“Elgin, The Watchword for Elegance and Efficiency.”

By the early 20th century, Elgin was producing over 1 million watches per year and was the largest producer of fine watches in the world. 

 ELGIN WATCH COMPANY was a leading American watch manufacturer that operated from 1864 to 1968, founded by a group of investors in Elgin, Illinois, and quickly became one of the most successful watchmakers in the United States. 

The early years of the company were marked by rapid expansion and innovation. In 1874, the company introduced the first full plate movement, which was more durable and accurate than previous designs. In 1875, Elgin introduced the first watch with a stem winding and setting mechanism, which became the industry standard. The company was also known for its high-quality movements and its innovative designs, which included the first wristwatch with an alarm and the first watch with a shock-resistant balance.  

During World War II, Elgin produced watches for the military, including the A-11, which became known as the "Watch That Won the War." After the war, the company continued to produce watches, but faced increasing competition from foreign manufacturers and the rise of quartz technology.   

In 1968, the company ceased production and its assets were sold to a group of investors. The Elgin name has since been used by various companies, but the original Elgin Watch Company is remembered as one of the most important American watchmakers in history. 

The first decade of the American wristwatch – “Transition: Out of the Pocket.”

1918 ELGIN 
Transitional Watch 
Made in U.S.A. 

The pocket watch belongs to the 19th century and its less hurried sense of time. The wristwatch clearly speaks of the faster pace of the 20th century. The pace of the world became faster; the style of time changed and the transition from the era of the pocket watch to that of the wristwatch was symbolic of the change. 

From the transition era, this is another interesting American timepiece, a vintage Elgin mechanical wristwatch dated from 1918.  

It is a manual-wind watch powered by an original Elgin movement, caliber grade 419, featuring 15 jewels, model 2, size 3/0s, a double roller, operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (A/h) and made in U.S.A. 

Cased in a 30.6mm silver cushion case with distinctive lug design, made from sterling silver. 

Still has the original white dial (showing some age and patina) featuring bold Arabic numerals, luminous dots, a black minute track, and matching blue steel hands. The sub-second hand is positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is signed with the Elgin name at the top.

It comes on a vintage brown leather bund strap.  

After 105 years, this is a perfect collector's item, it is in good condition. Runs very well and keeps great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.

Movement: 
ELGIN 
15 Jewels 
Double Roller 
U.S.A.  
20618198  

Case Markings: 
Wadsworth 
Sterling 
3614865  

"A.C.E. Heckert. Wiss. U.S.A." 

Measurements (mm): 
Case 30.6  
Case w/Crown 35.3  
Case Lug to Lug 32.6 
Case Thickness 10   
Lug Width 16   
Band Width 25  

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size. 

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.  

The condition is pre-owned.   
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended. 
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.  
 
It will be carefully packed.  

Please view our other listings.  
Thank you for looking!  
   
WA-4298