Elgin 524

Elgin 524
Elgin 524

Description

The Elgin 524, which was made in the 1930ies about 150000 times, is very well made movement, which pleases aesthetically and especially technically.

What you immideatly see is, that all (really all) bearing jewels are enclosed in chatons (golden-toned metal bushings) instead of being pressed directly into the plates. If ever a jewel has to be replaced, a chaton makes it much easier for a watchmaker.

The balance part is also high-quality: The two leg balance (not yet shock protected) contains golden-toned regulating screws and its hairspring is a breguet-type hairspring with its specially shaped end. Its effective length is adjusted by a long regulator arm.

If you're familiar with swiss movements, you will be a bit astonished by the plates here: While the small gear bridge houses only escapement- and fourth wheel, the large mainspring bridge not only houses the mainspring barrel and the minute wheel, but also the third wheel.

The angled brides are another indicator of a high class movement.

main plate
main plate

On the dial side, you see the yoke winding system with its uniquely shaped setting lever spring.

dial side view
dial side view



Technical data

ManufacturerElgin
Caliber524
Number of jewels17
EscapementAnchor with pallets
BalanceNickel screw balance
Shock protection(s)none
Balance cock directionclockwise
Hairspring studfixed
Regulator typeLong regulator arm
Movement constructionFork
Escapement wheel, Fourth wheel
Third wheel, Center wheel, Mainspring barrel
Construction typesolid construction
Bridge shapewave shape, 2 gears
Winding mechanismyoke
Setting lever spring4 holes
Featuress
FunctionsHour, minute, small second
Beats per hour18000
Size101/2''' (measured: 23,2 mm)
Production time1935-1939
Factsheet

Test Results

It was not possible to test the specimen shown here on the timegrapher, since the hairspring is a bit broken and often gets into contact with the arms of the balance wheel, bringing it to halt.

Links
Ranfft Uhren: Elgin 524 (de) (en)