How Do I Identify My Elgin Pocket Watch? – Simple Steps

If you’re an avid vintage watch collector, then you might have invested on an Elgin watch. Although some brands produce more expensive and luxurious watches for collectors, Elgin pieces are still popular in the market.

If you have recently bought a piece, you might wonder, ‘how do I identify my Elgin pocket watch?’

Elgin Pocket Watch

Elgin is an American brand that has been in existence for 100 years. It has produced millions of distinct and jeweled pocket watches and wristwatches over that course of time.

Most Elgin pieces made from long ago are still functional in the hands of antique collectors.

Pocket watches are Elgin’s prominent pieces. Most of these watches are called railroad watches as they are designed according to railroad industry standards. Elgin pocket watches have a price range of $200 to $5,000. Its value depends on its material, the significance of the model, and the year it was made.

Elgin pocket watches that are popular among collectors are pieces of Elgin A-11 Military Ordinance Watch and Lord Elgin Watch.

How To Identify Your Elgin Watch

Watch collectors are keen on Elgin gold pocket watch identification. This way, they can determine the year of production and the value of the watch. The older the number is, the more valuable the Elgin watch will have for trade.

Your watch will have two serial numbers—one on the case and one on the inner movement of the watch. Follow these steps to identify your watch:

1. Check the serial number on the inner movement as it is the one you will need to identify your watch. Once you see it, write it down carefully.
2. Go to Pocket Watch Database and click Elgin on the Home tab. You will be led to a page for Elgin pocket watch serial number lookup.
3. Enter the serial number of your watch.
4. The result will let you identify the actual year it was made.

You may also refer to Elgin Pocket Watch Serial Number Table.

Watch Appraisal

The value of your Elgin pocket watch will also depend on several factors. To appraise the value, here are some things to check:

1. Movement – This is the entire mechanism that makes your watch work for its purpose. You will know that your watch is of high value if: it works and keeps a good time; no part of the movement has been replaced; and there is no visible wear and tear.
2. Dial – The dial is also known as the clock face with its moving hands and fixed numbers. Your watch will have a higher value if the glass has no cracks or scratches, and the face has no discoloring.
3. Case – Your watch will have a higher value if the case has no cracks or dents, and is made of high-quality material.
4. Jewels and adjustments – A watch with more jewels of better quality is very valuable.

Conclusion

You got the answer to your question, “how do I identify my Elgin pocket watch?” Look for the serial number in the movement and look it up on the Elgin pocket watch serial number lookup online. If you wish to trade it after a few years of keeping, make sure that you give it proper care.