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.
![](https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/assets/images/history/elgin-factory.jpg)
1866
Construction of the watch factory in Elgin, Illinois is completed.
![](https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/assets/images/history/elgin-b-w-raymond-movement.jpg)
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.
![](https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/assets/images/history/elgin-logo.jpg)
1874
The National Watch Co. is rebraded as Elgin National Watch Co.