Elgin Illinois - Caliber 679 - Golden Patina - Pumpkin Lume - Circa 1946 - Needs a service

Offered here is a 1946 Elgin wristwatch powered by the brand's fully American-made Caliber 679, designed and produced at the historic Elgin National Watch Company factory in Elgin, Illinois. Introduced just after World War II, this caliber marked a return to civilian production and embodied Elgin's mid-century engineering peak.

The original dial has developed a stunning golden patina, evenly aged to a warm hue that glows richly in the light. Original luminous hands retain intact pumpkin-colored lume. Applied Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 alternate with arrow markers, creating a timeless and balanced aesthetic emblematic of Elgin's late 1940s design language.

The stainless steel case retains its crisp geometry and clean surfaces, with sharply defined lugs and clear engravings, paired with a period-correct Speidel stainless expansion bracelet.

The Elgin Cal. 679 movement is complete and original but requires a full service. It does not run reliably; the balance moves freely and nothing appears broken, making it an excellent candidate for restoration or preservation. 

Terms: Please review all photos carefully as they are a part of the listing. This is a vintage timepiece. Accuracy, power reserve, and water resistance are not guaranteed. Vintage watches may require periodic service. Performance can vary with wear, temperature, and position.

I am happy to service any unserviced watch listed on the site — please inquire about service charges when purchasing.

All sales final.