Starting my Elgin research

[FLGatorM5]

I have a vintage Elgin pocket watch that I eventually want to get restored. I’m just starting to do some research and wanted to know if this site was a good place to start: elginwatches.org

It doesn’t look like it’s updated much, but seems legit and there is probably enough info there to keep me busy. Any other resources that you’ve used? Thanks!

[spoilsofwar01]

if possible could you post a few photos, id be interested in seeing the movement etc, rgds "H"

[FLGatorM5]

Can’t get the back open yet, so no movement.

[texasmade]

Anytime I see Elgin Watches mentioned I think of the Temptations movie.

[RotorSelfWinding]

I used to live in Elgin. It's crazy to think one of the largest watch manufacturers of its time was based in Illinois.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by RotorSelfWinding

I used to live in Elgin. It's crazy to think one of the largest watch manufacturers of its time was based in Illinois.

Actually 2, the Illinois Watch Co, was quite large as well.
And the Rockford Watch Co, was not exactly small.

Aurora and Peoria watch Companies and 3 "micro" brands as well.

[wesdaniel]

Originally Posted by FLGatorM5

I have a vintage Elgin pocket watch that I eventually want to get restored. I’m just starting to do some research and wanted to know if this site was a good place to start: elginwatches.org

It doesn’t look like it’s updated much, but seems legit and there is probably enough info there to keep me busy. Any other resources that you’ve used? Thanks!

Yes, that's a good site to start. I have a Lord Elgin from the 50s that my dad got for 25 years with Chevrolet and have done some research on that site to get production runs, etc.

There's also a Facebook group called Vintage Elgin Watches - there's not a lot of activity there, but, when I went with questions about my dad's watch, within 10 minutes, I had advertising clips from when that watch was released and quite a bit of other interesting information.

Enjoy!

[MILGAUSS88]

I use a non slip cloth that you put in kitchen cabinets to help grip the back of the watch and crank.

I would put the bezel back on, to prevent bending the hands, place face down in your right hand, hook the crown with your right thumb so the whole watch won't turn.
Then use the non slip cloth in your left hand to crank.

[MILGAUSS88]

It looks like an 18 size pocket watch from the photo.
That can be confirmed or not if you open up the back and get the serial number off the movement.àqa
The US used mostly standard pocket watch sizes, and for most of the history 18 was the largest size made.

The case is incorrect, It is a hunter movement, in an open face case. Hunter case movements wind at 3:00 while open face movements wind at 12:00.

It appears to be a lever set, you have to pull the lever out at 5:00 in order to set the time.
This was to prevent accidentally changing the time.

[FLGatorM5]

Originally Posted by wesdaniel

Yes, that's a good site to start. I have a Lord Elgin from the 50s that my dad got for 25 years with Chevrolet and have done some research on that site to get production runs, etc.

There's also a Facebook group called Vintage Elgin Watches - there's not a lot of activity there, but, when I went with questions about my dad's watch, within 10 minutes, I had advertising clips from when that watch was released and quite a bit of other interesting information.

Enjoy!

Thanks!

[FLGatorM5]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

I use a non slip cloth that you put in kitchen cabinets to help grip the back of the watch and crank.

I would put the bezel back on, to prevent bending the hands, place face down in your right hand, hook the crown with your right thumb so the whole watch won't turn.
Then use the non slip cloth in your left hand to crank.

Money! Thank you.

[MILGAUSS88]

And here is your info:

Grade: 207
Manufacturer: Elgin
Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois
Movement Serial Number: 10526100
Grade: 207
Model: 4
Class: 61
Estimated Production Year: 1904
Run Quantity: 2,000
Grade/Model Run: 51 of 53
Total Production: 189,000
Size: 18s
Jewels: 7j
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Finish: Nickel
Movement Setting: Lever
Plate: Full Plate
Barrel: Going
Train: Quick
Regulator: Polished Oval Steel
Hairspring: Breguet
Escapement Type: Right-angle
Standard Dial Type: Single-Sunk
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No

[FLGatorM5]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

And here is your info:

Grade: 207
Manufacturer:Elgin
Manufacturer Location:Elgin, Illinois
Movement Serial Number:10526100
Grade:207
Model:4
Class:61
Estimated Production Year:1904
Run Quantity:2,000
Grade/Model Run:51 of 53
Total Production:189,000
Size:18s
Jewels:7j
Movement Configuration:Hunting
Movement Finish:Nickel
Movement Setting:Lever
Plate:Full Plate
Barrel:Going
Train:Quick
Regulator:Polished Oval Steel
Hairspring:Breguet
Escapement Type:Right-angle
Standard Dial Type:Single-Sunk
Adjusted:No
Railroad Grade:No

Thank you!