@TexOmega ,
While the specifications set down by Webb Ball seem engraved in stone (including a white dial), many general time inspectors on many railroads used Ball’s standards only as a guide.
https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/search/result/elgin/22244662
If I am reading your S# correctly, the data shows that movement to be railroad standard, and that could well have been sufficient for many general time inspectors. I often check the service marks inside the case back as a form of judging whether a watch was ever in the hands of a watch inspector. Usually, you will find numerous repair marks all coded by the same repairer. Railroad standard watches were available to the general public.........anyone who wanted to shell out for the added cost of a watch of the standard of your Elgin. I wouldn’t be at all surprised that if a railroad watch inspector determined its performance to be up to standard, it could have been approved.
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