Elgin Grade 102 - Dirty

Here are a couple of "before" images on a typical Elgin 18 size, lever-set, movement that hasn't been serviced in a very long time. This is why antique watches need to be cleaned, even if, perhaps especially if, they run. All this grit is getting into the pivots and other moving parts and forming an abrasive paste with the old oil. If this watch is run much, parts that are fine now will soon be seriously damaged.

It's just like running a car without changing the oil.

This movement is a grade 102, 18 size, 11 jewels, made about 1893 by the Elgin National Watch Company.