Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Art deco rectangular wristwatch

Elgin Art Deco Rectangular Wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage Art Deco men's wristwatch by the Elgin Watch Co. features a rectangular nickel case with stepped horizontal ridges framing the dial. The cream-toned dial displays stylized Arabic numerals, an outer dotted minute track, and pierced gold-tone hands, signed with the maker's name and star emblem. According to the seller, the timepiece is powered by a 7-jewel manual-winding caliber grade 488, model 1 movement bearing serial number 36925473. It is fitted with a two-piece black leather strap and features a push-pull crown at the three o'clock position.

Front view of the rectangular Elgin wristwatch showing cream dial, Arabic numerals, and black strap
Front view of the rectangular Elgin wristwatch showing cream dial, Arabic numerals, and black strap — Second Hand Horology. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Art deco rectangular wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Elgin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5279
Source-reported date
1937
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
36925473

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Exterior Construction

The watch features a rectangular nickel case measuring 23 x 32.5 mm, described as having a curved-tank design with stepped sides.

A knurled push-pull crown is located at the three o'clock position on the case flank. The watch is currently fitted with a two-piece black leather strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a 23x32.5mm curved-tank nickel case with stepped sides”
  • “A knurled push-pull crown is fitted at the three o'clock position on the case flank.”
  • “It is coming on a brand-new black leather two-piece strap.”

Dial Configuration

The watch has a cream-colored dial displaying gold-tone Arabic numerals, an outer dotted minute track, and pierced gold-tone hands.

The dial bears the Elgin maker's name and a star emblem.

Evidence for this section
  • “This watch features a cream dial with gilt Arabic numerals, ornate gold-tone hands, and a subtle minute track along the perimeter. The dial proudly carries the Elgin name and star emblem.”

Mechanism and Markings

According to seller specifications, the watch is powered by a 7-jewel manual-winding Elgin Watch Co. movement, identified as caliber grade 488, model 1, with serial number 36925473.

The interior case back is recorded with the following markings: 'Cased and timed by Elgin National Watch Co. Illinois Watch Case Elgin Nickel 0501878'.

Evidence for this section
  • “It is powered by the original manual-wind Elgin Watch Co. mechanical movement caliber grade 488, model 1 and featuring 7 jewels.”
  • “Serial SN 36925473”
  • “Cased and timed by Elgin National Watch Co. Illinois Watch Case Elgin Nickel 0501878”

Open research questions

  • Verify the production date using the serial number 36925473 against official Elgin factory production records, as the listing provides conflicting dates (1934 and 1937).
  • Confirm the significance of the '0501878' identifier on the Illinois Watch Case nickel back.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Art Deco Rectangular Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CaliberGrade 488, Model 1“Elgin Watch Co. mechanical movement caliber grade 488, model 1”
Jewel Count7 jewels“featuring 7 jewels”
Movement Serial Number36925473“SN 36925473”
Case Dimensions23 x 32.5 mm“23x32.5mm curved-tank nickel case”
Case Back MarkingsCased and timed by Elgin National Watch Co. Illinois Watch Case Elgin Nickel 0501878“Cased and timed by Elgin National Watch Co. Illinois Watch Case Elgin Nickel 0501878”
Case Thickness8.7 mm“Case Thickness: 8.7”
Lug Width19 mm“Lug Width: 19”

Visible details

  • Stepped horizontal ridges are visible at the upper and lower edges of the rectangular metal bezel.
  • The cream dial displays gold-tone Arabic numerals, a dotted outer track, and pierced hands with an Elgin signature and star logo.
  • A knurled push-pull crown is fitted at the three o'clock position on the case flank.
  • The watch is mounted on a smooth black leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • The listing gives conflicting dates: 1934 in the heading and 1937 in the overview and specifications.
  • The page URL and legacy text refer to an Aztec Revival bracelet, likely copied from another listing, while the actual item is fitted with a black leather strap.
  • Movement and interior case back markings are documented by the seller but not visible in the photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Elgin Art Deco Tank Watch Vintage Tank Dial Aztec Revival Bracelet – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record 61bf7fc8ed

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.