Men’s 1928 Elgin Dress Watch w/Roman Numerals

Elgin took a rather risky move at the turn of the 20th century: Acting on a breeze of fashion change in Europe, they began to manufacture "wristlets" or wristwatches for the public. These converted pocket watches could be worn on the wrist by a chain or ribbon, allowing the wearer to check the time without fumbling at the breast or in a pocket for a pendant. Women were the first to wear a wristwatch: Victorian men thought a watch tied with a ribbon to the wrist was too effeminate. However, after seeing a number of comrades shot as they fumbled with their pocket watches, legends has it that a German Army officer tied his pocket watch to his wrist with a piece of cloth so that he could quickly glance at it. Later, he was said to have had wire lugs soldered to the case and thus the men's wristwatch "craze" was born. 

We’re pleased to offer this handsome, honest example of Elgin’s mastery, created during the rise of the golden age of wrist art.

The ice-cream porcelain dial of this Jazz-Age example is quite the work of art on its own: An outer minute track surrounds oversized, stylized Roman numerals with uncommon red “12” and a counter-sunk sub-seconds register. Its imperially slim blued hands are in fine original condition. The period French glass crystal is free from inclusions.

Its solid nickel case, measuring 39mm lug-to-lug by approx. 30mm wide, opens to reveal a fine Elgin movement with a jeweled balance and solid nickel plates, decorated in fancy hand-etched damascening and marked "Elgin U.S.A." It's a sturdy and historic engine for a classic case design, the forerunner of the modern wristwatch. We've taken the liberty of cleaning, oiling, and timing the watch so that it can be worn confidently. We've also fitted the watch with a correct recreation of the two-piece cordovan strap that would have been worn during the era.

We’re pleased to offer this piece in a period clamshell presentation box.