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My favorite among favorite U.S. watch firms is the Elgin National Watch Company, a prolific American enterprise established in 1864 on 35 acres of land donated by the City of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. It was a strategic location, right next to the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, one of the busiest railways into Chicago. By 1867 the first watch was marketed for sale, retailing for $115 (think of that in today’s prices) and Elgin was soon competing head-on with its chief competitor, Waltham, which (ironically) was instrumental in forming Elgin, as two of the original organizers were P.S. Bartlett and D.G. Currier of Waltham fame.

I am pleased to offer for sale what I think is one of the nicest Art Deco design models that Elgin ever made – a finely engraved and inlaid BLUE enameled 14kt white gold filled model set with four baguette sapphires and two genuine diamonds. Based on the original advertisement showing its sister model (similar but with only two sapphires), it originally retailed for $78 in 1928 – about $1,150 in today’s dollars and double what the comparable Elgin “Parisienne” models cost at the time.

This triple-signed timepiece measures 29mm end to end and 17mm in width (19mm with original engraved Flower design winding crown). This works out to be just over 1-1/8 inches long by 5/8 of an inch wide, not including the fancy winding crown. It is powered by its original triplex-style, 15 jewel manual wind Elgin mechanism that has been fully serviced by my watchmaker David to ensure it is running well and keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, matte enamel finished “Diamond” dial is 100% original and in great condition – untouched since it left the factory over 80 years ago and with a nice, even patina of age. It features a 60 minute checkered outer track border, original blue steel Spade style hands and black Art Deco numbers. Signed ELGIN below the 12.

The solid glass crystal is in excellent condition with no flaws. The 14 Karat White Gold filled case is a tour-de-force of all things Art Deco, finely engraved and featuring inlaid cobalt blue enameling on all sides that is in excellent, original shape. Note the black enameled panels that border the dial – also excellent with no flaws.

Competing for attention against the enameling are four baguette-style sapphires and two good size genuine diamonds, all securely set and in excellent condition. The matching white gold finished winding crown is finely engraved to mimic a flower and is a design unique to Elgin and used only a few years. It is in excellent order, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the back lid is in excellent overall shape with no wear or personal engravings – one shallow ‘ding’ but otherwise solid and clean. Inside I find its original 18/0 size, Fifteen Jewel mechanism that is signed Elgin, U.S.A – 15 Jewels with serial number # 31,040,235, dating it to 1928 as per production records and the year this model was sold. The inside of the case lid is stamped Cased and Timed by Elgin National Watch Co., 14k Gold Filled - Illinois Watch Case Co., Elgin with case number below.

This timepiece has been disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a new 12mm black leather strap with matching color buckle (will fit a wrist 5-1/4 to 6-3/4 inches), ready to worn and enjoyed. Elgin was arguably the best of the American watch makers when it came to Art Deco designs and I would have to say this honestly ranks in the top five that they ever did – if you agree perhaps you will consider placing a bid…you won’t be disappointed.

  • Since 1998, Holben's Fine Watches' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I’m especially proud of my excellent feedback and high number of repeat clients. I’m a long-standing member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), and have collected watches since I was a kid.

  • Watch sizes: I provide exact measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in photos as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s watches from the 1910s - 1960s were smaller than considered normal today.

  • Buyers outside the United States with less than five feedback: Please introduce yourself via email PRIOR to bidding. Otherwise, your bid may be retracted.

  • U.S. winners pay $7.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS First-Class Mail shipping. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) add 8.6% sales tax.

  • Canadian ($16) and most international buyers ($18) receive safely boxed USPS International REGISTERED shipping. I also ship via EMS Express Mail International for $35 (plus insurance cost) and this shipping method is REQUIRED for shipments to countries that do not upload delivery status top the USPS website. If you are an international buyer please wait until I invoice you with your shipping option(s).

  • International Buyers – Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding. While I ship within 24 hours of receiving payment but your local custom authorities can delay the delivery of your package. As such, it can take anywhere from 7 days to 30 days before final delivery is made.

  • Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you’ve contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

  • In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you.

  • If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add holbensfinewatches to your Favorite Sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s – 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies’ cocktail watches.

    • Holben's-Fine-Watch-Bands Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment clasps and buckles; metal bracelets; German military Bunds; UTC ballistic nylon G10; open-ended; James Bond striped, leather and woven NATOs; WWII canvas military; genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich-, shark- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant and woven/braided.

  • As my pal Cautious Carl says, "Buy a Nice Watch from Mike"….keep in mind he gets more dog treats when you do (and he’s getting fat!)