Vintage Watches

The Elgin Watch company, was founded in August 1864 as the National Watch Company. The first movement was a B.W. Raymond, 18 size, full plate design. Find luxury Elgin watches at discounted prices. Our range of watches is updated daily to ensure we carry the best deals on the most fine timepieces.

Elgin Pocket Watches have a class of their own. Founded in 1864, Elgin National Watch Company has been making beautiful timepieces. The company is well respected to through out America as well as in the whole world for making durable and attractive pocket watches. Even today, people sought to buy Elgin Pocket Watches.

Elgin is not only know for making world class pocket watches, it is also known for playing a very important role in the transition of America from agriculture to industry. Watches were one of the first machines that had a high public demand. To fulfill this demand of watches, a company devoted to manufacturing timepieces appeared.

When Elgin was founded in 1864, it was known as the national watch company. The name of the national watch company was changed to Elgin National Watch Company, when the city of Elgin was chosen to be the site of the factory for the company. In just two years, a factory spread on 35 acres of land was built, the land was given by the city of Elgin to show supports for the industrial age.

The Waltham Watch Company, which was based in Massachusetts mainly influenced the foundation of Elgin. Several employees of the Waltham Watch Company wanted to make a watch company in the mid west, so they joined the renowned watchmaker JC Adams. After which, the search for investors was started. The mayor of Chicago at that time, Benjamin Wright Raymond, was one of the first people to invest in the company. After the mayor joined the team, a lot of investors were attracted to the opportunity because of mayor’s political influence. [..Read More..]

Browse the widest range of vintage Elgin pocket watches at the lowest prices.

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In 1867, the first watch Elgin made was the BW Raymond railroader’s watch. It was the first Elgin Pocket watch, its size was 18 and it had a full plate design. The pocket watch was named after the mayor, to honor him for being the first investor. After which, Elgin became popular for making pocket watches and wristwatches.

Elgin National Watch Company shifted its focus from timepieces to precision instruments during the World War II. However, the factory was not closed until 1964. After closing the factors, Elgin stopped making watches and started making bigger things including engineering construction. This change led the company to change its name from the Elgin National Watch Company to Elgin National Industries.

The rights of the name Elgin was sold to an other company called MZ berger. All the Elgin watches made after 1964 have no connection to the Elgin National Watch Company other than the name.
Elgin Pocket Watches, however, are quite popular today, Mostly people seek for Elgin Pocket Watches made before 1964. They are not only unique, the are considered vintage items.

"The Elgin for All. (1907 magazine ad)"

The Elgin embraces many grades of watch movements on all of superior timekeeping quantities.
The grades differ in price according to the cost of construction- each grade being the best watch value for money.
The man who wants accurate watch, at a popular price, should buy the G.M. WHEELER grade Elgin -
"The Watch that's made for the Majority."
17 jewels adjusted to temperature; micro-metric regulator.
This ELGIN Watch can be had in the desirable models and sizes suitable for men and boys.
ELGIN Watches of equal grade for ladies, a moderates prices.