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Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold, 1880 — view 1 of 5
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Pocket Watches · Pocket watch

Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold, 1880

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Elgin (maker)
Date
1880
Country of origin
United States
Object type
Pocket watch
Materials / technique
gold
Stock no.
Product 4911
Credit line
Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 4911)
Catalogue title (original)
Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 4911), this is a pocket watch by Elgin, made in United States, dated 1880. The Atlas places it in the Industrial Revolution period (1850 – 1900) of its Pocket Watches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 5 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — WatchMuseum.org shop

Step into a world of timeless elegance with the Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold, a masterpiece that exudes sophistication and historical allure. Crafted in the United States in 1880, this vintage timepiece is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and enduring style of the era. Recently serviced by a certified watchmaker, it remains in excellent condition, preserving its original components and showcasing its authentic charm. The luxurious 14K yellow gold case, with its classic round shape and understated plain bezel, offers a sophisticated look that is both bold and refined. Measuring 51mm in width and 17mm in height, this watch makes a striking statement on the wrist, while the durable acrylic crystal ensures clarity and protection. Although not water-resistant, its true value lies in its historical significance and vintage appeal. The dial, adorned with elegant Roman numeral markers, adds a touch of timeless sophistication, making this Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch a true collector’s piece. Perfect for connoisseurs who appreciate the art and heritage of fine timepieces, this watch is a celebration of the past, a treasure to be cherished for generations to come. Introducing the exquisite Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold. This vintage timepiece embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Manufactured in the US in 1880, it has recently been serviced by a certified watchmaker and is in excellent condition. The photos provided are of the actual watch, showcasing its original components. The case is made of 14K yellow gold, giving it a luxurious and sophisticated look. The round shape and plain bezel add to its classic design. Measuring 51mm in width and 17mm in height, it makes a statement on the wrist. The crystal is made of durable acrylic, ensuring both clarity and protection. Although not water-resistant, this watch is meant to be treasured for its historical significance and vintage charm. The dial features elegant Roman numeral markers, adding a touch of timeless sophistication. This Elgin B. W. Raymond Men’s Watch in 14KT Yellow Gold is a true collector’s piece, perfect for those who appreciate the art and heritage of fine timepieces. Creator: Elgin Case Material: Yellow Gold Case Shape: Round Movement: Manual Wind Place of Origin: United States Period: 19th Century Date of Manufacture: 1880 Condition: Excellent

Historical context

Industrial Revolution (1850 – 1900)

American interchangeable-parts manufacture; railroad time standards; Swiss and German factory systems.

Machine production with interchangeable parts, pioneered by Waltham (1850s) and adopted by Elgin, Longines, Omega and others, made reliable lever watches widely affordable. Keyless winding became standard, railroad watch standards were introduced (1890s), and Swiss and American industries competed globally.

Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Precision & Scientific Horology

Atlas type guide

Pocket watches

The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.

Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.

What to look for

  • The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
  • Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
  • Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
  • Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
  • Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.

Dating clues

  • Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
  • Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
  • Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre

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