Selecting correct balance staff for Elgin 18s pocket watch?

[MyFavoriteObsession]

Hello everyone, I'm trying to select the correct replacement balance staff for a 1911 Elgin 18s grade 336 pocket watch (SN# 15636551). According to the Pocket Watch Database, the Elgin part number is 857, but I have to select either long hub, short hub, or pivot 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. I'm not sure which is the correct part for this watch and was hoping someone might be able to advise? I have the original staff on hand if that helps. Thank you in advance!

[clockboy]

OK, It is best I have found is to take as many measurements as possible from the old balance before ordering the wrong one, which I have done so many times !!!.  Then use this site which gives the staff dimensions. 

https://www.balancestaffs.com/elgin.php

Another site that is a really good source for staffs is:

https://www.vintagewatchparts.net/?s=elgin&post_type=product&product_cat=0

[JohnR725]

As already mentioned by clockboy One of the first things to do is measure everything on the staff. For instance you already know there's a difference in pivots size so providing you still have pivots you can measure those.

Then other things to try would be to make an assumption that you are not the first with this problem? So for instance you could do a search of this discussion group and see if anyone else has had the same staff problem? Then you'd find the link below. Armed with your measurements and the information below you should Be able to figure out which staff you need.

https://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/3568-elgin-balance-staff-identification/