The Elgin watch company was founded in 1864 in Elgin Illinois as National Watch Company. In 1874 the name was changed Elgin National Watch Company. Between 1864 and sometime in the 1960s, Elgin manufactured 10s of millions of Pocket and Wristwatches.

 

Elgin Pocketwatches from its early years are particularly interesting because of the methods and philosophy of the Elgin company. Elgin used what were at the time quite advanced tools, techniques and labor practices to achieve a very high quality product, in high volumes, at a relatively affordable price. Elgin Watches where created using mechanized, repeatable processes, organized quality control and standardized, interchangeable, parts. The result was a product of high quality made in large quantities that dwarfed Elgin's competitors.