“Elgin, The Watchword for Elegance and Efficiency.”

By the early 20th century, Elgin was producing over 1 million watches per year and was the largest producer of fine watches in the world. 

ELGIN WATCH COMPANY was a leading American watch manufacturer that operated from 1864 to 1968, founded by a group of investors in Elgin, Illinois, and quickly became one of the most successful watchmakers in the United States. 

The early years of the company were marked by rapid expansion and innovation. In 1874, the company introduced the first full plate movement, which was more durable and accurate than previous designs. In 1875, Elgin introduced the first watch with a stem winding and setting mechanism, which became the industry standard. The company was also known for its high-quality movements and its innovative designs, which included the first wristwatch with an alarm and the first watch with a shock-resistant balance.  

During World War II, Elgin produced watches for the military, including the A-11, which became known as the "Watch That Won the War." After the war, the company continued to produce watches, but faced increasing competition from foreign manufacturers and the rise of quartz technology.   

In 1968, the company ceased production and its assets were sold to a group of investors. The Elgin name has since been used by various companies, but the original Elgin Watch Company is remembered as one of the most important American watchmakers in history. 

Lord Elgin – one of the high-end product lines produced by the Elgin Watch Company, was introduced in the late 1930s and continued through the 1950s. The Lord Elgin watches were known for their precision movements and elegant designs and were often marketed as luxury watches. Lord Elgin watches were also known for their innovative features, such as shock-resistant, self-winding movements and fancy shape cases and crystals.
 

LORD ELGIN 
Black Knight 
21 Jewels 
Wristwatch  

This vintage Lord Elgin Black Knight wristwatch, reference 4814 and dating from 1953, is a rare and exceptional timepiece. Produced between 1951 and 1954, it represents a mid-to-high-end model from that era. 

It is a manual-wind watch powered by the original Elgin movement, caliber grade 680, featuring a manual-winding mechanism with 21 jewels, a sub-second hand and is adjusted for precision. Made in the U.S.A.  

Cased in a 27.3mm round case with uniquely shaped lugs, all in 14K yellow gold-filled. 

Original black honeycomb dial is adorned with gold Arabic numerals, triangular hour markers, and matching gold hands. The small-second hand is located at 6 o'clock position, and the dial is signed with the LORD ELGIN name and the Durapower logo.   

It comes with a brand-new Hadley-Roma black genuine leather two-piece strap.  

After more than 70 years, this wristwatch remains an excellent collector’s item. It runs very well and keeps accurate time!

Thank you for looking!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.   

Movement: 
Elgin 
21 Jewels 
Cal. 680 
ADJ'D 
P517899   
 
Case Back Markings: 
Cased and Timed by Elgin National Watch Co. 
14KT Gold Filled 
Ross 
0119707  

Measurements (mm):
Case 27.3  
Case with Crown 29.2  
Case Lug to Lug 39.8  
Case Thickness 9.7  
Lug Width 17  
Band Width 17   

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size. 

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.  

The condition is pre-owned.   
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended. 
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.  
 
It will be carefully packed.  

Please view our other listings.  
Thank you for looking!  
   
WA-3990