Elgin Jewelry

Elgin American was an American brand known for producing watches, jewelry and compacts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Illinois Watchcase Company owned it. In 1901, the company abandoned the Elgin name due to trademark infringement claims made by the Elgin National Watch Co. Find a selection of Elgin American art, jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Yes, many experts feel that Elgin watches are good from a quality standpoint. During its century in business, the American watchmaker developed a stellar reputation for producing reliable timepieces out of fine materials. Today, many styles of Elgin watches, particularly the company's railroad watches, are popular among collectors. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Elgin watches.

Yes, Elgin watches are valuable. The American watchmaker’s timepieces are widely favored by collectors all over the world. Watch lovers won’t likely pay more than a few hundred dollars for a vintage model, while rare Elgin timepieces, especially Art Deco-era wristwatches sporting gold cases, will fetch much higher sums. Whether or not an antique Elgin watch is a good investment, however, will depend upon factors such as rarity, condition, materials and more.

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in Elgin, Illinois, in 1864 and was at one time the largest manufacturer of watches in the United States. In 1867, Elgin introduced its first watch — a pocket watch.

In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Hamilton, Elgin and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches. So-called “railroad watches” were among the finest watches of the era, and Elgin railroad watches are coveted today by watch enthusiasts.

As vintage watches of all kinds are making a comeback — even watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Breitling and Omega are reissuing mid-century models — Elgin watches are in high demand on the secondary market.

At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor.

Find vintage and antique Elgin watches on 1stDibs.

To identify an Elgin wristwatch, examine the dial. Until 1960, all timepieces produced by the American watchmaker showed the "Elgin" name on the dial. After the 1960s, the dials typically displayed an "E" to signify the maker. You can also check the stamp on the back of the case. Most Elgin watches will have a four digit style number above a circular stamp that specifies the watch material. Below the circular stamp, you will usually find a series of numbers that relates to the case manufacturer. You can search for the style number using trusted online resources to identify the style name for many Elgin watches. A certified appraiser or experienced vintage watch dealer can also provide assistance with identifications. Shop a range of Elgin wristwatches on 1stDibs.

How you date an Elgin watch depends on its age. On watches produced before 1956, you should generally examine their movement serial number. The Elgin National Watch Company numbered its movements sequentially from its founding through 1955, so you can easily determine the age of a timepiece by cross-referencing the movement serial number with information provided by trusted online resources. For newer watches, a combination of dial markings and case model numbers can be used to determine the year of production. Again, you can consult trusted online resources for guidance. Another option is to have a knowledgeable watchmaker or antiques dealer examine your timepiece. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.