Railroad Grade Vintage Men's Elgin Pocket Watches
In this section, you will find a nice selection of vintage railroad-grade Elgin (or the earlier National Watch Co.) pocket watches that are typically considered gent's size, although in many cases would also be appropriate for a woman to carry. The Elgin watch company, out of Elgin, Illinois, was in business from 1864-1964, and while active, was the largest-producing American watch company, manufacturing an estimated half of all pocket watches ("dollar" watches not included).
To be a railroad grade watch, the following criteria must be met:
- be 16S or 18S
- have 17 or more jewels
- be lever set
- be in an open face case
- be adjusted to 5 or more positions
- have easily-legible Arabic dial numerals
As an additional resource, we've posted a Serial Number Production List which includes information for Elgin serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a Wikipedia.
about the company; additional information may also be found onFor further information, examples, photos, and notes on how to wear our various styles of watches and watch accessories, please visit our How-To-Wear Guide.
Elgin 16S 23J LS adj. 5p Veritas grade 453 Up & Down indicator pocket watch #23634945, YGF SB&B case
$2,425.00
EJ224 - This item will be on our eBay Store 07/07 to 07/14. Please check back!
Elgin 16S 21J LS adj. 5p B.W. Raymond grade 478 pocket watch #31311336, YGF case, Montgomery dial
$585.00
PM4265 - This item will be on our eBay Store 07/07 to 07/14. Please check back!