Expert: Melvin Mills - 10/30/2007

Question
Here's a description. I would like to know what is "PLATGOLD"
Have little knowledge about watches. Watch needs some repair. It ticks when you shake it then stops after a few seconds. Face glass has no scratches that i can see.   Face is marked " Elgin" . Inside case back marked " "Wadsworth Platgold 5789859".   Movements Marked  "Elgin Natl. Watch co.  U.S.A." and Serial # "26096185". that Number makes it 1923.  2" diameter.  Found the following information that might help.  

Serial Number   SN Range Quanty Name Year grade size code   jewels Adj/reg/etc.
--------------  -------- ------ ---- ---- ----- ---- ------ ------ ------------
     26096185  26092001   5000      1923 291    16s o3n7p      7j  

Answer
Chester,

I looked in some reference books but don't see that specifics for this number.  We can assume that the movement and case were made about the same time.

Platgold can refer to rolled gold plate which is a process of mixing gold with a base metal.  Essentially it is what is commonly referred to as gold plated.

Kind regards,

Melvin