The Elgin National Watch Company was one of the largest and most successful American watchmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, the company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, accurate timepieces that were both elegant and reliable. Today, Elgin watches are highly sought-after by collectors and watch enthusiasts, and the company’s most highly rated watches continue to hold their value and prestige.
Elgin B.W. Raymond Railroad Watch
One of Elgin’s most iconic and respected watches is the B.W. Raymond Railroad Watch, which was introduced in 1893. The B.W. Raymond was designed to meet the strict accuracy standards required by railroad companies at the time, and quickly became one of the most popular watches among railroad workers and other professionals.
The B.W. Raymond featured a 19-jewel movement and a distinctive “double-roller” escapement, which made it extremely accurate and reliable. The watch also featured an elegant, understated design that was both classic and timeless, and helped establish Elgin as a premier watchmaker of the era.
Elgin Veritas Watch
The Elgin Veritas Watch was introduced in 1902, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most accurate and finely crafted watches of its time. The Veritas featured a 23-jewel movement and a unique “butterfly” pattern on the movement plates, which made it a favorite among collectors for its beauty and precision.
The Veritas was also notable for its high-quality materials and construction, which included gold-filled cases and enamel dials. The watch’s elegant design and superior craftsmanship helped establish Elgin as a leading watchmaker of the early 20th century.
Elgin Father Time Watch
The Elgin Father Time Watch was introduced in 1924, and quickly became one of the company’s most popular and acclaimed watches. The Father Time was designed to meet the rigorous accuracy standards required by railroad companies at the time, and featured a 21-jewel movement and a distinctive “double-sunk” dial.
The watch also featured a unique design that included a seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position, which made it easy to read and use in all lighting conditions. The Father Time’s accuracy and reliability, combined with its elegant design, helped establish Elgin as a premier watchmaker of the early 20th century.
Elgin Deluxe Watch
The Elgin Deluxe Watch was introduced in 1930, and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most stylish and sophisticated watches of its time. The Deluxe featured a 21-jewel movement and a distinctive Art Deco design that was both elegant and modern.
The watch also featured high-quality materials and construction, including solid gold cases and enamel dials. The Deluxe’s unique design and superior craftsmanship helped establish Elgin as a leading watchmaker of the Art Deco era, and continue to make it a highly sought-after and collectible watch today.
The Elgin National Watch Company was one of the most important and innovative American watchmakers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its watches continue to hold their value and prestige among collectors and watch enthusiasts today. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, an Elgin watch is sure to impress and delight for years to come.