The Founding of the Elgin Watch Company

 Founding and Early Years (1864–1870s)

• Founded: 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, originally named the National Watch Company.

• The founding group included former employees of the Waltham Watch Company, another major American watchmaker.

• The first movement, named the B.W. Raymond (after one of the founders), was completed in 1867.

• Soon after, the company became widely known as "Elgin" and officially adopted the name Elgin National Watch Company.