History

I live near Elgin, and had to pay a visit to this historical area in horology. Disclaimer: I’m sure (and hopeful!) that some crunchers out here know more about the horological history of Elgin.

Image

Elgin used to be a manufacturer of watches — even a leading one I believe. I love seeing Elgin watches here and there on watch crunch. Makes me think of home.

Image

Unfortunately, the landmarks are very few and the once great watch manufacturing property looks like this now:

Image

I’d love to own an Elgin watch one day!

Reply
·

Thank you for a bit of education! I have heard of Elgin watches and seen the odd wrist shot but being British had little idea about the history. Now I know a little bit more.

I will keep an eye out to purchase one !

·

I'm assuming the town was populated by a number of Scots many moons ago?

·

Very cool! I did something similar when I lived in Waltham, MA years ago. Stopped and took in the original Waltham watch factory there. Very cool history.

·

I have my grandfather's old day/date Elgin - later era, post US manufacturing, and quartz. Probably early 90s? Older US vintage pieces are the real gems.

·
Salty1

I have my grandfather's old day/date Elgin - later era, post US manufacturing, and quartz. Probably early 90s? Older US vintage pieces are the real gems.

I know — so few and far between these days

·

Very cool! I wonder if Spanky’s Gyros is any good. 🤔

Elgin made a great film in 1931 about how they manufactured watches.

https://youtu.be/ys4ChOWYNy8?si=LrWHpWcKk5dSykku

This is a good lecture about the history of Elgin.

https://youtu.be/gCzB51bU-V4?si=2DRVnCxyv0DNKR_e

Elgin also had an on-site observatory to determine time accurately using celestial transit. It's now a museum. Good documentary/tour here.

https://youtu.be/9faOetF9tjs?si=0uK1ui7J8XZSZ3Q2

·
nichtvondiesemjahrhundert

Elgin made a great film in 1931 about how they manufactured watches.

https://youtu.be/ys4ChOWYNy8?si=LrWHpWcKk5dSykku

This is a good lecture about the history of Elgin.

https://youtu.be/gCzB51bU-V4?si=2DRVnCxyv0DNKR_e

Elgin also had an on-site observatory to determine time accurately using celestial transit. It's now a museum. Good documentary/tour here.

https://youtu.be/9faOetF9tjs?si=0uK1ui7J8XZSZ3Q2

Thank you so much! I’ll definitely be checking this out — I’m so glad you shared

·

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

#elgin

·

Elgin watches are one of the old American watch brands I would love to own one day. It is just a matter of time to find the correct deal for me.