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This is an Elgin Grade 303, made in 1923. It was a gift to my great-grandfather from his children for some occasion late in his life—a birthday or a a milestone wedding anniversary. I got it from my father, who could not remember.
Pendant wind and set; size 12, 7 jewels. I recall that when my father gave it to me, he opened it up to look at the works and was disappointed to see whatever the number of jewels was: he had thought it was a better quality watch. But my dad's side of family were all blue-collar workers; many of them were skilled laborers, but none of them were exactly flush. It's very possible that this watch was the best that they could afford at the time, even with their resources pooled.
I was told once that a low-count movement is a bit more durable to shocks and knockabout use. A construction worker would probably do better with a dollar watch that can take a beating than a 21-jewel job that spent its days in an accountant's vest pocket.
The money probably went into the case. It's a 14K gold plated or filled, I don't know which; an Elgin Tivoli model made by Illinois Watch Case company.
Acquired: my great-grandfather's
Circa: 1923
Current condition: runs fine