The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1868-03-07
The National Watch Company n1
Elgln. llllmO1s.

Had the most ardent friend of western pro-
gress, dozen years ago, predicted that in the
quiet little village of Elgin, on the banks of the
Fox River, in the year 1868, would be seen a
magnificent pile of buildings erected for the pur-
pose OF manufacturing Watches he would have
been set down as visionary. But what would
then have been regarded as a dream is now prac.
teal reality.
This company was organized in August, 1864,
and the first watch was produced in May 1867.
The company have expended $500, 600 in build
ings, machinery and stock have now in their
employ $50 hands, turn out Is watches daily,
ana when the works are run to their full capaci-
ty which they expect to do in June next will
turn out % watches per day and employ nearly
a thousand hands
Mr.. p s. Bartlett the agent of the companv
called on us the other day and showed US the
six different styles of watches made by the Ma
tlonal Company, which for beauty of finish and
ease OF motion, We judge are superior to any we
ever saw--iRdeed are acknowledged by Judges to
be the best in America.
These watches are for sale by o. Trask, J.
Diokey and A. X. Mccain of Ottawa.
We take the following from the Aurora
Beacon:
\ few days since several of our townsmen. J.
B. Jenkins H. NJ. Avery, and John Morse, with
DIR Shrouds, from Matson & Co.'S in Chicago
all practical and mechanical jewellers and watch.
makers, visited Elgin for the purpose of looking
through the new factory. They were shown to
every part Of the immense factory, and viewed
with "critics eyes" the machine cry and general
arrangements for the manufacture of the superb
Elgn Watch. Messrs Avery Morse, Jenkins IL
Shrouds are practical mechanics used TO the use
OF the finest machinery and the manipulation of
delicate watches Yet they each express them
selves surprised by the beautiful, intricate and
completely working mechanical devices thew
saw, many OF them peculiar to these works
The Company are now making six grades of
watches, each grade as perfect as any manufac-
tured in the world, and are far superior to any
others at the same price. This they know as me-
chanics and dealers in the articles their superior.
lty over any American or foreign watch of the
same grade or cost, they base on the following
facts. First, and perhaps most important in
the wear and tear On watch, is the fracture Of
the, handspring Burts patent pinion prevents
any injury here. Second, the rachel wheel and
click are made expressly to remedy tho common
fault Of weakness in these parts, and are strong
and safe beyond requirements. Third, the main
wheel or barrel that contains the handspring
can be removed without taking the watch apart,
or even disturbing the hands or dial. Fourth,
the balance is near the center of the staff conse-
quently its whole weight cannot be thrown up
on one point, in its natural position in the pock-
ct, Filth, the hairsprings are all tempered, and
so secured 10 patent hairspring stud, that the
watch can be taken apart and cleaned without
the necessity for regulating. This advantage
any person OF the most superficial knowledge will
appreciate: