Skip to main content

Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Lady Elgin 14k White Gold Handwinding Wristwatch w/ Cord Band
By Elgin
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Lady Elgin 14k White Gold Handwinding Wristwatch w/ Cord Band Movement #650 Movement Serial #F
Category

1940s American Modern Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Lord Elgin Classic Stainless Steel Wristwatch Ref E37819
By Lord Elgin
Located in Surfside, FL
lugs. Manual wind 15 jewel movement w/ subseconds. 27 mm case size. Fine Pre-owned Lord Elgin Watch
Category

1930s Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Wristwatch Original Design by Cartier
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tortue Shape / Art Deco / Reference 0728
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Recent Sales

14 Karat Gold Filled 1940s Elgin National Watch Co. Mechanical Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in Carlisle, GB
This beautiful vintage 21mmlong by 21mm wide hand winding watch is in good working condition and it
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Stainless Steel Bakelite Bezel Diver's Automatic Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Exceptional condition example vintage Elgin diver’s model ref 4156 circa 1960’s. Featuring 37 x
Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin Stainless Steel Diver’s manual wind wristwatch, circa 1960s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A great looking vintage Elgin diver’s model circa 1960’s with super cool graphics! Featuring a
Category

1960s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

1940s Elgin 10 Karat Rolled Gold Front Case Stainless Steel Back Case Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in Carlisle, GB
1940’s Elgin 10K Rolled Gold Front Case, Stainless Steel Back Case Wristwatch. This watch is
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled, Stainless Steel

Elgin Lady's Yellow Gold Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
in Elgin, Illinois. This is a great looking ladies wrist watch and is very dependable and serviceable.
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

1930s Ladies Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Filled Wristwatch by Elgin
By Elgin
Located in Westward ho, GB
Very stylish and wonderfully geometric Art Deco ladies Wrist watch made by the US company Elgin
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Cherry Red Gents Wristwatch by Elgin
By Elgin
Located in Westward ho, GB
watch is made by the US watch company ELGIN, dating to the late 30's it's bright cherry red dial and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled

Lord Elgin Classic 14k Yellow Gold Manual Wristwatch
By Lord Elgin
Located in Surfside, FL
Lord Elgin Watch. Certified preowned Vintage Lord Elgin Classic watch is made out of yellow gold on a
Category

1940s Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Superb Art Deco Gold Filled Gents Wristwatch by Elgin Dating to 1924
By Elgin
Located in Westward ho, GB
watch is made by the US watch company ELGIN, a superb example and extremely stylish and individualistic
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled, Gold Plate

Original Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Ladies Wristwatch by Elgin, Serviced, circa 1930
By Elgin
Located in Westward ho, GB
For your consideration is this super rare and classic Art Deco Elgin ladies manual wind up wrist
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Lord Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Lord Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Men's Watch - Manual . 14K yellow gold ( 23 mm x 36 mm
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Elgin Yellow Gold Stainless Steel Mickey Mouse Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1960s Elgin Mickey Mouse wrist watch, 17 Jewel Manual wind mechanical Movement, 33 MM Gold
Category

1960s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold Plate

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Automatic Wristwatch, 1960s
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Hourglass METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Mid-20th Century American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Elgin Ladies Stainless Steel Manual Bracelet Wristwatch, circa 1933
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin National Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Bracelet Watch METAL
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Stunning Art Deco White Gold Filled Gents Wristwatch by Elgin
By Elgin
Located in Westward ho, GB
consideration is this Art Deco 1930's Elgin white gold filled Gents wrist watch which has the most incredible
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shaped Wristwatch, Circa 1940's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: 10kt Yellow
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Original Dial Art Deco Tortue Wristwatch, circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau Shape / Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Lord Elgin 21 Jewels 14 Karat Gold Wristwatch Shockmaster
By Lord Elgin
Located in Wallkill, NY
Vintage 14K Gold Elgin Wristwatch in the original box. Measuring 1.5 inches top to bottom
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Vintage Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Lord Elgin
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage Lord Elgin 14K Yellow Gold Men's Watch - Manual . 14K yellow gold ( 23 mm x 36 mm
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Lord Elgin Rose Gilt Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin rose gilt medium size wristwatch, circa 1940s, with great looking original two-tone
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Elgin Stainless Steel Shockmaster Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin stainless steel Shockmaster wristwatch, circa 1950s. 34 X 40mm stepped case with extended
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lord Elgin Gold Asymmetrical Wristwatch c.11947
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin 14k yellow gold curved rectangular asymmetrical wristwatch 20mm wide X 36mm long, circa
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin White Gold Diamond Dial Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin 14k white gold wristwatch with elegant, stylized lugs, circa 1950s. Original two-tone
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold Black Dial Self Winding Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Man’s vintage Elgin 14K gold self winding wristwatch with black original dial circa 1950’s
Category

1950s American Modernist Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Elgin Base Metal Military Manual Wristwatch, circa WWII
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A popular vintage Elgin military issue model circa WWII. Medium size 32mm diameter base metal case
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin White Gold-Filled Flared Rectangular Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin White Gold-Filled Bowed Rectangular Dress Wristwatch, circa 1950s. Flared case design
Category

1950s Swiss Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Base Metal WWII-Era Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin base metal WWII-era military wristwatch, circa 1940s. Great looking example with luminous
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Base Metal

Elgin Gold-Filled Wristwatch with Unusual Lugs circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin gold-filled wristwatch with unusual lugs, circa 1950s. So-called "Black Knight" model with
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Elgin US Navy Vintage “BUSHIPS” WW II Manual Wristwatch
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Vintage Elgin US Navy “BUSHIPS” (Bureau of Ships) diver’s model with 32 X 40mm chromium plated
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Elgin Base Metal USN BUSHIPS Military Canteen Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin base metal USN BUSHIPS U.S. Navy Bureau of Ships military wristwatch, circa 1940s. 31.5mm
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Base Metal

Elgin WW II U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940's
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin base metal case U.S. military issue wristwatch, circa 1940's. Case dimensions 33 x 40mm, with
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Base Metal

Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Dress Wristwatch
By Lord Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s. Rectangular case measuring 35 x
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

14k Gold, Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Lord Elgin Stainless Steel “LP” Dress Manual Wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Cool design vintage man’s Elgin manual wind “LP” dress model circa 1950’s. Featuring 32mm diameter
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Elgin Steel and Base Metal U.S. Military Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin steel and base metal WWII-era U.S. Military-issue wristwatch. Medium size 30mm case, original
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Base Metal

Elgin Base Metal U.S. Military Issue Wristwatch circa WW II
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin base metal WWII-era U.S. Military issue wristwatch. 30 x 36mm case with matte black dial
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Base Metal

Elgin Yellow Gold-Filled Tonneau Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Lord Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin yellow gold-filled tonneau wristwatch, circa 1940s. 23 X 37 mm case with curved lugs
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1950s
By Lord Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1950s. Hour glass shaped case measuring
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled, Yellow Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold-Filled Dress Model Wristwatch circa 1940s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Elgin yellow gold-filled dress model wristwatch, circa 1940s. 21 x 35mm rectangular case with
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gilt Metal

Elgin Yellow Gold 50 Millionth Anniversary Wristwatch circa 1951
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lord Elgin 18k yellow gold 50 Millionth Anniversary wristwatch, circa 1951. 19 X 37mm case with
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elgin Stainless Steel “LP” manual wind wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Here’s another of these very cool design vintage man’s Elgin manual wind “LP” (as we like to call
Category

1950s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Lord Elgin Yellow Gold Retro Manual Wind Wristwatch, circa 1950s
By Lord Elgin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Very cool “retro” design vintage man’s Lord Elgin manual wind dress model circa 1950’s. Featuring
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

People Also Browsed

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Wrist Watch circa, 1930's with Original Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 30mm X Width 15mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Altair New Old Stock Gold Filled Automatic Wristwatch from 1960's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Altair Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Modernist Mid Century METAL / MATERIAL: Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1960's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 41mm x Diameter 34mm MOVEM...
Category

1960s Swiss Modernist Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Juvenia Gold-Filled Art Deco Tank Style Watch from 1950's High Grade
By Juvenia
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Juvenia Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 28mm X Width 19mm MOVEMENT / CA...
Category

1950s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Round Style
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Round METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 39mm X Diameter 32mm MO...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Westfield by Bulova Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Deco Style, 1940
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Westfield by Bulova Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 40mm X W...
Category

1940s Swiss Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Art Deco Gents Swiss Manual Wrist Watch By Larex, c1939
Located in Westward ho, GB
For those gents out there who desire a less than generic looking watch, who aspire for something not only classy but very distinctively Art Deco then this maybe the timepiece for you...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Stainless Steel, Other

Vintage Elgin 14k White Gold Women's Hand-Winding Art Deco Watch w/ Silk Band
By Elgin
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Model #105881 Movement #32662496 Does Not Include Box or Papers This watch is guaranteed authentic. One year warranty included with purchase. 14k White Gold Case 17 mm Wide, 19 mm w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

White Gold

Elgin Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style with Original Patinated Dial 1950's
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 23mm MOV...
Category

1950s North American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Waltham Gold Filled Art Deco Ladies Wrist Watch
By Waltham
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Waltham Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tonneau Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 17...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tank Style Wristwatch, circa 1950's
By Hamilton
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Hamilon Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tank Style METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1950's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 24mm x Width 38mm...
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Art Deco Gentleman's Manual Wristwatch, Recently Serviced, Circa 1935
Located in Westward ho, GB
For those gentlemen out there who seek a stylish watch which reflects the Art Deco styling and also offers quality then look no further this watch maybe for you. Made by the watchmak...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Gruen Gold Filled Art Deco Watch with Original Dial from 1940's
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Reference 592 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 36mm X Width 26mm MOVEME...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Gruen Gold Filled Tonneau
By Gruen
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Gruen Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Tonneau / Reference 387 METAL / MATERIAL: Gold-Filled CIRCA / YEAR: DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CAL...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Gold-filled

Elgin Gold Filled Art Deco Tortue Shaped Watch from 1940's with a Custom Dial
By Elgin
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Elgin Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco / Tortue Shape METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 38mm X Width 26mm ...
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Seth Thomas Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Tonneau Shape with Original Dial 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
FACTORY / HOUSE: Seth Thomas STYLE / REFERENCE: Reference N901 METAL / MATERIAL: Yellow Gold Filled CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 37mm X Width 25mm MOVEMENT / CALI...
Category

1940s American Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

10k Gold, Gold Plate, Stainless Steel

Hamilton 14K Yellow Gold Rectangle Retro c1950's Manual Ladies' Cocktail Watch
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This exquisite Retro timepiece survived in beautiful condition, despite dating back to 1950's Made by United States of America's luxury brand Hamilton An attention-grabbing rect...
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of vintage elgin wrist watch wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, gold-filled and 10k gold. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 20th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 20th Century. The designs in our inventory of vintage elgin wrist watch wristwatches bearing Art Deco hallmarks are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Elgin, American Waltham Watch Co. and Lord Elgin produced popular versions that are worth a look. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 1 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. There are many single cut vintage elgin wrist watch wristwatches for sale. Most of our vintage elgin wrist watch wristwatches for sale are for men, but there are 8 pieces available to browse for women.

How Much are Vintage Elgin Wrist Watch Wristwatches?

Prices for vintage elgin wrist watch wristwatches start at $475 and top out at $1,800 with these watches, on average, selling for $832.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary 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 wristwatches.

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.

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.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? 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 antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.

Questions About Elgin
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    It 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Some 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 ExpertMay 17, 2024
    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.