Elgin pocket watches were an icon of American pocket watch production in the 20th century and reflect the massive progress of the age with durable yet elegant designs. Founded in Chicago in 1864, the then National Watch Company was developed out of a consortium of local business leaders. Their goal was to create watches that were durable, affordable, and aesthetically satisfying.
After recruiting employees from a Massachusetts competitor, the Waltham Watch Company, the gentlemen established a 35-acre space in rural Elgin, Illinois, as the location for their headquarters. Construction was complete in 1866, their first movement was created the year after, and awards for their designs were already rolling in as early as 1869.
The true value of a pocket watch depends on a few factors. Age, rarity and brand will all affect the sale price. Chiefly, the brand name will represent most of the watch’s value – good pocket watch brands can sell for several thousand pounds. We’re here to help you get a better picture of pocket watch values. Antique Elgin 14 Karat Yellow Gold Pocket Watch. This beautiful antique Elgin pocket watch circa 1895 is a true collectible. The hunting case has an inner dust cover and is set with. Find out the real value of your Elgin Pocket Watch value by using the movement serial number. This video will help you understand how to work out the year of manufacture for your Elgin pocket.
By the time the company changed its name to the Elgin National Watch Company in 1874, the premise of their production had been firmly established, and their goal had been realized. Elgin National Watches, which were produced until the late 1960s, held a reputation for their reliability and their refinement, a combination that still makes them desirable today.
Quick Facts
Elgin Pocket Watch Value Antique
Elgin’s manufacturing headquarters in Elgin, Illinois, represented the largest watchmaking operation in the world for the 98 years it was in operation (1866-1964)
In honor of Chicago’s mayor, the first pocket watch they created in 1867 was named the “B.W. Raymond”
May 1869 marked the release of Elgin’s first watch for women. Fittingly called the “Lady Elgin,” it rapidly became a fashion statement
Learn more about Elgin Pocket Watches on the Invaluable blog.
In this modern age, technology has become so advanced that most people tell time through their smartphones. But how come there are people who spend time and money to collect timepieces?
The level of craftsmanship in mechanical watches such as a pocket watch is rare nowadays. Therefore, they are highly coveted, especially among watch connoisseurs and collectors. To own these watches showcase your appreciation for the complexity of mechanism and aesthetic design that goes into making each piece of watch.
A really common pocket watch we often see is the American Waltham pocket watch. We have appraised many of these watches along with antique Elgin pocket watch. Do you want to find the value of an Elgin pocket watch or do you have another pocket watch?
Antique Elgin Railroad Pocket Watches
If you want to have a pocket watch appraisal, fill out our form and send us detailed photographs of the watch from different angles in high quality. Make sure you don’t forget to give us information about the provenance, condition and other questions you might have