
Vintage Elgin Open-Face Pocket Watch
This is a classic American open-face pocket watch manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company, likely dating from the early to mid-20th century. The piece features a high-visibility white enamel dial adorned with bold black Arabic numeral hour markers and a secondary outer track for minutes in five-minute increments marked in red. A prominent sub-seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, a hallmark of railroad-style and utility timepieces of the era. The dial clearly bears the "ELGIN" signature in a sans-serif block font. The case appears to be a gold-filled or brass base metal with a significant aged patina, showing darkening and surface wear consistent with historical use. The spade-style hands are crafted from blued steel, adding a touch of classic craftsmanship. Notable condition observations include minor hairline fractures at the 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions on the porcelain dial, and visible scuffing on the crystal. The crown and bow at the 12 o'clock position show wear but remain intact. The overall aesthetic suggests a utilitarian, dependable design intended for daily professional use, exhibiting the robust mechanical quality synonymous with American watchmaking during this period.
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Estimated Value
$150 - $250
Basic Information
Category
Horology / Vintage Timepieces
Appraised On
January 26, 2026
Estimated Value
$150 - $250
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
Vintage Elgin watch
Item Description
This is a classic American open-face pocket watch manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company, likely dating from the early to mid-20th century. The piece features a high-visibility white enamel dial adorned with bold black Arabic numeral hour markers and a secondary outer track for minutes in five-minute increments marked in red. A prominent sub-seconds dial is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark, a hallmark of railroad-style and utility timepieces of the era. The dial clearly bears the "ELGIN" signature in a sans-serif block font. The case appears to be a gold-filled or brass base metal with a significant aged patina, showing darkening and surface wear consistent with historical use. The spade-style hands are crafted from blued steel, adding a touch of classic craftsmanship. Notable condition observations include minor hairline fractures at the 11 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions on the porcelain dial, and visible scuffing on the crystal. The crown and bow at the 12 o'clock position show wear but remain intact. The overall aesthetic suggests a utilitarian, dependable design intended for daily professional use, exhibiting the robust mechanical quality synonymous with American watchmaking during this period.
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