In its later years Elgin began using a letter code as a prefix to movement serial numbers. The letter stands for a number of millions, as follows:
| X | 38 and 39 |
| C, E, T and Y | 42 |
| L | 43 |
| U | 44 |
| J | 45 |
| V | 46 |
| H | 47 |
| N | 48 |
| F | 49 |
| S | 50 |
| R | 51 |
| P | 52 |
| K | 53 |
| I | 54 |
Elgin Serial Number Beginning with a Letter
Why do some Elgin movement numbers start with a letter?
In its later years Elgin began using a letter code as a prefix to movement serial numbers. The letter stands for a number of millions, as follows:
For example, a movement marked with a serial number L35467 would be serial number 43035467.
Elgin serial numbers are always either a number, all digits and no letters, or a single letter followed by numbers. Anything else is either not the movement number, or the watch is not a vintage Elgin product. The only exception is some imported (Swiss) grades Elgin that sold in the late 1960s, which do not have a serial number marked on the movement.
In its later years Elgin began using a letter code as a prefix to movement serial numbers. The letter stands for a number of millions, as follows:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Blog Archive
-
▼
2012
(406)
-
▼
March
(18)
- Hamilton 4992B
- An E. Howard Pocketwatch
- Imported Elgins
- Elgin Grade 119
- Elgin Grade 345
- Vintage Pocketwatch Parts
- Elgin Grade 110
- Lever Issues
- Trusted?
- Elgin Grade 306
- Elgin Grade 69
- Elgin Grade 203
- Elgin Grade 313
- Elgin Grade 463
- National Watch Inspection Week
- Elgin Looks Way Beyond 1923
- Elgin Grade 141
- Elgin Serial Number Beginning with a Letter
-
▼
March
(18)
12 comments:
FINALLY. I cannot think you enough. I have been hounding the internet all afternoon to figure this one out. I got an elgin pocket-watch from an antique store yesterday and I was having one hell of a time trying to figure out how old it was.
You are the only person on the whole wide internet to mention the Swiss grades from the late 60's with no serial on the the clockwork.
I've been going crazy with that all day, the only serial i have on mine is WM 124 0110 8030 on the back of the casing.
Thank you for your clarity.
Glad to help!
Hi- So happy to see your website! I have a Lady Elgin watch that I got as a gift a few years back. It is new/old stock (I have the original brochure and price tag) along with original boxes. I have only worn it a few times. The serial number is H974876 and the model is 5803A. It's a very unusual watch- a 10k gold driving watch that has a leather band. I haven't seen anything like it on the web. Is there any more info you may have on it? And do you know the value? I hate to sell it, but times are tough...
Thanks! Elaine
Sorry, I am not an appraiser. The value varies greatly depending on many details of the watch, and especially the material and condition of the case. With a few exceptions, the value of Elgin watches is not very high, simply because they made so many of them and most models are not terribly rare. A good way to get an idea is to browse on eBay. If you have an account on eBay you can search completed auctions and see real prices people have paid.
I have my Great Grandfathers 1895 Elgin Pocket Watch in perfect condition. I am trying to find out what it is made of. It looks like silver but I do not believe it is. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Ron N
Elgin never made cases. In those days, the common practice was that a customer would pick out a movement and a case separately at the shop and the watchmaker or jeweler would assemble them together. Because of this the movement and the case have no relationship. A jeweler would have to inspect your watch case to try to determine the material.
Hi We have a 1975 Elgin pocket watch with a hunting scene...stag and dog on back...4 deer...2 hunters on front...17 jewels the only numbers we can find are 5498
64980820,M364X,where can we find more info on this? Thanks
Elgin went completely out of business and halted all operation in 1968. The name has been used by a variety of companies since. I can say nothing about such newer watches.
Someone that left no contact information writes:
"HI I have a ELGIN 21J MDL. 670 with a serial number of S 621793. The 500621793 number as suggested does not work. The engraving on the back says it was a given to a person and is dated 1930-1945. The person I bought it from swears it is a WWII piece, but the 670's were not made until the 50's. What is the real story on this watch do you think? Thank you!"
The 'S' is for 50, not 500, so the serial number would be 50621793. That doesn't help much though, I have not focused on the later models in the database. As far as I know the 670 is indeed a '50s watch. Perhaps the case is older than the movement?
Thank you that would make sense as I was told that the face was replaced.
And it definitely says Elgin 670 U-S-A, 21 jewels, s621793 adj'd on the mechanism. So maybe it was two watches put together. Great...Thank you again. dd
Hi! I have my great grandfather's Elgin pocketwatch, and I'm trying to figure out what year it is. The crank is near the 3. The numbers are thin. It doesn't seem to open. There's a shield on the back at the bottom of the watch. I can't find any like it to compare. Any idea? Thanks!
So interesting. I never knew about the company history and it's amazing! I have an Elgin watch that would have been purchased in the early 1980's. If the company was out of business would this watch be just from stock? Thank you for sharing this information.
Post a Comment