Founding and Early Years (1864–1867)
The first movement, completed in 1867, was named the B.W. Raymond after a key investor and president of the Chicago and North Western Railway.
Founded in August 1864 as the National Watch Company in Elgin, Illinois by a group of Chicago watchmakers and entrepreneurs, including former Waltham employees.
The site in Elgin was chosen for its proximity to Chicago and access to transportation.
With backing from wealthy investors, construction of the factory began quickly.
Growth and Mass Production (Late 1800s)
Elgin developed its own watchmaking school in 1921 to train employees—one of the first of its kind.
Renamed the Elgin National Watch Company in the 1870s.
Became a leader in the industrial-scale production of watches using interchangeable parts, lowering costs and increasing reliability.
Produced a wide range of railroad-grade pocket watches, prized for their accuracy.
Product Range and Innovations
- Elgin made pocket watches, wristwatches, stopwatches, chronometers, and military timepieces.
- Developed several of its own movements and calibers.
- Known for high-volume, dependable production, Elgin became a trusted household name.
World Wars Era
Civilian watch production was greatly reduced during the war years.
World War I: Began transitioning to wristwatches, including for U.S. soldiers.
World War II: Elgin contributed heavily to the war effort—producing:
Military wristwatches
Precision chronometers for Navy ships
Altimeters and instruments for aircraft
Postwar Decline and Closure
- Faced increasing competition from Swiss and Japanese watchmakers after WWII.
- Struggled to keep up with innovations in quartz technology and electronic watches.
- In 1968, Elgin shut down its U.S. manufacturing operations and sold the original factory.
The Brand After 1968
These modern Elgin watches are not connected to the original company, although they continue to carry the name.
The Elgin name and trademarks were sold and have been used by various companies since—mostly for imported watches.
Legacy
Vintage Elgin watches—especially pocket watches and WWII-era pieces—are now highly collectible.
Produced over 60 million timepieces in its century-long run.
Left a significant impact on American horology, both in technology and accessibility.
