WWII Military ELGIN General Service Watch ORD. DEPT. U.S.A. 1944

Elgin National Watch Company, commonly known as Elgin, was founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, and became one of the largest and most successful American watch manufacturers. The company was established by a group of investors including former Chicago Mayor Benjamin W. Raymond, with the aim of producing high-quality timepieces at affordable prices. Elgin's watches were known for their reliability, precision, and innovation, contributing significantly to the growth of the American watch industry. Elgin's factory, often referred to as the "Watch Factory," was the largest watchmaking complex in the world at its peak, employing thousands of workers and producing millions of watches over its operational span. One of Elgin's most notable achievements was the introduction of the B.W. Raymond pocket watch in 1867, which became a benchmark for railroad accuracy and reliability. Elgin was also a pioneer in mass production techniques, allowing them to offer high-quality watches at prices accessible to a broad audience. During World War II, Elgin contributed to the war effort by manufacturing military watches, chronometers, and other precision instruments, earning a reputation for durability and accuracy under demanding conditions. The company's innovation continued with the development of automatic movements and electric watches in the mid-20th century. Unique aspects of Elgin include its role in democratizing high-quality watchmaking in America, its significant contributions to military timekeeping, and its vast production scale. Although the Elgin factory closed in the 1960s and the brand ceased watch production in the early 1970s, Elgin watches remain highly regarded by collectors and horology enthusiasts for their historical significance and enduring quality.