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USD 127.50
  • Gender: Women's
  • Number of Jewels: 15 Jewels
  • Modified Item: No
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Watch Shape: Rectangle
  • Style: Dress/Formal
  • Case Color: 14k Solid White Gold
  • Case Material: 14k Solid White Gold
  • Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
  • Band Material: Genuine Leather
  • Features: 14k Solid Gold
  • Year of Manufacture: 1920-1929
  • Case Finish: Polished & Engraved
  • Band Type: Two-Piece Strap
  • MPN: Does Not Apply
  • Band Color: Black
  • Age: 1927
  • Age Group: Adult
  • Display: Analog
  • Lug Width: 10mm
  • Brand: Elgin
  • Case Size: 30mm x 17mm
  • Serial Number: 29,920,473
  • Face Color: Ivory


My favorite among favorite U.S. watch firms is the Elgin National Watch Company, a prolific American firm established in 1864 on 35 acres of land donated by the City of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. It was a strategic location, right next to the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, one of the busiest railways into Chicago. By 1867 the first watch was marketed for sale, retailing for $115 (think of that in today’s prices!) and Elgin was soon competing head-on with its chief competitor, Waltham, which (ironically) was instrumental in forming Elgin, as two of the original organizers were P.S. Bartlett and D.G. Currier of Waltham fame.

    I am very pleased to offer for sale the following vintage ladies timepiece from the Elgin firm, a 14 karat solid white gold example that dates to ca 1927. This watch is in excellent condition, complete with beautiful enameling on all sides of its bezel – look at those volutes!

     Its wire lug, rectangular case measures 30mm end to end and 17mm in width (19.5mm with original winding crown). In inches this is 1-3/16” long by 5/8” wide and it is fitted on a 10mm wide genuine crocodile strap. It will fit a wrist 6 inches to 7-1/4 inches. My trusted and skilled watchmaker David has fully serviced its original 15 Jewel, manual wind Elgin USA mechanism, ensuring it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

     The ivory color, matte enamel finished dial is in excellent condition and without flaw, the original that has been professionally restored (re-enameled) to its correct status. It features black enamel numbers, original blue steel Fuseaux-style hands a unique 60 minute inner track border that goes inside the numbers and out. Signed ELGIN below the 12.

     The solid glass  crystal is in excellent shape.  The 14 Karat Solid White Gold case is pristine, finely engraved and enameled around the bezel with NO wear. The matching and original winding crown is excellent, winding and setting smoothly.

     Turning the watch over I note that the 14k solid gold back lid is in excellent shape with no wear  – it is tastefully monogrammed from one person to another, as shown.

     Inside is a clean (Grade 484, 18/0 Size) movement, signed ELGIN USA - 15 JEWELS with serial number #29,920,473 – dating it to ca 1927. Inside of the case lid is stamped KEYSTONE CO. 14K - 2164540.

     Fully serviced by my watchmaker, this timepiece winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted with a previously worn 10mm deBeer Paris genuine crocodile black strap. A pristine 1927 Elgin American watch that retailed for $70 when first sold – equal to just over $1000 in today’s dollars.

     
  • Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know.

  • U.S. winners pay $8.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 9% sales tax.

  • Canadian winners pay $33.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $49.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.

  • International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

  • Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

  • All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC).

  • If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

    • Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.

    Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by, and we hope you place a bid. Let us know if you have any questions!

      

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