The Elgin Watch Company
The Elgin National Watch Company was set up in 1864 as the National Watch Company. Elgin was a prolific watchmaker. During its time it is reported to have produced around half of all the pocket watches made in America. Overall the company made over 50 million watches.
History
The company was formed in August 1864 and quickly obtained the services of seven expert machinists from the Waltham Watch Co - the "Seven Stars".The company was incorporated in and had its main offices in Chicago, Ilinois. The factory was built in Elgin, Illinois following negotiation with the local townspeople who put up money and bought land for the company.
The initial factory - Plant No 1 - was located on National Street, Elgin. It was completed in 1866 and the first watch movement produced the next year.
The name was changed to the Elgin National Watch Company in 1874. In 1875 Elgin made its first railroad pocket watch. During the 1920s Elgin was a leader in the production of wristwatches.
Elgin was an early adopter of the principles of mass production, treading a middle line between cost and quality. For more discerning customers they introduced the premium "Lord Elgin".
An advantage of this mass production for collectors is that many identical watches and spare parts were made. It is thus often possible to buy Elgin watches and spare parts today for reasonable prices.
During World War II, Elgin production was diverted to military needs. After the war ended the company diversified into a wide variety of other markets. Watch sales were increasingly being affected by cheap imports.
The Elgin National Watch Company ceased making watches in the mid 1960s and the company changed its name to Elgin National Industries. Plant No 1 was razed to the ground.
Although the brand name was sold, Elgin watches from after this period have no connection with the original company.