Ladies’ 1911 Elgin “O” Size Pendant Watch w/Chain

Elgin Watch Company was a grand endeavor from the moment it was conceived in 1864. Smoke from the Civil War had not yet cleared and businessmen were already being lured from Massachusetts' Waltham Watch Company to organize and build a monumental watch factory in Elgin, Illinois. By 1865 the company was organized and capitalized with half a million dollars, and unimaginable post-war sum. The companies leaders thrust themselves into the industrial revolution and were, in a few short years, running the biggest pocket watch company in the world. By the middle of the Twentieth Century they also dominated the wrist watch world, producing, among other popular models the "Lord and Lady Elgin" series distinguished by high-grade movements and progressive case designs.

Most watches produced by Elgin were of superior design. After all, the Elgin Watch factory was the biggest watch factory in the world, with its own jeweling house, watch college, and observatory stretching across city block after city block in the little town of Elgin, Ill. This progressive company spared no expense in finding the most talented artists and case designers to come up with a look that would set their watches apart from and, ABOVE, the rest.

One can find no better example of Elgin's commitment to craftsmanship than this mesmeric "0" size ladies "hunter-case" pendant watch in intricate yellow gold fill, with fancy gold inlaid dial and long pendant chain!

Of course, the first bewitching element of this pendant is the gloriously intricate Art Nouveau case. Adorned in a heavy Victorian rococo pattern, this 36mm case is a triumph of gifted metallurgy from a gloriously genteel age.

Press the crown and a hidden latch opens the front cover, displaying a fancy inlaid "Elgin" dial. Stars and tiny beadwork surround stylized Roman numerals on porcelain are highlighted by. Fancy blued Breguet hands, a graduated outer minutes track and sub-seconds register!

Flip open the pristine back and one will find a polished cuvette – or inner cover; within you’ll find a completely serviced, 15 ruby jewel Grade 354 nickel movement with compensated balance and whip regulator. Accompanying the piece is a period 24 ½ inch pendant chain, allowing to the piece worn low on the bosom, if desired. This treasure comes housed in a fine period royal purple case.

For wedding gift or thoughtful gesture, this watch, pendant chain and case are an upscale combination!