Elgin Selfwindin5
Elgin SelfWinding
Diameter: 35.5 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Movement: Mechanical
Contents: Watch only
Condition: Good
Significant marks: Some scratches on the case and crystal. Missing crown.
Case material: Steel
Strap type: Leather
Original: No
Clasp type: Tang buckle
Original: No
Water resistant: No
Dial type: Black with Arabic numerals
Bezel type: Fixed with Arabic numerals
Functions: Hour, minute, second
Crystal: Mineral
OTHER: //
Description of the Elgin Watch Brand: Elgin, an iconic American brand, has long been synonymous with quality and innovation in watchmaking. Founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, by a group of investors led by American entrepreneur Jacob D. Bunn, the Elgin company quickly gained a worldwide reputation for manufacturing precision watches. The brand's history is rich and full of remarkable achievements, spanning from the production of high-quality pocket watches to the creation of wristwatches.
A History of Precision and Productivity: The Elgin factory was designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality watches at a time when mechanical timepieces were popular. The brand distinguished itself from the beginning by its commitment to manufacturing accurate and reliable watches, which quickly became benchmarks in the American watchmaking industry.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Elgin was one of the world's largest manufacturers of pocket watches. In fact, Elgin produced over 50 million watches during its existence, an impressive number that testifies to its ability to combine quality and productivity. The brand was particularly famous for its pocket watches, which were highly prized for their accuracy.
Innovation and Expansion: Elgin has never stopped innovating throughout its history. In the 1920s, the company pioneered the industrialization of watch production, using sophisticated machinery to produce watch movements on a large scale. It also participated in the design of wristwatches for the military during World War I and developed models specifically designed for military needs, such as ship's watches and aviation watches.
The brand has also launched numerous iconic watch series. Among these series was the Elgin National Watch Company, which produced watches with quality movements and varied designs to appeal to a wide range of consumers, from businessmen to military personnel.
Transition to Wristwatches: With the arrival of wristwatches in the 1920s and 1930s, Elgin quickly adapted its production to meet this new demand. It was at this time that the brand began manufacturing wristwatches, venturing into the production of more compact models while maintaining the excellence for which it was renowned. Wristwatch production continued to grow in the 1940s and 1950s, and Elgin also began diversifying its models by using materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, and more.
High-Quality Watches and Accessibility: One of the characteristics that made Elgin famous is its ability to produce high-quality watches at a relatively affordable price. This pricing policy allowed Elgin to reach a wide clientele, from professionals to watch enthusiasts. Elgin watches are distinguished not only by their reliability but also by their attractive design, which combines elegance and simplicity. Whether for wristwatches or pocket watches, Elgin has offered models suited to all styles and needs.
Heritage and Revival: Although Elgin ceased watch production in the late 1960s due to the emergence of quartz watches and foreign competition, the brand remains a respected name in the watchmaking world. Today, vintage Elgin watches are still highly sought after by collectors, and the brand continues to influence many watchmakers. Today, some companies are reviving the production of Elgin watches, bringing back the spirit of the era while incorporating modern technologies. Vintage models and limited editions of Elgin watches, particularly pocket watches and classic chronographs, continue to captivate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
In conclusion, Elgin is a brand that has gracefully, innovatively, and successfully spanned more than a century. From its beginnings as a pocket watch manufacturer to its wristwatches and aviation models, it has consistently reinvented itself without sacrificing quality. Even today, Elgin embodies the spirit of traditional American watchmaking, with a rich history and a legacy that continues to influence the industry. Elgin watches, whether vintage or modern, remain sought-after and iconic pieces in the world of horology.
Diameter 35.5 mm
Case: Steel
Dial: Black with Arabic numerals
Strap Color: Camel
Clasp: Tang buckle
Water Resistant: No
Contents: Watch only
Year of Manufacture: Unknown
Condition: Good. Some scratches on the case and crystal. Crown missing.
Other:
Functions: Hour, minute, second
Lug Width: 19 mm
Dial Numerals: Tropical Arabic numerals
Bezel Material: Steel
Crystal: Mineral
Clasp Material: Steel