The Founders of The Elgin Watch Company

 

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864 by a group of key figures in American industry and watchmaking. It did not have a single founder—Elgin was created by a founding team, backed by Chicago financiers and guided by an experienced watchmaker.

Main Founders

1. Benjamin W. Raymond

• Former Mayor of Chicago

• Considered the principal founder and driving force

• Organized the funding, secured the site in Elgin, Illinois, and led the company’s early development

2. J.C. Adams

• Former executive of the Waltham Watch Company

• Helped plan and design the factory

3. Philo Carpenter

• Chicago businessman and early financial supporter

4. Thomas S. Dickerson

• Investor and part of the Chicago founding group

5. George Hunter

• Also part of the original financial backing team

Guided by Master Watchmaker

** – Charles H. Moseley**

• A leading watchmaker from Waltham

• Brought technical knowledge that shaped Elgin’s movement design and production style

• Often credited as the technical founder of Elgin’s watchmaking approach

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In Summary

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded by:
Benjamin W. Raymond (lead founder), J.C. Adams, Philo Carpenter, Thomas S. Dickerson, George Hunter, and watchmaker Charles H. Moseley.

Raymond is the closest to being called the single founder, but Elgin was fundamentally a team-led industrial project.

Elgin “Navigator’s Watch” / GCT Master Navigation Timer (WWII)

 

Elgin “Navigator’s Watch” / GCT Master Navigation Timer (WWII)

• Used by U.S. Army Air Forces navigators.

• 24-hour dial, large pocket-watch style case.

• 22-jewel high-grade movement (Grade 499).

• Comparable to Hamilton’s famous 4992B.

• Market: $600–$1,500+

Elgin Electronic / Electric (1957–1960s) Watches

 

Elgin Electronic / Electric (1957–1960s)

• Overview: One of the first American-made electric wristwatches.

• Features: Hybrid battery-powered mechanical movement.

• Significance: Part of the race to develop electric timekeeping before quartz technology emerged.

Vintage 1943 Elgin WWII Military Stainless Steel Field Watch

 

During World War II, Elgin National Watch Company of Elgin, Illinois, was one of the major suppliers of military watches for the U.S. Armed Forces. Production of civilian watches was largely halted between 1942 and 1945, as the factory was dedicated to war contracts—producing timepieces, chronometers, aircraft instruments, and precision timers for the U.S. Army and Navy.

By 1943, Elgin was producing a variety of field and navigation watches meeting military specifications such as ORD Dept. (Army Ordnance Department) and U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics (BUAER) requirements.

Vintage 1928 ELGIN USA Art Deco Mens Watch

7 Jewel Mechanical Elgin Movement