Mens 1953 Lord Elgin 14K SOLID GOLD Tonneau Art Moderne 21j USA Vintage Watch A+

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Mens 1953 Lord Elgin 14K SOLID GOLD Tonneau Art Moderne 21j USA Vintage Watch A+:
$430.19

My longtime favorite U.S. watch firm is the Elgin National Watch Company, a prolific American firm established in 1864 on 35 acres of land donated by the City of Elgin, Illinois (the factory had a National Street address). It was a strategic location, right next to the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, one of the busiest railways into Chicago, and the Elgin factory would become the focal point of the town.

Elgin would offer its first watch for sale in 1867, marking the beginning of fierce competition with its chief competitor, Waltham, which (ironically) was instrumental in forming Elgin, as two of the original organizers were P.S. Bartlett and D.G. Currier of Waltham fame. Bartlett and Currier would later join the Illinois Watch Co. of Springfield.

I am happy to offer for sale the following men’s timepiece from the firm, a Tonneau form 21 jewel example in 14kt Solid Yellow Gold. This is a Lord Elgin model, the firm’s top of the line, complete with a higher-grade 680 grade, twenty one jewel mechanism.

Triple-signed for Elgin, its solid 14k yellow gold case measures 38mm lug tip to lug tip and 25mm in width (27.3mm including the original, unmarked crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by 1 inch wide, not including the winding crown. My trusted watchmaker David has fully serviced its original manual wind 21j mechanism to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.

The ivory color, enamel finished dial is in excellent order, the original that has been professionally restored to its correct status. It features raised gold Breguet-style numbers, a 60 minute outer track border, gold metal spear tip hands and recessed tonneau (like the case shape) seconds dial with 60 second outer chapter and ‘sweep’ original gold seconds hand. Signed LORD ELGIN below the 12 with the “STAR” logo below this.

The solid glass crystal is in excellent shape with no flaws, removed in some photos to show the dial without reflections. The two-piece case is 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold and in excellent shape, a streamlined Tonneau design that is NICER than my photos convey – it was hard to photograph without some reflections and shadows. The original yellow gold finished winding crown (correctly unmarked) is in excellent shape, winding and setting smoothly.

Turning the watch over I note that the back lid is in excellent order, stamped 14 KARAT GOLD at one edge. There is no wear or engravings, past or present.

Inside is a clean Twenty One Jewel mechanism that is signed Elgin [Grade] 680 USA – 21 Jewels, Adj’d. The serial number is K,888,164, dating it to circa 1953 as per Elgin production records. The inside of the back case lid is stamped Cased and Timed by Elgin National Watch Co., Keystone Co., 14K with case number below. I can guarantee this case to be 14k (0.585 fine) solid yellow gold.

This mid century American watch has been professionally disassembled, cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets very smoothly while keeping accurate time. It comes fitted on a new and high quality 16mm black deBeer hand crafted smooth calf leather strap with matching gold color buckle. One of the nicest Lord Elgin watches that has crossed my desk in some time, my photos do not do it justice.

Since 1998, Holben\'s Fine Watches\' goal has been happy customers. I treat buyers as I like to be treated: with courtesy and respect. I am especially proud of my excellent response and high number of repeat clients.

Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, watches for men made from the 1910s to 1970s were noticeably smaller than what is considered normal today.

U.S. winners pay $7.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door to door tracking. Washington State residents (and those with shipping addresses in Washington State) are required to pay 8.8% sales tax.

Canadian buyers pay $22.00 for Registered Air Mail shipping with tracking (I pay the insurance) or $28 for EMS Global Express, about 4 or 5 days faster. International buyers pay $48.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door to door tracking, I pay for the insurance.

International buyers, please note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer\'s responsibility. Please check with your country\'s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving your cleared payment but your local custom authorities can cause delays.

Payment is due within three days of sale end, unless you have contacted me prior to arrange otherwise. In accordance with policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.

In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, I ask that you return the wristwatch to me (or mailed to my watchmaker, David, in NYC) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. NOTE: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. ALL of my watches are under warranty; you may either return the watch to me for a refund or have my watchmaker David fix it at no charge to you.

If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to the 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches.

Our sister store, Holben\'s Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of straps including Fluco, Bonetto Cinturini, deBeer, Di-Modell, Hadley-Roma, Hirsch and Staib; deployment and flip lock clasps; metal bracelets; canvas, genuine and silicone rubber divers; carbon fiber; Kevlar; LORICA; Cordura; GT rally tropic perforated; alligator-, crocodile-, lizard-, ostrich- and buffalo-grain; chrono sport; riveted; waterproof / water resistant.

Cautious Carl (my old and kind dog friend) and I want to thank you for dropping by and we hope you place a offer. Let us know if you have any questions too!

On Jul-09-14 at 19:45:21 PDT, seller added the following information:

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