Details:

MAKE

Manufacturer: Elgin
Country: USA
Type: Man's
Circa Date: 1940s

CASE

Material: White Gold Filled.

Measurements: The length lug-to-lug is 35mm, width is 23.5mm without crown.

Shape: Square.

Lugs: Hidden Lugs.

Back: Snap back.

Conditions:  C  3  (The case is in Very Good condition)

BAND

Type: Standard Leather band.

DIAL

Color: Silver.

Numerals: Arabic Numerals.

Hands: Dauphine Hands.

Conditions:  D  3-6  (The dial is in Very Good condition - patinated)

MOVEMENT

Type: Mechanical, manual wind movement.

Jewels:  17 Jewels.

Escapement: Lever Escapement.

Set: Stem Set.

Numbered: S8554

Conditions:  M  3  (The movement is in Very Good condition)

The Hidden-Lug Case Design

The hidden lugs are one of the most interesting design elements of this Elgin.

On a conventional wristwatch, the lugs project visibly from the top and bottom of the case. With a hidden-lug design, the strap attachment is concealed, allowing the case itself to appear cleaner and more architectural.

This approach works particularly well with the watch's geometric white gold-filled case, creating a streamlined appearance associated with dress watches of the 1930s and 1940s.

At approximately 35mm by 23.5mm, the watch also retains the slender proportions expected of a gentleman's dress wristwatch from the period.

The Patinated Silver Dial

Rather than having the appearance of a newly refinished dial, this Elgin's silver dial has developed patina with age.

For many vintage-watch collectors, natural dial aging is an important part of a watch's character. Subtle changes in color and surface appearance provide visual evidence of the decades the watch has survived.

Combined with its Arabic numerals and Dauphine hands, the patinated silver surface gives this Elgin an unmistakably vintage presentation.

Why Collect Vintage Elgin Wristwatches?

Elgin was one of America's most significant historic watch manufacturers, producing an enormous range of pocket watches and wristwatches during the company's long history.

The company's vintage wristwatches are particularly interesting because they document the transition from the traditional pocket watch to the increasingly important wristwatch during the first half of the twentieth century.

This 1940s example has several characteristics that distinguish it from a conventional round dress watch: a white gold-filled geometric case, hidden lugs, silver patinated dial, Dauphine hands, and 17 jewel manual-wind movement.