Elgin Watches Prices By Serial Number

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Production Year
Approximate date the movement of a watch is produced. Factory records differ
from year-to-year and factory-to-factory. Some records are more complete than
others. For this reason, many factory production dates are approximate.

Size
System developed and agreed-upon by American watch manufacturers to
determine the diameter of a watch movement. The larger the number, the larger
the diameter of the movement. The numbers used for American watch movement
sizing have no correlation to the actual measurement of the piece.

Jewels
Only jewels have a surface hard and perfect enough to allow metal parts to turn
unceasingly year after year with a minimum of wear and friction. Jewels also hold
the microscopic droplets of oil that lubricate each tiny pivot point. Raw jewels
alone cost little; it’s their incredibly precise finish and their perfect positioning in
the watch that give them value and make your watch run so dependably. While
a certain number of jewels are necessary at vital points, an increase beyond this
number does not always mean an increase in watch quality.

Online Elgin Serial Number Database The serial number must be off the movement of the watch (where the gears are), not off the case. You must give the letter prefix of the serial number, if there is one. If you don't have an exact Serial Number, you can use many other Search Options. What is the value of elgin pocket watch serial number - Answered by a verified Antique Expert We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them.

Grade
The grade of a movement is the identification of the level of quality to which it is
finished, generally reflecting the amount of labor that went into them. There is
some relationship to the cost of materials, but the greater cost was the labor to
finish and adjust the parts to the precision necessary for good timekeeping and,
to a lesser extent, the pleasing appearance of the movement. For cases, the
value of the material was a much greater proportion, with some extra labor going
into engraved designs.

Elgin Watch Serial Number Lookup

Grading can be increased/decreased by adding jewels, damascening or adding
levels of adjustment.

Model
Much like the model of a car, the model of a watch movement indicates the style
of the piece and the level of labor and jeweling that went into the movement.
Model names and numbers are used to determine railroad eligibility use and level
of construction. Models names can be words or numbers.

Class
An internal notation used by a watch factory to note the level of production and
type of a watch movement. This category can be used to note subtle differences
between models and grades.

Run Quantity
Because special tooling and manufacturing techniques are required for
each model and grade of movement, mechanisms are produced in groups called “runs.” A run can consist of a hundred or less up to tens of thousands per group. The total run quantity of a model or grade is the complete number assembled before the factory ceased production of that model.

Movement Configuration
The movement configuration of a watch identifies whether it was manufactured
to go in a hunting case – a watch case with a cover that opens when the crown
is pushed; or, whether it is designed for use in an open-face case, which has no
cover.

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Movement Setting
The setting of a watch movement notes how the hands of the watch are moved
to align with the correct time. Early watches hands were “set” by using a key to
turn them; later, watches were set by pulling out the crown; turning it until the
hands gestured to the proper time, then pushing in the crown. For railroad use, a
watch should be “lever set”: A hidden lever located in a small slot near the edge
of the dial must be pulled out before the hands can be adjusted. This safeguard
was developed to protect watches from having their hands jostled out of time
accidentally.

Movement Finish
The movement finish of a watch traditionally refers to its appearance: color,
metal or decoration. A “gilt” finish is, in effect, gold-plated. A “nickel” finish means
the solid nickel plates of the watch are polished. A “nickel damascened” finish
means the nickel plates are brushed or decorated by hand or machine, thereby
increasing the grade and value of the movement.

Plate
A watch movement is constructed so that wheels are held between “bridges”
or “plates.” Some movements are full-plate, meaning they are two plates of
metal with gears between them. Other movements may be “three quarter” plate,
meaning there plates sandwiching the gears have an open space or gap in them.
A “bridge” movement is a mechanism with thin fingers or “bridges” holding one
end of the pivot, exposing most of the internal workings of the movement to be
seen.

Barrel
The barrel of a movement is the area containing its mainspring.plain barrel: i.e.
without teeth, used in fusee watches and clocks. A chain, or cord, was wound
around the plain barrel, connecting it to the fusee.

Going barrel is the form used in modern watches, is wound by turning the arbor
and drives the watch movement by a ring of teeth around the barrel. This enables
the mainspring to continue running the watch while it is being wound. Invented by
Jean-Antoine Lépine.

A “hanging barrel” is a version of the going barrel that is supported by the
movement only at its upper end – a space-saving design.

A “motor” or “safety barrel” is used in pocket watches around 1900, a reverse
variant of the going barrel in which the spring is wound by turning the barrel, and
turns the watch movement by the central arbor. The purpose of this arrangement
was that if the spring breaks, destructive recoil forces would not be applied to the
vulnerable gear train.

Adjusted
An “adjusted” movement is one that is finished or specially “tuned” at the factory
for certain applications. There are eight possible adjustments:
• Dial up
• Dial down
• Pendant up
• Pendant down
• Pendant left
• Pendant right
• Temperature (from 34–100 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Isochronism (the ability of the watch to keep time, regardless of the
mainspring’s level of tension).

Positional adjustments are attained by careful poising (ensuring even weight
distribution) of the balance-hairspring system as well as careful control of the
shape and polish on the balance pivots. All of this achieves an equalization of
the effect of gravity on the watch in various positions. Positional adjustments
are achieved through careful adjustment of each of these factors, provided by
repeated trials on a timing machine. Thus, adjusting a watch to position requires
many hours of labor, increasing the cost of the watch. Standard grade watches
were commonly adjusted to 3 positions (dial up, dial down, pendant up) while
higher grade watches were commonly adjusted to 5 positions (dial up, dial down,
stem up, stem left, stem right) or even all 6 positions. Railroad watches were
required, after 1908, to be adjusted to 5 positions. 3 positions were the general
requirement before that time.

Marked For
Movements can be specially marked or engraved when produced for specific
customers or purposes. When they are “marked for” railroad service or a specific
railway, it can be noted in factory records. Also, when a clerk wished to note
something unusual about a run of movements, they might make notes here.

Elgin National Watch Company got its start in 1864 and was founded by a group of men that included former Chicago mayor Benjamin W. Raymond. For nearly 100 years thereafter, Elgin had the distinction of operating the world’s largest watchmaking manufacturing site. The company became an American icon and won numerous awards for its timepieces and movements. 1967 marked the last year that the original Elgin Watch Company produced any watches, and today the brand’s models are collector’s items.

Here are ten of the finest Elgin watches made while the original company was still in existence.

1. Lelong Lady Tiger

The aesthetic of this watch is the epitome of exotic and ornate. On the case is an engraving of a tiger on the top and a woman’s silhouette on the bottom, with each end accented by decorative flourishes. The display is framed by more engraving, and the dial bears a classic arrangement of indexes along with distinctive hands. The Lelong Lady Tiger’s case is made of 14 carat yellow gold. You can typically find this late 20s watch at auction for $2,500.

2. Elgin 19 Shockmaster

Elgin Pocket Watches For Sale

The Elgin 19 Shockmaster is an analog timepiece with a mechanical movement that’s filled with 10 carat yellow gold. It has an aesthetic that’s very stylish, sophisticated, and gentlemanly — men are still buying, fixing, and wearing this watch today because it has such a timeless look. If you hunt online, you can typically find the Elgin 19 Shockmaster for about $300.

3. 1945 Elgin Military Ordnance Wrist Watch

One of the most iconic Elgin watches is the 1945 Elgin Military Ordnance Wrist Watch. It was issued to US military members and was very accurate. What’s more amazing is how well these timepieces have fared over the years — you can still find this model working and in tact, strap and all. The two-piece canvas strap was designed to be comfortable and durable, which was essential in the trenches. The cost of this watch today starts at $175, and those in great condition often cost more than $500.

4. Lord Elgin 626

One of the most well known collection of Elgin watches is the Lord Elgin. The Lord Elgin 626 was designed with a hunter case movement that produced 18,000 beats per hour, and its case and strap were exquisite. Yellow gold filled watches were big back in its day, and this model contained plenty of gold throughout. It not only looked great, but was very accurate and reliable. The price of owning this timepiece today starts at $300.

5. Lady Elgin 23

This ladies’ Elgin watch was designed to be refined, elegant, and sophisticated. The case has an unusual shape that’s oblong, yet pointed at both ends. The indexes are geometric and the hands of this watch play along with that theme. It’s made of 14 carat yellow gold and bears the label “Lady Elgin 23” on the dial. Depending on the condition, this watch can be bought at auction for about $950.

6. 1957 Chevron Jump Hour

Chevron was Elgin Watchs’ mid-range model, and its name is derived from the V shape integrated into the case’s design. Sales for the company were declining when this watch made its debut, and at the time Elgin was experimenting with releasing timepieces with novel features to draw the interest of more consumers — the jumping hour was one of those novelties. In addition to this function, the 1957 Chevron Jump Hour was designed with a 21 jewel movement. It usually costs around $675 to buy this vintage men’s watch today.

7. 1937 Driver’s Watch

The 1937 Driver’s watch is one of the earliest flexible lug driver’s watches that Elgin made. It came about just as the Art Deco movement was beginning to fade away in favor of more modern styles. The dial does sport some Art Deco elements, but it has a much more contemporary aesthetic than its predecessors.

Inside Elgin’s 1937 driver’s watch is a 17 jewel movement, which was quite reliable as a timekeeper. The company used to claim that their watches were “time to the stars”, and this watch shows the star branding that Elgin used during its production. Depending on the condition and how many original components it still has, the cost of this model can range from $200 to over $700.

8. 1931 Ref. No. 33550551

This Elgin women’s watch, which bears the serial number 33550551, was produced in 1931 and is a real beauty. The white gold filled case measures 26 mm by 17 mm and has a rectangular shape. The dial features a subtle floral motif that’s complemented by vertical stripes, and the case has a decorative edge that continues the floral theme.

Antique Elgin Watches Serial Numbers

A distinguished strap that’s delicately carved to look like floral branches encased in frames makes this watch even more gorgeous. The movement inside the timepiece contains 15 jewels. This model is quite rare, and at auction you can expect to pay over $600 for it.

9. 1947 14K Gold Lord Elgin

Elgin Watches Prices By Serial Number Lookup

The 1947 14K Gold Lord Elgin was distinguished and fashionable. It was designed with a rectangular case, had a dial with classic numerals and geometric indexes, and it kept the hours, minutes, and seconds. Not only was the case filled with 14 carat yellow gold, the watch’s markers were as well. The movement in this model contained 21 jewels and had four adjustments. Buying this 1947 Lord Elgin watch today costs $200 or more.

10. 1920s Art Deco

Elgin Watches Prices By Serial Numbers

Elgin watches made a series of timepieces for men and women in the 1920s that featured an Art Deco style. These watches had different movements, they but were characterized by their aesthetic. Each has distinctive Art Deco details, and they were commonly worn by those looking to keep up with the fashions of the day. The price of buying a 1920s Art Deco Elgin watch now varies widely. In tact and with an original strap and movement, these models can easily sell for over $800 at auction.