Pocketwatch, maker Elgin National Watch Company (USA)

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, at the end of the Civil War to compete with the American Waltham Watch Co. It was one of the most important and prolific watch manufacturers in the country, producing high-quality timepieces that were sold all over the world.

The company's principal founder, Philo Carpenter, was a businessman who saw an opportunity to enter the watchmaking industry as demand for timepieces grew in the United States. Carpenter teamed up with a group of investors to create the National Watch Company, which would later become known as more... the Elgin National Watch Company.

Elgin watches were known for their precision and accuracy, and the company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces. Elgin watches were particularly popular among railroad workers, as they were known for their reliability and durability.

During World War II, Elgin shifted its production to support the war effort, producing military watches and timing devices for the armed forces. After the war, the company continued to innovate and expand its product offerings, introducing new designs and technologies such as the "Shockmaster," which was designed to withstand shocks and jolts that could damage the delicate inner workings of a watch.

Despite its success, the Elgin National Watch Company faced challenges in the mid-20th century as consumer tastes shifted and cheaper, mass-produced watches flooded the market. The company struggled to keep up with the competition, and it eventually declared bankruptcy in 1968 and discontinued all US manufacturing. It sold the rights to the name "Elgin", which were subsequently resold multiple times over the years. The rights eventually were purchased by MZ Berger Inc., which manufactures its watches in China and distributes them outside traditional watch dealerships. Elgin-branded watches produced after 1968 have no connection to the Elgin Watch Company. less...

Pocket watches were the primary timekeeping device for centuries, with origins dating back to the 16th century. In the early days, pocket watches were large and cumbersome, and only the wealthy elite could afford them. However, over time, advances in technology made them smaller and more accessible to the masses.

The earliest pocket watches were made with a simple mechanism consisting of a mainspring, an escapement, and a balance wheel. The mainspring provided power to the watch, while the escapement regulated the movement of the watch hands, and the balance wheel ensured accuracy. These watches were usually worn around the more... neck or carried in a pocket, and they were often adorned with elaborate designs and engravings.

In the 18th century, the pocket watch became more popular, and many watchmakers began to experiment with new designs and mechanisms. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of the lever escapement, which greatly improved the accuracy of the watch. Another important innovation was the use of jewels to reduce friction in the movement, leading to increased durability and reliability.

In the 19th century, pocket watches became smaller and more affordable, and they became an essential accessory for the middle class. During this time, watchmakers also began to experiment with new materials, such as gold and silver, and they created watches with intricate designs and patterns. Many of these watches were also equipped with additional features, such as a calendar, a stopwatch, or a second hand.

The 20th century brought about even more significant changes to the pocket watch. The introduction of quartz technology in the 1970s led to the development of the quartz pocket watch, which used an electronic oscillator instead of a mechanical mechanism. This innovation greatly improved accuracy, and it made pocket watches even more accessible to the masses.

Nowadays pocket watches are mostly used as a fashion accessory or a collector's item. They are often made with intricate designs and high-quality materials, and they are prized for their elegance and beauty. However, with the rise of smartphones and digital watches, the practicality of the pocket watch has diminished. Despite this, the pocket watch remains an iconic symbol of a bygone era, and it continues to be cherished by collectors and enthusiasts around the world. less...