Pocket Watch Database
Location: Elgin, Illinois
Years of Operation: 1864-1874
Successor: Elgin
Rebranded as the Elgin Watch Co. in 1874
Production Sizes: 18s
Serial Number Lookup
Company Timeline
August 1864
The National Watch Co. is incorporated in Chicago, Illinois.
1866
Construction of the watch factory in Elgin, Illinois is completed.
April 1867
The National Watch Co. sells its first movement for about $115.00, an 18s key wind and key set quick train B.W. Raymond, named after the president of the company, serial number 101.
June 1873
The first stem-wound model is manufactured as a lever-set quick train 18s H.Z. Culver, serial number 155,001.
1874
The National Watch Co. is rebraded as Elgin National Watch Co.