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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.

For 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.

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