Elgin

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.

Whether or not Elgin watches are gold depends on the timepiece in question. The watchmaker designed a range of pocket watches and wristwatches made of 10-karat gold, 14-karat gold and 18-karat gold, while some of the company’s other accessories are gold-filled or gold-plated. (Gold-filled jewelry doesn’t have a lot of gold, but it has more gold than gold-plated jewelry.)

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.

Find antique Elgin watches and other watches on 1stDibs.

No, Elgin watches aren't still made. The Elgin National Watch Company stopped producing watches in 1968. However, it did license its name rights to a number of other watchmakers. Although they have the same name, timepieces manufactured under Elgin licensing agreements have no other connection to the ones made by the Elgin National Watch Company. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Elgin watches.

Yes, many people consider an Elgin to be a high-end watch. The American watchmaker produced a line of luxury-grade timepieces, which it sold at aspirational price points. Interestingly, modern-day collectors tend to favor the company's mid- and entry-level watches. Its line of railroad pocket watches is especially popular. Explore a wide range of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.

To tell if an Elgin watch is real, look for its identification numbers. Authentic Elgin watches usually have a reference number printed on their movements and a case number on their cases. Using trusted online resources, you can learn what characteristics watches that feature these numbers should display, such as the hands and dial color, and then compare them to your watch. Any mismatches may indicate that your timepiece is a replica. Alternatively, you can ask a certified appraiser or knowledgeable Elgin dealer or repair technician to authenticate your watch. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Elgin watches.

Elgin pocket watches are more than 150 years old. The first Elgin pocket watch debuted in 1867, and the Elgin National Watch Co. watchmaker continued to produce them until 1968. At the height of their popularity, Elgin pocket watches accounted for half of all pocket watches sold in the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a range of Elgin watches.

Elgin stopped making watches in 1968. However, that wasn't the end of the Elgin brand. The Elgin National Watch Company sold the rights to its brand name to a Chinese company called MZ Berger Inc., which continues to manufacture watches under it to this day. Shop a collection of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.

Whether or not Elgin watches are made in the USA depends on their age. Elgin timepieces produced prior to 1968 were indeed manufactured in the U.S. Elgin operated factories in several cities, including Aurora and Elgin, Illinois; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Blaney, South Carolina. Sometime after Elgin ceased its operations, MZ Berger Inc. licensed its brand name and began producing its own line of Elgin watches in China. Explore a diverse assortment of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.

Lady Elgin watches were made in the mid-20th century. In the 1930s, Elgin introduced its now iconic collection of timepieces for women, drawing inspiration for its name from its existing line of Lord Elgin watches for men. Elgin continued to make the watches until the company closed in 1964. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Elgin watches.

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.

To spot a fake Elgin watch, cross-reference the markings found on the back with information published on trusted online resources. Most timepieces feature a four-digit style number, a circular stamp that denotes the watch material and a series of numbers that identify the case manufacturer. By researching these numbers, you can usually determine the model of a timepiece. If your watch isn't a match for that model, it is unlikely to be authentic. A certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert can also assist when authenticating Elgin watches. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Elgin watches.

The easiest way to identify your Elgin pocket watch is to enter the serial number into an authoritative online database. To find the serial number, open the timepiece and look at the inner movement. On 1stDibs, find a selection of expertly vetted Elgin pocket watches.

In Elgin watches, grade means what quality the timepieces are. Elgin assigned grades based on the type of movement and the type of finish on its watches. Higher grade watches tended to cost more than lower grade ones. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Elgin watches.

All Elgin watches are at least vintage, if not antiques. In the 1960s, the Elgin National Watch Company discontinued its watch production, and by the 1980s, the Elgin brand was phased out completely by the company it had previously merged with. Since any timepiece between 20 and 99 years old is vintage, many Elgin watches fall under that category. Any Elgin watch that is 100 years old or older is antique. You can identify an antique Elgin watch using the serial number, which you'll find inside the movement. By cross-referencing the serial number found on your timepiece to information published on trusted online resources, you can identify its year of production. If your watch doesn't have a serial number, it was likely produced in the 18th century, making it an antique. If you'd like assistance with dating your watch, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Shop a variety of Elgin watches on 1stDibs.