Hopefully you already own an Elgin pocket watch. Perhaps you are considering purchasing one? In many cases people have been left these old antique watches by their parents or grand parents. If so, then you will enjoy reading about these fantastic pieces of American history.
Interpret the date code. Once you have identified a date code on your watch, you will need to interpret it, as the date is never printed in an obvious way. Bulova has used a few different systems for dating their watches.[2]
The really good news is that Elgin has now ceased trading as a company. That means none of these watches will ever be made again. Although it is always sad to see the demise of any business, it does mean that you actually own an antique Elgin and one that will over time only ever increase in value. That always makes me smile. The average pocket watch in these recessional times has dropped in value from a few years ago.
That said, they can still be worth a considerable amount of money if you have the right one. It is however a bit of a waiting game. Like any product in the market place watches are also subject to supply and demand issues and how much disposable income people have available.
Elgin Pocket Watch General Information
When times are good then people will have more money to spend. They will start to buy these types of vintage Elgin watches. However during recessions or as supply gets too big then the value will drop slightly. Yet again the good news is that it will come up again. There are many collectors of Elgin time pieces. That means there is usually a steady enough demand and they are looking for the unique piece rather than a huge profit.
The majority of people searching online for information about Elgin have either found one or perhaps have been left one in a will. They want to know more about it, especially the value. I have done a few articles on here about appraising these and how best to determine their value. If you search for those you will find them on the sidebar. There is also a direct link to them further down this page.
The Elgin Pocket Watch Company
The Elgin Watch Company was founded in 1864 and has produced almost 60 million watches. That single fact alone bears testament to the longevity and creativity of their company. There is little question that these wonderful time pieces have a high degree of quality and workmanship. For me the uniqueness of an Elgin pocket watch is that it can form part of a highly valued collection and at the same time be worn everyday.
When initially founded Elgin was known as the National Watch Company. They owed much of its funding to a former Chicago Mayor called Benjamin W. Raymond. The very first pocket watch they produced was a classic size 18. Like many that were to follow this pocket watch was known for a high degree of time keeping accuracy and for its unique and wonderful style. Waltham Wrist Watch Serial Number Lookup
Elgin also offered a wide range of designs for both wrist and pocket watches. It is true that nowadays the Elgin is much sought after by collectors. For me the Elgin pocket watch and pendant watch offer a great contrast in style. I am mainly interested in these watches as they have a sense of history to me.
The history element for me is almost more intriguing that the watch itself. As a young boy I spent many Saturday afternoons glued to my seat at the cinema watching those old cowboy films of how the West was won. The rail roads played a major part in that of course and I used to be fascinated by those foremen who would produce the pocket watch.
Elgin Wrist Watch Serial Number Lookup
Elgin Pocket Watch
Clearly the pocket watch had been designed for various types of railroad worker and it still fascinates me today. I did back then have a huge desire to own an Elgin pocket watch and I have been fortunate enough to become a collector of these over the years.
Elgin did of course go to make wrist watches that could be worn on the hand and many of those still exist today. I have never had a great interest in those though as it is the fascination of the pocket watch that has always captured my imagination.
The factory did close down in 1964 and would have been in existence then for 100 years. They stopped making their watches then and moved on to do bigger and heavier engineering construction tasks. For me that is a huge loss but I guess time simply moves on, even for a watch. In essence the Elgin production dates were from 1864-1964, almost 100 years of trading.
Elgin Pocket Watch Identification
The question I am most often asked by owners of these watches is how much is my pocket watch actually worth. I watch many auctions on eBay for any Elgin pocket watch that is for sale. You can pick these up for $40 and above. I have also seen and bought these at garage sales, car boot sales, public auctions, storage unit sales, house clearance sales and just about anywhere there is a possibility of finding an antique.
The prices will vary a lot and you need to do your research before making a purchase. The best thing to do is to make sure they are working as that will be essential to a collector.
In many cases the pocket watches have ceased to function but there are many companies out there who can restore and repair these. Trying to understand the value of your pocket watch, or if you are considering making a purchase, it is so important to understand some key criteria.
Like any antique watch some are more valuable than others. One example is the Elgin Gold watches and the key element in understanding this is age and uniqueness. It is pretty obvious to state this but you can check easily from the serial number and get a decent estimate before making any bids online.
I would always recommend doing this. For me I bid simply on how much I like the look of the timepiece. The attractiveness of a piece from a collector’s view point is usually the first gut reaction when making a purchase. This is especially true if you plan on starting or adding to a collection.
Value of Your Elgin Pocket Watch
To find out the true value of your watch you need to find the serial number which you will find on the actual movement of the watch. Then there is a serial look up table which you can find by clicking on the link above on serial numbers and this will help you find the year your watch was made.
You may see a serial number on the actual case but please ignore this for any valuation purposes. The only one that is important from a value perspective is the number on the inside movement. This is a link to a full description of how to value your Elgin watch. There is also a short video below that gives you the basics of what to look for when seeking an evaluation.
Dating Your Elgin Watch
From the watch movement serial number you will be able to find the age, quality and grade and this information is invaluable especially if you are trying to find its true value.
The Elgin pocket watch value is also increased if it is in good working order. Without sounding rude please never tamper with it yourself. Even if the timepiece isn’t working, it still can have considerable value. However if you attempt to fix this yourself without the necessary knowledge you can reduce the value of your precious item in an instant. Please take it to a watch specialist who will know exactly what to do and it will not cost as much as you may think.
I would not be a classic collector in the true sense of making money. I collect items and antiques that I like and I never really have the intention of selling them. That said many of the great bargains I have picked up at a car boot sale.
I once managed to pick up a fantastic watch for only $10 and its true value was just over $250. Always keep an eye out especially at country fairs as there is always a bargain waiting to be had. This is especially true if you are looking for a good quality Elgin at the right price.
Many people ask me about the value of Elgin cases. The majority of these were called filled cases in that they were made with what is called filled gold. This was simply two layers of rolled gold covering a brass interior to make it look like gold. Some real ones were made though and they would be worth considerably more.
Elgin also made a number of watches for a lady primarily to wear as jewelry. These are also a very collectible range of watches. In my opinion they still make a great collection even today and worth investing in. If you are lucky enough to come across one of these at a sensible price then take advantage of that, as these do tend to grow in value.
How To Open An Elgin Pocket Watch
I have been asked by quite a few people now how to go about opening your watch. As you can imagine there are quite a few different types and they all open slightly differently. Some of them you simply turn the gold outer frame and they will then screw apart. I would avoid this as it will only allow dust in. It will be necessary though if you are trying to work on it.
Most Elgin watches open by pressing down on a small indent on the top left of the watch and the case will click open. I have included a video below that shows a gentleman opening three different watches.
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There is a lot to know about these older watches and although pocket watches may now seem antiquated, they still can have considerable value. These were made at a time when watches were not affordable to the general public. Only men and women of considerable wealth could even consider owning one of these.
It was companies like Waltham and Elgin who introduced mass production and automation. By creating standard sized parts, and then producing them on machines, the cost of physical labour dropped massively. That also meant the prices dropped and suddenly anyone who wanted a watch could have a good chance of obtaining one.
It was revolutionary in its time. They maintained high standards as well as accuracy was vital to the business world at that time. The railroads especially played a huge part in this drive for accuracy. The Elgin National Watch company certainly played a major part in this huge production of good quality watches.
Sadly it was eventually to be low price competitors from other countries that was to bring about the demise of the company as well. Cheap labour from other poorly paid countries could produce even cheaper watches and Elgin simply did not change their production methods. That in turn meant that they could simply not survive. Still they certainly left a great legacy behind and many of us love and cherish these wonderful timepieces.
I will always be looking for and producing as much content as I can find about these. If you have any questions or would like to make a comment please feel free to do just that. I don’t always answer straight away but will do my best to get back to you as soon as I can.
I have also done some articles on pocket watches generally and especially how to clean, maintain and repair them. At one stage late on in the company Elgin also started to import watches from Switzerland. They became known as Swiss Elgins and you can read about those by clicking here.
Elgin Watch Repair
Many people have asked me about getting one that has stopped working repaired. Rather than try to cover that off right here, I have done a full detailed article on that, which you can read by clicking here.
Please feel free to browse through the other articles on the site and I hope you find the information we have provided here on the Elgin pocket watch useful and informative.
Luxury watches come with a variety of numbers associated with them on the paperwork, case back, chronometer certificate etc., but which numbers are really significant? We are often afraid of giving the serial number away because of the growing replica market that has been taking these numbers and using them in a disingenuous way. However, without knowing it, many people mistake the watch serial number as the watch model number. For example, it is a common mistake on Cartier watches to blur out the case number instead of the watch serial number on online eBay listings. So… how do you find a watch model number? The answer? It depends on the brand. While some watches will not have a watch model number on the physical watch case, surprisingly, many of them do. The paperwork is always the first option for locating a watch model number, but unfortunately many times the papers are misplaced or lost. Here are some top luxury watch brands and some tips on how to find your watch model number.
But first, some common mistakes:
Jaeger Le-Coultre
Jaeger Le-Coultre can be a little complicated, but we expect nothing less from such an intricate brand. There are sometimes three models that can identify one Jaeger LeCoultre watch. Some watches are more commonly identified by just one of these numbers, while others are referred to by all three. A Reverso, for example, is commonly known by the number on the back of the case. This model is usually in the form XXX.X.XX or a similar format. Jaeger Le-Coultre watches also have what is known as a “Q” model number. For instance, the Reverso Gran Sport has a “Q” model number Q2948102 and a case back number 295.8.51, both of which are searchable. The “Q” number will be on the paperwork and tag and the other on the case back. Occasionally, a longer watch model number will be listed on the paperwork as well as in a similar format to the case back number. This often does not search for the watch but is a genuine watch model number. Your best bet with JLC is the “Q” number or case back number.
Cartier
Cartier watches, much like Jaeger LeCoultre watches, typically have a number on the case back and a unique identifier on the paperwork that will designate the model. The case back number (typically 4 digits) dictates what the case will look like. The materials can vary even with the same case back number, but the size and dimensions will be the same. Many people mistake the longer number on the case back, which is the watch serial number, for the watch model number. The 4 digit number is very important in identifying the watch. The other model number typically starts with a “W” and is found on the paperwork only. This number is the specific model number that will correspond to only exact matches of the watch. A Cartier Pasha will also have a case back number. With an exhibition case back it will still be on the outer edge of the case. If the watch case does not have a 4 digit model number, don’t worry, as some of the earlier models or quartz models do not have a case back number. In those instances, it might be necessary to find the size of the watch and compare the case to similar models. Seen below, 2730 is the case number.
Chopard
Chopard is similar to Cartier. There will typically be a 4 digit case back number that is part of the model number. A Mille Miglia, for example, will have a 4 digit case back number and a model on the paperwork that is in the form of XX/XXXX, those last 4 digits being the same as the number on the case back. A specific example would be the Mille Miglia Gran Turismo XL which has a model number of 16/8457 and the case back will simply have 8457.
Breitling
Breitling makes it easy to find the watch model number because the case back is marked with the model number. The paperwork will have the same model with the addition of a few numbers at the end designating the specific design of that watch. Sometimes, Breitling watches also have a chronometer certificate that is good to have with the watch, but that number will not identify anything having to do with the model. The good news is it typically searches by the letter and five digits seen on the case back. The trick is deciphering the watch model number, which usually begins with a letter, from the watch serial number.
Tag Heuer
Tag Heuer watches also have the watch model number on the case back. This should be the same model on the paperwork as well. Tag Heuer has a very clear cut modeling system that makes identifying the watch relatively easy. There is a serial number on the case back in addition to the watch model number so identifying which is significant is the only tricky part. Like Breitling, Tag Heuer watch models begin with letters, but the serial numbers can too, so it is typically the number “on top” or above the second listed number. An exhibition case back will be different since there is not as much space, the watch model number can sometimes stand alone. Model number is seen to the right above the displayed movement.
BVLGARI![]()
Bvlgari has a modeling system that appears on the case back. The model is essentially like a code that gives details about the watch. An example of a BVLGARI model number is BB 33 SGD. That model corresponds to a model in the BVLGARI BVLGARI line, 33mm with a steel and gold case, all logically designated by the letters. One model might have GMT at the end, signaling that it has a GMT function. The models typically make sense. A good indication that a BVLGARI is not authentic is if the letters do not make sense when looking at the watch, or there aren’t any numbers at all. Seen to the left on the case below are the letters DG 40 S GMT- this is a Diagono Model, 40mm, Steel with a GMT function.
Rolex
For a Rolex watch, unfortunately if the paperwork is gone, finding the model number can be very difficult because it requires the removal of the bracelet or band. The model number is located between the watch lugs under the bracelet. One set of lugs displays the watch serial number and the other will show the watch model number. We recommend having the bracelet removed professionally if needed since removing the bracelet can easily result in a scratched case. The watch model number is usually referred to as the “style number” on Rolex paperwork, if there is paperwork on the watch. Luckily, there are some dial markers and case features that can usually give away a Rolex model number, but some models, such as the 18k Ladies Date-just line, can be difficult to discern.
Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe is another tough brand because many people assume the number on the case back is the watch model number, but that is actually the watch serial number. A Patek Philippe watch model number or reference number is located on the inside of the case back. We recommend having the case taken off professionally so as to not scratch the case in the process. We expect a bit of a hunt for the model number on such an exquisite brand.
Image from Master Horologer.
OMEGA
Omega is another example of a watch that puts the watch model number inside of the case. Omega watches do have a serial on the outside of the case however, that will search in Omega’s database and correspond with a model number. This database only dates back to certain period so anything vintage or retro might not search. Omega also uses the terminology “reference number” on their paperwork which is actually a pictogram card. Seen below “Ref.” is where the model number should be written.
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Vintage
Vintage wrist watches can be tricky because many times these models break the rules. You might find a model number on the case, for instance some Piaget models will search that way, but it is also very common to have the model number marked on the inside of the case back as well. Since most of the men’s vintage models do not have paperwork anymore, these are usually the hardest models to identify. Sometimes the caliber is used instead.
This page will enable you to track down the production year of your vintage watch.
If you want to know which year your vintage watch was produced?– Then take a closer look at ” Serial numbers by year”.
While Omega keeps the serial number on the inside of the backcase Certina leaves the serial number visible on the out site of the watch back case accompanied with a reference. The two numbers serves the same pourposes as explained in the Omega chapter above-written. Though in the periode dating from 1958 to 1974 the reference number on Certina watch carried an encrypted message giving away, which calibre the watch was equipped with, which material the case was made from and which watch model you are dealing with.
Together with a reference number, the brand Omega placed their serial numbers on the inside of the backcase. One serial number indicates in which year or periode the watch was produced while the other number (the reference number) indicates which model or serie the specific watch belongs to.
In some cases, such as the watches produced by the brand Eterna, serial numbers were not used as markers to know the year of origin. Instead Eterna made sure we can date watches since their calibers were only used in short periods of time.
To put a date of production on your vintag Longines watch you have to locate the serial number which most often is found on the in- & out-site of the back case. When you have got the serial number then look it up in our Longines serial number matrix. While seaching for the serial number please remember to enjoy the sight of your Longines watch movement.
The very early Tissot watches had the serial number engraved on the back site of the dial. Later on the serial numbers were made easier to locate. On most vintag Tissot watches you will be able to find the serial number engraved into the watch movement. While your are at it remember to note the calibre number of your watch it may come in handy some day.
Introduction on how to find & use serial numbers
Updated On: February 05, 2019
All Waltham pocket watches have a serial number stamped on the movement (the 'works') inside the watch. The serial number can be checked against an online Waltham pocket watch list, which will give the approximate year of manufacture. Waltham pocket watch serial numbers can be accessed by opening the case back. To open a case back determine whether the watch has a screw-down, hunting or clamshell case.
To unscrew a screw-down Waltham pocket watch case back, locate the seam between the case and case back. The case back is the rear screw-down lid of the watch. Place the watch face down in the palm of your hand. Grip the edges of the case back with your fingers and rotate the case back counterclockwise until it's unscrewed from the case. Use a rubberized jar-lid remover to help unscrew particularly stubborn case backs.
Press the crown down at the 12 o’clock position on a Waltham pocket watch featuring a hunting case. Pressing down the crown releases the spring-loaded latch that opens the front cover over the crystal and the case back cover. Carefully wedge a blunt blade or your fingernail between the case and back cover to help pry it open.
Place your fingernail or a blunt blade under the case back lip at the 3 o’clock position if Waltham pocket watch has a clamshell case. Use the fingers from your other hand to grasp the pendant at 12 o’clock, where the stem that connects to the movement is held. By pulling the pendant and lifting the lip, an inner ring together with the movement will separate from the case.
Examine the movement with a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass. On one side of the movement is the Waltham logo and trademark. A model name may be engraved below, such as “Riverside” or “American.” At the edge of the movement is a set of numbers up to eight digits. The fewer the digits, the older the watch. Serial numbers begin in 1852 with 50 and exceeded 35,000,000 in 1957, the last year of manufacture.
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