ELGIN WATCH Co.
 
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
Model 4602
“Driver's Watch”

From the “Driver's Watch” Collection – Swivel lugs for side wrist comfort.
 
Unique and stunning timepiece with a retro modern design, this is a vintage Lord Elgin wristwatch DuraPower reference 4602 and dated from 1950.
 
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.
 
This watch is a manual-winding watch powered by the original signed Elgin durapower movement caliber grade 626, 15/0s, 21 jewels, 4 ADJ’s, sub-second hand, U.S.A. made.
 
This example is in excellent condition with the 20.6mm square case featuring large and flexible fancy lug design; all in 14K yellow gold filled. Domed crystal.
 
Super clean, the original glossy black dial with gold markers and Roman Numerals, also gold matching hands. The dial is signed with the LORD ELGIN name and the Durapower logo.
 
It comes on a vintage signed W. Germany brown two-piece Gen. Royal Lizard strap.

This watch is a perfect collector's item! Runs very well, keeps good time!

Thank you for looking!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.
 
Movement:
ELGIN 626
U.S.A.
21 Jewels
4 ADJ'S
H405091

Case Back Markings:
4602
Cased and Timed by Elgin National Watch Co.
SCHWAB and WUISCHPARD
14KT Gold Filled
464756

Measurements (mm):
Case 20.6
Case with Crown 23
Case Lug to Lug 48
Case Thickness 9
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 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-3471