Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Gold-filled
1980s Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Yellow Gold
1940s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Other
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Rose Gold
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Stainless Steel
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1960s American Modernist Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1960s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
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Early 20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century North American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18th Century British Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Stainless Steel
1940s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Steel
19th Century Swiss Victorian Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Steel
20th Century British Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1920s Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
18k Gold
1890s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Recent Sales
1950s American Post-War Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Steel
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
1940s American Retro Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
1930s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Diamond, 14k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Mid-20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold Plate
Early 20th Century Swiss Edwardian Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Edwardian Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century North American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
1940s American Industrial Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Aluminum, Brass
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gilt Metal
1930s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gilt Metal
1950s Swiss Contemporary Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
14k Gold
20th Century Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Diamond, 14k Gold
20th Century Swiss Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gilt Metal
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Gold-filled, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch
Base Metal
Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Vintage Elgin Pocket Watch?
Finding the Right watches for You
Records show that, in Europe, by the 16th century, it was high time for portable clock devices. Right now, perhaps you’re shopping for your own. If so, find a vast range of fashionable and functional antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs.
While wall-mounted time tellers and grandfather clocks were much more convenient than the sundials of ancient history, watches were becoming crucial for an increasingly connected society whose members learned that the latest advancements in technology meant they could carry devices that kept time to within a minute a day. Tragically, the first pocket watches — albeit an improvement on the accessories that preceded them, which dangled from a chain worn around the neck — didn’t help much as far as accuracy or portability. Focused on style over substance, the upper class frequently carried lavish pieces that ran hours behind.
Eventually, watches migrated from owners’ pockets to their wrists. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.
Indeed, although exceedingly practical, the watches of today are far from bland. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional watches. You’ll always know what time it is because you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from your new accessory.
Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.
When shopping for a watch, it’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.
Find exactly what you’re looking for in an unparalleled collection of antique, vintage and luxury watches on 1stDibs that includes Cartier watches, Rolex watches, Patek Philippe watches and more — we promise it will be worth your time.
- Are Elgin watches valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 17, 2024Yes, 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. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Some Elgin watches can be worth as much as $5,000 because of their make, model and age. In most cases, though, Elgin watches sell in the $200-$500 range.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021It depends on the materials that the watches are made with, the significance of the model and the year of production. Railroad pocket watches can range from $200 to $5000.