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The Elgin National Watch Company

Elgin pocket watch — open-face dial showing bold Arabic numerals
An Elgin pocket watch with the characteristic white enamel dial, bold black Arabic numerals and blued-steel hands typical of railroad-grade production.
Elgin National Watch Co movement showing serial number 164,249,88
The movement of an Elgin pocket watch showing the serial number 164 24 988 and the inscription "Elgin Natl Watch Co, U.S.A." — exactly where to look when dating your watch.

Finding Your Elgin Serial Number

As the photograph above shows, the serial number on an Elgin movement is clearly stamped on the pillar plate (the main movement plate). To access it, carefully open the back of the case. On hunter-case watches, there are usually two back covers — open the outer decorative cover first, then the inner movement cover.

In the photograph above, the serial number 164 24 988 is stamped prominently above the inscription "Elgin Natl Watch Co, U.S.A." — a typical example of how Elgin marked their movements. The serial number places this watch in the mid-1910s production period.

History of the Elgin National Watch Company

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, by a group of Chicago businessmen who recognised the enormous post-Civil War demand for affordable, accurate timepieces. During nearly 100 years of operation the company produced more pocket watches than any other American manufacturer — an estimated 60 million movements.

The company name "National" was added to reflect the civic pride invested in the enterprise — the city of Elgin, Illinois grew up largely in the shadow of the watch factory, and the relationship between town and company was close throughout the factory's life.

The Elgin Observatory

One of Elgin's most remarkable achievements was the construction of its own astronomical observatory — the Elgin National Watch Observatory — completed in 1910. The observatory enabled Elgin to set their master clocks to astronomical time and regulate every watch leaving the factory to the highest possible standard. It was an extraordinary investment in accuracy, reflecting the company's commitment to quality.

Key Elgin Grades

GradeSizeJewelsNotes
B.W. Raymond18, 1615–21Top railroad grade, produced from 1867 onward
Father Time18, 1621Railroad grade; distinctive engraved movement
Veritas1621–23High-grade; 23-jewel version is rare
Lord Elgin1221Prestigious dress grade
Shasta1617Mid-grade general-purpose movement
H.H. Taylor1817Standard grade, very common
Dexter St.1811Economy grade
G.M. Wheeler18, 1611–17Common mid-grade movement

Elgin and the Railroad

Elgin produced more railroad-grade watches than any other manufacturer. The B.W. Raymond grade alone was produced in enormous quantities from the 1870s through the 1950s and represents the most collected single American pocket watch grade. Most railroad watch collections include multiple B.W. Raymonds across different production periods — comparing the progression of design and finishing quality is fascinating.

Elgin Serial Number Table

Use the table below to find the approximate year your Elgin was made. The serial number is stamped on the movement as shown in the photograph above.

Quick Look-Up:
YearFrom SerialYearFrom Serial
18671 19049,000,001
186810,001 190510,000,001
186940,001 190611,000,001
187080,001 190712,000,001
1871130,001 190813,000,001
1872190,001 190914,000,001
1873260,001 191015,000,001
1874340,001 191116,000,001
1875430,001 191217,500,001
1876530,001 191319,000,001
1877640,001 191420,500,001
1878760,001 191522,000,001
1879890,001 191623,500,001
18801,030,001 191725,000,001
18811,180,001 191827,000,001
18821,340,001 191929,000,001
18831,510,001 192031,000,001
18841,690,001 192133,000,001
18851,880,001 192235,000,001
18862,080,001 192337,000,001
18872,290,001 192439,000,001
18882,510,001 192541,000,001
18892,740,001 192643,000,001
18902,980,001 192745,000,001
18913,230,001 192847,000,001
18923,490,001 192949,000,001
18933,760,001 193051,000,001
18944,040,001 193152,500,001
18954,330,001 193254,000,001
18964,630,001 193355,000,001
18974,940,001 193456,000,001
18985,260,001 193557,000,001
18995,590,001 194058,000,001
19005,930,001 194559,000,001
19016,280,001 195060,000,001
19027,000,001 195561,000,001
19038,000,001 196462,000,000
Note: Elgin serial numbers were not always assigned in strict date order — some batches of numbers were reserved for specific grades or case configurations. The dates shown are the best available approximation for each serial block.

End of Production

Elgin ceased pocket watch production in 1964 after exactly 100 years in business. The company attempted to survive through wristwatch production and imported Swiss movements, but increasing competition made this impossible. The Elgin brand name has since been used by various companies with no connection to the original manufacturer — do not confuse modern "Elgin" branded watches with the genuine article.

Collecting Elgin Watches

Because so many were made, common Elgin grades are very affordable — excellent examples can be found for under $100. Rare grades such as the high-jewel Veritas, the 23-jewel B.W. Raymond, or early Father Time movements in original gold cases command hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The Lord Elgin in a solid gold case is particularly attractive to dress-watch collectors.

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