Elgin Wristwatches

Founded in Chicago in 1864, the National Watch Company moved to Elgin the next year, and was re-named the Elgin Watch Company. The company's first watches were key wind pocket watches, including smaller sized ladies watches. Most of the watch movements Elgin made were sold as movements, and had cases put on later. Elgin successfully introduced its first wrist watch in 1910.

The company was contracted by the army during WWI to make repairs in the field, as watches were a valuable military tool. Elgin survived through WW2, but afterward was unable to compete with overseas producers. The name Elgin was later sold, and the name Elgin today bears no relation to the original company.