We have often seen vintage pocket watches holding a huge price in auctions. In the era of modern technology, many smartwatches have been introduced, but they can’t overshadow the value of old legacy craftsmanship.

The timeless timepieces hold significance due to their historical background, elegant artistry, and credibility. The sophisticated design, extraordinary artistic skills, and attention to minor details speak for the value of Elgin pocket watches.

The company ruled for over 100 years and provided excellent watches with quality, accuracy, and precision. These watches hold a special place in the hearts of collectors who are interested in the subject of horology.

Elgin pocket watch is more than just a watch – it’s an ever-living experience. These watches sell for thousands of dollars because of their uniqueness. The price depends on various factors: age, complexity, historical significance, condition, exclusive features, etc.

There are many ways to determine whether the pocket watch is real or fake. However, it’s best to take the help of professionals. The experts have a deep analysis of the history and importance of vintage products.

The company made different designs of the watch to cater to the needs of every member of society. The factory was completed in 1866 – B.W.Raymond is the first watch to be introduced in honor of Benjamin W. Raymond.

What are Pocket Watches?

Pocket watches as names are kept in pockets. Many of them come with a chain, so you could strap them to a belt loop, waistcoat, or bag.

The practical use of pocket watches is rare nowadays. These are collected as vintage fashion pieces to reflect on horological history. These watches have become a symbol of status in the modern world.

Features of Elgin Pocket Watch

Here are some of the features of the Elgin pocket watch

• The Elgin watches have chains attached to them. You can attach the chain to a bag. This feature gives safety and security.
• Beautiful jewels on the watch enhance the beauty. It gives a unique touch to the design. The brand is inclusive of both male and female designs.
• The mechanical design of the watch is very intricate and complex. The hardware and mechanical design is responsible for precision and accuracy.
• Decorative etchings are the distinctive feature of Elgin pocket watches. The serial numbers are also etched on the dial of the watch.

History of Elgin National Watches

Elgin National Watch Company became the watch industry giant. The company was founded in 1864. They hired a large number of employees for the crafting of intricate and beautiful designs on the watches.

A total of 7 men founded the company

• Philo Carpenter
• Robbins
• Edward H.Williams
• Howard Z.Culver
• Benjamin W.Raymond
• George M.wheeler
• Thomas S.Dickerson

At that time, watches were handmade. The company identified the gap and started mass production of watches by machinery. The company sold and repaired high-quality watches inexpensively.

The Elgin watches were known for their precision and accuracy. Different marketing campaigns were launched in the market to increase the popularity and sales. There were high-grade grade watches for working men.

The watches were branded with three names

• Elgin watch is a standard range of watches
• Lord Elgin is a luxury range for gentlemen
• Lady Elgin is a luxury range for ladies

In 1869, the company won best watch Illinois manufacturer which increased the reputation of the company by many folds.

Types of Elgin Pocket Watches

There are 4 types of Elgin pocket watches

1.    Antique Elgin Pocket Watches

Antique Elgin watches are reliable and timeless. These are among the most common and in-demand watches. These are known for longevity and historical perspective.

2.    Full-Hunter Pocket Watches

Full-hunter pocket watches have a protective lid that saves your watch from water and dust. It gives an additional covering to the delicate dial of the watch. The protective cover is attached to the hinge.

3.    Elgin Railroad Model

These were the first watches designed by the company. The design of the railroad model of the Elgin watch is specifically for the railway industry. The working men find the model useful due to its precision and accuracy.

4.    Double-Hunter Pocket Watches

As the name indicates, double hunter pocket watches have 2 protective lids that cover the front and back of the watch. Both sides of the lids are spring-hinged.

How Old is Your Elgin Watch

The worth of an Elgin watch largely depends on its age. The vintage piece gets sold for a high price. It increases the significance of knowing the actual age of your Elgin pocketwatch.

One of the most popular ways to know the age is by serial number. The serial numbers were designated to each original piece for identification.

The serial number is engraved on the back of the watch and is usually 7-8 digits long. A mere look at the number will not tell you the age – you’ll have to go a step further. Note down the serial number in your notebook.

There are many online platforms to check the age of the watch. One of the trusted sources is pocketdatabase.com. Go to their website, select the manufacturer, and add the serial number.

The website will show the grade, year of manufacture, number of watches made, and other related information about the Elgin watch.

How to Calculate the Age of Elgin Watch

A simple mathematical subtraction can get you the age of an Elgin pocket watch. The serial number on the watch tells you the manufacturing date.

Compare the serial number with the table available on a trusted website and find out the manufacturing date. Subtraction of the manufacturing date from the present date gives you the age of the Elgin pocket watch. You can find the manufacturing date directly from the website.

Difference Between Fake and Real Elgin Watch

The chance of getting scammed increases with the rise in the worth of these antique pieces. Whether you are buying or selling the Elgin pocket watch – you should be aware of its value. There are key points that help in the identification of the real watch.

Here are 4 important points to determine whether the Elgin pocket watch is real or fake.

1.    Observe the Logo

The real Elgin watch comes with the name “Elgin” on the dial. After 1960, the symbol “E” was used to mark the watch. The presence of Elgin or E on the watch indicates that the watch is real.

2. Case of the Model

Pay close attention to the case of the model. The case has a stamp – there is a 4-digit number written above the stamp. The 4-digit number tells about the material of the watch.

3.    Inscribed Serial Number

The inscribed serial number on the Elgin watch is one of the most accurate ways to determine its originality. Different websites tell detailed information about the watch based on the serial number.

4.    Ask Professional

You should seek the help of a professional to know the worth and value of antique pieces like the Elgin pocket watch. They have a wide knowledge regarding the history and authenticity of the product.

Factors Affecting the Worth

The following factors are most crucial in determining the worth of Elgin pocket watches.

1.    Age of the Pocket Watch

The age of the Elgin pocket watch is the biggest factor behind its price. The older pieces are more attractive to the audience. The older Elgin pocket watches are more expensive compared to newer versions.

The age of the watch signifies the historical aspects which is appealing to the buyer of the watch. If someone offers you to buy a newer Elvin watch – there is a higher chance that it’s fake.

2. Provenance of the Watch

Provenance refers to the source and originality of the watch. It depicts the historical value and adds credibility which appeals to the buyer. A person must keep original paperwork and a record of the watch to prove the value of the watch.

The true value of the watch remains in its provenance. The provenance gives an insight into the historical background and tells the fascinating story behind each masterpiece.

3. Historical Significance

The historical significance of the watch captures the value of Elgin pocket watches. The company dominated in the area of watch production and sales for 100 years. A total of 60 million pieces were designed and crafted during the period.

The company stopped production in 1968. The Elgin watches are mostly available in auctions, where they are sold at high prices. The company was also known for designing watches for soldiers during World War 1.

4.    Condition of the Watch

Buyers are certainly interested in old vintage watches for the collection. It doesn’t mean they want a rusted watch that doesn’t function properly. The combination of old watches and good condition is the market demand.

There are various factors to check the condition of the watch. The overall look of the watch and the condition of the case, dial, and movement grab the attention.

5. Complication of the Watch

Complicated watches tell more than time. The engineering details of the watch add various features and functions. The price of Elgin pocket watches rises with an increase in the complication of design.

The complications include repeaters, time zones, chronographs, moon phases, and alarms within the watch. Complications in the watches are more appealing to collectors.

6.    Limited Edition

The word “limited edition” increases the price of the product by many folds. The human innate nature to own unique things makes him pay a higher price. The hoarder of antique pieces looks for the rareness of the product.

There are different ways to determine the rareness of a pocket watch. Some websites and experts can tell the price based on the limited number.

7.    Exclusive Features

The Elgin pocket is highly reliable due to its accuracy and precision. The intricate pattern and designs give a unique, classy look to the watch. The different styles catered to everyone’s tastes and needs from railway workers to the fashion icons of that time.

Quartz is the most common material to manufacture watches. However, the gold, silver, and bronze Elgin pocket watches fetch high prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    How frequently should I wind my Elgin pocket watch?

The answer depends on how frequently you use your Elgin watch. If it is in daily use – wind it at least after 24 hours, preferably at the same time every day. To wind the watch, turn the crown in a clockwise direction.

2.    Can I repair an old Elgin pocket watch?

Yes, old as well as new Elgin pocket watches are repairable. You must look after the repair and maintenance of the watch and consider professional help. The vintage watch repairer will diagnose the problem, and clean and repair the parts if needed.

3.    How can I take care of the Elgin pocket watch?

An Elgin pocket watch lasts a long time if taken care of properly. Consider the following points to preserve and maintain the watch.

• Don’t overwind the watch – it causes mechanical injury.
• Clean the exterior of the watch properly.
• Take professional to get dirt out from the interior.
• Keep it away from perfumes and deodorants.
• Avoid accidentally dropping the watch.
• Give professional service to the watch after some months.

4.    How can I tell the age of the Elgin pocket watch?

It’s easy to figure out the age of the Elgin pocket watch. Look for the serial number on the dial of the watch. Compare the serial number with the table and know the manufacturing date. Subtract the manufacturing year from the present year and you get the age of the Elgin pocket watch.

5.    Should I invest in Elgin pocket watches?

Elgin pocket watches are a good investment. They hold value due to intricate design, craftsmanship, uniqueness, and historical significance. They get sold for thousands of dollars and are valuable assets.

Conclusion

Elgin pocket watches are timeless. The person who collects vintage pieces is aware of their price and worth. These are some of the best pieces of investment.

The rareness of Elgin pocket watches sparks the interest of buyers. These watches not only tell time but get you back to history. The design, crafting, embellishment, embedded jewelry, and complex designs appeal to the vintage collector.

These watches give hints about the aspects of history. If you wish to own an Elgin pocket watch, do thorough research. Invest time in understanding the value and take professional help.

You should be able to differentiate between real and fake Elgin pocket watches and trace their history and origin. We should appreciate this extraordinary piece of art to preserve history.