Elgin Pocket Watches

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.

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’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.