Elgin 21J Lord Elgin grade 531 wrist watch #37129083, case #E182235, handsome vintage mechanical manual-wind nickel split plate movement with bold red ruby jewels and a bar-style damascene pattern, champagne-toned metal dial with fancy raised gold Arabic-style numbers, black hash mark minute markers and a black marked subsidiary seconds register has a very faint patina across the dial however no scratches or other notable defects, heavy gold steel whip style hands.
Impressive rectangular smooth polish yellow gold filled (YGF) case with narrow sloped bezels supporting a thick glass crystal, slightly sculpted flared side frame and curved extended lugs, case is showing normal even wear overall with a few small spots of brass starting to show on the lugs and back along with a very thin line of discoloration around the crystal, likely from an excess of crystal adhesive that discolored with age, we are not able to safely remove it however it may be possible for a dedicated jeweler to remove it without damaging the case, measures approx. 25mm wide x 42mm in length x 9mm thick (crystal included), lovely YGF open square-link bracelet-style band with an engraved buckle clasp that can expand allow the watch to have a wearable length between 6 1/2" & 7 1/2".
Also comes with a dark red leatherette Elgin box with a cream-colored satin and maroon red velvet fitted interior along with a small Elgin care booklet. A very high quality and classic design vintage Elgin watch from the 1930s in excellent overall condition!
- Year Made: 1938-1939
- Company:
Elgin
- Jewels: 0721J
- Setting/Movement Type:
manual-wind
- Model/Grade: Lord Elgin grade 531
- Serial #: 37129083
- Movement Finish: nickel
- Dial Material: metal
- Dial Color: champagne
- Hand Style:
whip
- Case Style:
rectangular
-
Case Material:
Gold Filled - Yellow
- Case Details:
extra-thick glass crystal
-
Case Width, without crown:
25mm (0.98 inches)
-
Case Length, lug to lug:
42mm (1.65 inches)
-
Case Thickness:
9mm (0.35 inches)
-
Interior Lug Width:
16mm
(5/8")
-
Band Size:
6in. to 6.99in.
(measurement range includes watch length & band)
- Band Material: metal bracelet
- Crystal Material: glass
- Box Info: Elgin leatherette box & booklet
- Condition:
Excellent
-
Gender:
Gentlemen's
The Elgin watch company, out of Elgin, Illinois, was in business from 1864-1964, and while active, was the largest-producing American watch company, manufacturing an estimated half of all pocket watches ("dollar" watches not included). By 1956 they had produced over 55 million pocket and wrist watches.
As an additional resource, we've posted a
Serial Number Production List which includes information for Elgin serial numbers and dates of manufacture.
The NAWCC also has a
comprehensive article about the company; additional information may also be found on
Wikipedia.
You may browse all of our men's pocket watches from this manufacturer at our
Vintage Men's Elgin Pocket Watches category.
This watch is in good running condition, unless otherwise noted in the description. This means that on receipt, pending any item-specific running conditions noted in the description, you can expect the watch to be winding and setting properly and to run smoothly while keeping reasonable time. We consider "reasonable time" to meet these basic guidelines:
- Railroad Grade Watches will be keeping +/- 5 minutes per day
- Pocket and Wrist Watches with 15 or more jewels will be keeping +/- 10 minutes per day
- All key wind watches and watches with 14 or fewer jewels will be keeping +/- 15 minutes per day
The above guideline is the lowest standard in which we would ship out a watch, however in most cases, you will see much better timekeeping. Most of our watches have been in storage for many years, so if you plan on carrying/wearing them everyday, you should consider having them cleaned and oiled soon, and then once a year thereafter to keep them in top running condition. If the watches will be for occasional use or display, they should be cleaned and serviced every 3 to 5 years depending on use.
As of December 3rd, 2024, we are not offering a cleaning and service option through PM Time Service. While we do hope to offer this again in the future, we are unfortunately unable to meet customer requests for watch servicing at this time. Please note that, unless otherwise mentioned within the "Full Description" tab, this watch is being sold in good running condition and is ready to wear or carry on arrival.
Unlike modern quartz watches, most vintage watches need daily winding in order to keep the watch functioning for timekeeping. Additionally, there are a number of different ways to set the time other than simply pulling the crown away from the watch body. We are happy to provide an overview of each of the different setting types on our
"How To Use" page, where we also provide information on proper winding techniques for each style and some suggestions for the proper long term care and storage of your watch.
For your gift giving convenience, please find a consolidated overview of the information on this item, with no reference to the price, on this
printer-optimized page.
