Expert: Melvin Mills - 2/29/2008

Question
Hi I just inherited a pocket watch from my grandmother and know absolutely nothing about them! It's a gold Elgin watch with clock hands and a second counter at the bottom. What can you tell me about it?

Answer
Kristin,

Elgin is a very famous American watch maker.  They were around from the 1860's until 1964.

They made watches using machines, and an assembly line approach.  they were able to make interchangeable parts because watch parts made by machine are very exact.  

They were made in Elgin, Illinois.  The town still exists today, although the factory has long been gone.

There is a website dedicated to Elgin watches: elginwatches.org.

You can find pictures of the building and the entire history of the company.  

Kind regards,

Melvin