Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Late 19th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Late 19th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Mid-19th Century Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
10k Gold, Gold-filled
1910s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
1920s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1920s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
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1920s Swiss Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Brass
1840s English Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold
20th Century Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Silver
Early 19th Century Unknown Renaissance Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Pearl, Enamel
20th Century Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Yellow Gold
1940s American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Steel
Early 1900s Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Yellow Gold
1950s Artisan Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold Plate
20th Century Swiss Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold Plate
1880s American Late Victorian Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
1930s Swiss Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Steel
1880s Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Early 19th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Recent Sales
Early 1900s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Early 20th Century American Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
14k Gold, Platinum
1920s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
1920s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
1920s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
1910s American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch
Gold-filled
Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Elgin Open Face Pocket Watch?
Finding the Right pocket-watches for You
Can you pull off a vintage pocket watch? Of course you can. With a suit and a waistcoat, a pocket watch can be a refreshing alternative to a wristwatch.
The earliest pocket watches were luxury items, and, owing to cost, they weren’t commonplace until the 19th century. Artfully crafted pocket watches were a symbol of wealth, and manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe became known for theirs. (Today, they’re among the most sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.)
At the onset, pocket watches resembled small round table clocks, and pulling your small round table clock — perhaps of the silver variety — out of your breast pocket in front of someone else demonstrated unequivocally that you cared about punctuality. For collectors, pocket watches are big, and that means a larger canvas provided for functions without crowding the dial. For example, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch — made circa 1890 — does everything but uncork your wine.
In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Hamilton, the Elgin National Watch Company and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches.
By the 1930s, wristwatches comprised the bulk of watch manufacturing in America, superseding the pocket watch. Suddenly, if you wanted to know the time, you merely glanced at your wrist. But given their vintage charm and our general appetite for good design, pocket watches are a piece of statement-making jewelry and today can prove complementary to your formal attire in a manner that is stylish and unconventional.
Let time take its course — browse a vast selection of antique and vintage pocket watches available on 1stDibs designed by legendary brands such as IWC, Cartier and more.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021It depends on the materials that the watches are made with, the significance of the model and the year of production. Railroad pocket watches can range from $200 to $5000.
- Are Elgin watches valuable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 17, 2024Yes, Elgin watches are valuable. The American watchmaker’s timepieces are widely favored by collectors all over the world. Watch lovers won’t likely pay more than a few hundred dollars for a vintage model, while rare Elgin timepieces, especially Art Deco-era wristwatches sporting gold cases, will fetch much higher sums. Whether or not an antique Elgin watch is a good investment, however, will depend upon factors such as rarity, condition, materials and more.
The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in Elgin, Illinois, in 1864 and was at one time the largest manufacturer of watches in the United States. In 1867, Elgin introduced its first watch — a pocket watch.
In the late 1800s, the open-face pocket watch became a staple on the American railroad. It was a requirement for railway workers to wear a pocket watch, as the timepieces were responsible for keeping conductors on schedule. This was a boon to the watchmaking industry, with companies like Hamilton, Elgin and the Waltham Watch Company producing high-grade and workingman’s watches. So-called “railroad watches” were among the finest watches of the era, and Elgin railroad watches are coveted today by watch enthusiasts.
As vintage watches of all kinds are making a comeback — even watchmakers such as Patek Philippe, Breitling and Omega are reissuing mid-century models — Elgin watches are in high demand on the secondary market.
At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor.
Find vintage and antique Elgin watches on 1stDibs. - 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Some Elgin watches can be worth as much as $5,000 because of their make, model and age. In most cases, though, Elgin watches sell in the $200-$500 range.