravings, floral motifs, or decorative filigree, adding a touch of sophistication and historical allure. Dating back to 1924, this piece reflects the craftsmanship of the era, when watchmaking was both an art and a science, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. Whether restored to pristine condition or preserved in its original vintage state, this movement offers collectors and enthusiasts a glimpse into the golden age of American horology, where every tick and tock tells a story of timeless elegance and mechanical mastery.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a Elgin 26682320 (345) 12-Pocket Watch Movement with Fancy Dial (1924)**

1. **Historical Significance** This movement is from the early 20th century (1924), making it a piece of vintage horology with a rich heritage. Collectors often value timepieces with proven provenance from well-known brands like Elgin.

2. **Elgin s Reputation** Elgin was a major American watch manufacturer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for producing high-quality, affordable pocket watches. The brand had a strong reputation for reliability and craftsmanship during its prime.

3. **Aesthetic Appeal** The "fancy dial" suggests decorative elements such as engravings, floral motifs, or other artistic details, which can enhance the watch s visual charm. This makes it a desirable piece for collectors who appreciate vintage design.

4. **Potential for Restoration & Customization** Since these movements are no longer mass-produced, restoring or modifying them can be a rewarding project. Some enthusiasts enjoy the process of cleaning, repairing, and even re-dialing a vintage movement.

5. **Investment Potential** Rare and well-preserved vintage movements can appreciate in value over time, especially if they are in good condition. Elgin movements from this era, particularly those with unique features, may attract collectors willing to pay a premium.

6. **Mechanical Complexity** The 345 movement is a 12-jewel, lever-set, automatic winding mechanism (though some may require hand-winding depending on condition). Its mechanical intricacy can be fascinating for watch enthusiasts who appreciate the art of horology.

7. **Compatibility with Modern Cases** While the movement itself is vintage, it can often be paired with modern or reproduction cases, allowing owners to customize the appearance while preserving the original mechanism.

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1. **Age-Related Wear and Tear** A 1924 movement will likely show signs of aging, such as worn gears, rust, or degraded lubricants. Without proper maintenance, it may not run accurately or at all.

2. **Maintenance Challenges** Vintage movements require specialized knowledge to repair. Parts may be difficult to source, and labor costs for restoration can be high. Some movements may need complete overhauls, which can be expensive.

3. **Reliability Issues** Unlike modern movements, which are designed for long-term reliability, a 1924 Elgin may struggle with consistency in timekeeping due to wear, temperature fluctuations, or lack of modern engineering standards.

4. **Limited Functionality** Some vintage movements lack features common in modern watches, such as date complications, chronograph functions, or water resistance. The 345 movement is likely a simple time-telling piece with no additional features.

5. **Market Availability and Condition** Finding a well-preserved example in good working order can be difficult. Many vintage movements are either in poor condition or have been heavily modified, which may diminish their value or historical integrity.

6. **Cost of Restoration vs. Replacement** Depending on the movement s condition, restoring it may cost more than purchasing a modern alternative. For some collectors, the cost-benefit may not justify the investment in a vintage piece.

7. **Ethical and Environmental Concerns** Purchasing a vintage movement contributes to the demand for secondhand mechanical parts, which can sometimes involve unethical sourcing (e.g., dismantling watches for parts). Additionally, restoring old movements may not be the most environmentally friendly option compared to modern, long-lasting alternatives.

8. **Limited Practical Use** Unless you are a collector or enthusiast, a vintage pocket watch movement may not serve a practical purpose in daily life. Modern watches offer better reliability, durability, and features for everyday use.

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The Elgin 26682320 (345) 12-pocket watch movement with a fancy dial from 1924 is a fascinating piece for collectors who appreciate vintage horology, mechanical complexity, and historical craftsmanship. Its pros such as its heritage, aesthetic appeal, and potential investment value make it a compelling choice for those who enjoy restoring and preserving mechanical timepieces. However, the cons including reliability issues, high maintenance costs, and the impracticality of using it as a daily timekeeper must be carefully considered.

If you are a serious collector with the knowledge, resources, and patience to restore and maintain a vintage movement, this piece could be a rewarding addition to your collection. On the other hand, if you prioritize reliability, modern features, or practicality, a contemporary watch movement may be a more suitable choice.

- **For collectors or enthusiasts:** If you have experience with vintage watch restoration or are willing to learn, this movement could be a valuable and historically significant acquisition. Consider consulting a horology expert before purchasing to assess its condition and potential for restoration.

- **For casual buyers or everyday use:** Unless you are drawn to the aesthetic or historical appeal, a modern automatic or quartz movement would likely provide better reliability and functionality at a lower long-term cost.

- **Alternative options:** If you love the vintage look but want a more practical solution, consider a reproduction case paired with a modern movement or a high-quality vintage-style watch from brands like Junghans, Tissot, or Grand Seiko, which offer similar aesthetics with modern reliability.

Details:

This item does not include box, papers, booklet's, etc. Being sold AS IS for parts/repair with no guarantee of future performance. This movement is stem wind and set. Due to age there is no guarantee of time accuracy on antique vintage watches.

All visible screws and jewels appear to be in good condition. Please look at photos carefully. USA - 26682320 17 Jewels. The watch is running but the hour hand doesn't move and minute not connected to so I am unable determine accuracy.

The movement includes its original metallic silver dial with fancy detailing, black Arabic numerals, a double sunk seconds register at six o'clock, and blue kite hands. The dial has signs of aging, as pictured.

part #: 26682320 price

• $43.00

specifications movementparpar:

• brand: Elgin
• mpn: 26682320
• type: Movement
• movement type: Mechanical
• compatible model: Elgin Model 3
• material: Nickel, Metal
• country of origin: United States

seller movementparpar:

• # reviews: 2951
• rating: 100.0%
• city: Wheaton, Illinois

general movementparpar:

• condition: Pre-owned
• Parts, Tools Guides > Parts > Movements

payments movementparpar:

• other
• credit card: Discover
• wallet: Google-pay

returns movementparpar:

• policy: No Returns

shipping movementparpar:

• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• cost: $8.00
• class: Standard
• carrier: USPS
• transit: 2-6 Days
• type: Fixed

offer movementparpar:

• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0
• started: March 4, 2026
• best offers: True
• quantity: 1

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