Vintage Watch: Lord Elgin 25 Jewel Swiss Automatic

[Grumpyguy]

Something different for me in terms of watches. I decided to dip my toes into the vintage market and I just got this 1960 Lord Elgin, 25 jewels, Swiss automatic.

For being 50 years old, it is in great shape, with only a little dirt showing on the hands. The rolled gold plating isn't worn through, the acrylic crystal only has a few minor creases, and it sports an original JB expansion bracelet.

My guess is that this watch only came out for special occasions and has sat in a drawer for the last 25 years.

The movement has been recently serviced and it has kept almost perfect time for the last few years.

The watch measures 32mm, is very thin, but because it is mostly dial, it looks larger than the dimensions might suggest.


The dial is pristine, with just a little dirt showing on the hands.


The watch is waterproof. To achieve this, Elgin used a solid case back. To get to the movement, the crystal is screwed out.


The expansion band is in near perfect condition and is actually very comfortable and is not a hair puller like the same era Spiedel bands.


10K Rold gold plating


Here's a comparison to a 40mm Victorinox automatic.


Here it is sitting on top of the Victorinox. Note at the bottom, the Elgin says Swiss.


Wrist shot, which show off the sunburst dial and 60's bracelet.


Right now I have a bid on a nice looking Lord Elgin with their American made 30 jewel movement. Sometimes eBay lets you have them for a song, and other times, it is the crazy with prices.

[Uncle Wig]

That's a good looking watch.

[cbelt3]

Lovely piece. I have a few of those dresser drawer queens as well. Some day I'm going to have to dust them off and wear them occasionally.

[tenders]

I'm wearing my grandfather's 1952 Gruen Veri-Thin watch today. He received it in 1952 for 25 years of service to the company he worked for, and I received it after my uncle passed away. My grandfather passed away before I was born...it's one of my favorite possessions.

[OWC Jamie]

Is the back really that tall/proud/round or just an optical illusion ?
Would seem to be a bit much for the back of the wrist on someone that is skin and bones.

[mrbigstuff]

that is a watch. I really hate where watch design has gone. oh, for the last 25 or so years.

in fact, it looks really similar to my Benrus watches. marketed under a different name...?

[Grumpyguy]

tenders wrote:
I'm wearing my grandfather's 1952 Gruen Veri-Thin watch today. He received it in 1952 for 25 years of service to the company he worked for, and I received it after my uncle passed away. My grandfather passed away before I was born...it's one of my favorite possessions.

I've got my grandfather's and my dad's watches. Something to help remember them.

[Grumpyguy]

billb wrote:
Is the back really that tall/proud/round or just an optical illusion ?
Would seem to be a bit much for the back of the wrist on someone that is skin and bones.

The watch, compared to today's behemoths, is truly thin.

There is a slight bulge their as Elgin made it water proof by making a solid caseback, and the movement is reached by removing the crystal, which I suppose must have a gasket.

It really feels good on my wrist.

[Grumpyguy]

mrbigstuff wrote:
that is a watch. I really hate where watch design has gone. oh, for the last 25 or so years.

in fact, it looks really similar to my Benrus watches. marketed under a different name...?

Benrus and Elgin were two separate American watch companies which both succumbed to the cheap quartz craze of the late '60s. I'm sure some of their designs were similar.

Benrus used Swiss movements exclusively, which Elgin made their own movements and only in the late 50s, did they switch to Swiss movements to try to contain costs and stay afloat.