Don't miss the next drop
For nearly a century, the Elgin National Watch Company of Elgin, Illinois, was a titan of American industry, a symbol of domestic manufacturing prowess that produced millions of high-quality timepieces. While the company eventually transitioned, like many of its American counterparts, to using Swiss movements in its later years, the Elgin name never lost its association with classic, reliable, and stylish watchmaking. The watches from this later period, often called “Swiss Elgins,” represent a fascinating chapter in the brand’s long history, blending American design sensibility with proven Swiss mechanicals.
This particular Elgin is a fantastic example of the sharp, sophisticated style of the early 1960s. It’s a watch that speaks of cocktail lounges, crisp suits, and an air of cool, confident elegance. The design is clean and classic, but with a flash of personality that sets it apart. Housed in a svelte 34mm stainless steel case with a thin, polished bezel and neat, straight lugs, the watch has a timeless profile that remains perfectly relevant today. The silver dial is in lovely, honest condition, providing a bright canvas for the main attraction.
What really makes this watch sing, in our opinion, are the hour markers. Instead of simple printed or applied batons, this Elgin features diamond-shaped settings at each hour, each holding a small, sparkling stone. This was a popular and high-style choice in the era, a touch of “cocktail” flair that catches the light and adds a dynamic, luxurious feel to the watch without being ostentatious. Paired with classic, sharp dauphine hands, the entire composition is incredibly well-balanced and handsome.
