re: #42 William Lewis
Because the accuracy of the movement was more important. Makes sense. So 15 jewels would be neither best or worst - probably a pretty decent medium. Itβs always kept good time for me since the last cleaning.
Yep, 15 was a good, solid, medium grade watch. Elgin turned out millions of them, and these 18 size ones tend to be bulletproof. I have one from a few years later, open face configuration (winds at 12) that runs within 30 seconds/ 2 weeks, if I wind it every day.
Good on you for getting it serviced! Not everyone knows to have that done.