1910 Elgin
I usually gravitate towards two types of watches: modern tool/GMT watches, and dressier pieces that take their visual cues from the Bauhaus movement or mid-century modernism. But I’ve become increasingly interested in that period of horological history when watches migrated from pockets onto wrists, and when US manufacturers pitted a more industrial approach of movement production against the artisanal methods of the Swiss. I also wanted a slightly unexpected watch for several upcoming events. So here’s the lovechild of those intersecting interests and desires: an Elgin from 1910, beautifully restored by Mike from SkiTimes in SoCal. The watch is as small (32mm without the oversized crown) as it is loud, serving constant audible reminders of its mechanically beating heart. It keeps time about as well as you’d expect from a 123-year-old movement (which is to say that I’ll look at my phone for precise timing), but it makes me smile so much.
That's really top drawer. I love the script.👍
That's really top drawer. I love the script.👍
Same! Your comment made me think about modern watches with visually arresting Arabic numerals on the dial. Fears' Brunswick comes to mind. Oak & Oscar does, too. The Nomos Tangente. What else?
Wonderful! American brands have been on my radar recently, with me begging for the parents to find me a somewhat working Elgin or Waltham pocket watch (because wristwatches from these brands are very, very scarce here, and probably everywhere) for my birthday. Enjoy it!
That's a looker, for sure!
Love it!
Wow - that is an awesome watch!! At first glance I thought it was a VC 1921 Historiques, but being an original piece, is even more interesting.
I have some old pocket watches that are from the early 1900's, and am surprised at how well they keep time. I would love a watch like this in my collection, and would snap one up in a heartbeat if I could find one at the right price that I could see in person before buying.
Congratulations!
Wow - that is an awesome watch!! At first glance I thought it was a VC 1921 Historiques, but being an original piece, is even more interesting.
I have some old pocket watches that are from the early 1900's, and am surprised at how well they keep time. I would love a watch like this in my collection, and would snap one up in a heartbeat if I could find one at the right price that I could see in person before buying.
Congratulations!
Thanks! It does keep very good time; accuracy only drops in the last few hours of the power reserve. If you're interested in watches from that period, check out Mike's work. He restores and occasionally sells old Elgin/Waltham/Illinois pieces.
It is a looker.
I had an Elgin pocket watch, I am pretty sure my first wife snaffled it in the possession parting ..damn I liked that watch . I love yours , and agree with another comment it does in deed look like a certain VC or visaversa really hey ? ! Nice find and good to see things like this watch rescued and restored. Congratulations on a great watch!
Superb.
That watch looks fantastic and I love the decoration around the name.