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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Railroad wrist chronometer

Elgin B.W. Raymond Railroad Watch Ref. 2286

Partially verified

This Elgin B.W. Raymond wristwatch, reference 2286, is described by the source as featuring a 35.5 mm case of 10K gold-filled construction. The seller reports it is fitted with a 23-jewel Elgin Grade 730A manual-wind movement, marked as adjusted to six positions and manufactured in the United States. Originating around the 1950s under Elgin's historic railroad designation, the watch displays a light-colored dial with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock.

Three-quarter view of the Elgin B.W. Raymond Ref. 2286 wristwatch on a stand
Three-quarter view of the Elgin B.W. Raymond Ref. 2286 wristwatch on a stand — SECOND HAND HOROLOGY. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
secondhandhorology.com
Category
Wristwatch · Railroad wrist chronometer
Maker / attribution
Elgin Watch Co.
Reference
2286
Catalogue / lot identifier
WA-5548
Source-reported date
1950s
Country
United States

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

Historical Context and Designation

The object is identified as an Elgin B.W. Raymond reference 2286, which the source describes as a railroad wrist chronometer. It is associated by the source with the 1950s.

The B.W. Raymond name is noted as having historical ties to Elgin's railroad-grade pocket watches, with this model being described as an effort by the company to apply that legacy to a wristwatch format.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Elgin Grade 730A B.W. Raymond wrist chronometer holds a unique place in American horological history. Introduced in the 1950s”
  • “The B.W. Raymond name traces back to Elgin's premier railroad-grade pocket watches. Applying this branding to a wrist chronometer signified Elgin's intent to merge traditional precision with modern form.”

Movement Specifications

The watch is fitted with an Elgin Grade 730A movement. Inscriptions recorded on the movement include 'ELGIN', '23 Jewels', '730A', 'U.S.A.', and '6 ADJ'.

The source claims the 730A movement received chronometer certification from the U.S. Government’s Observatory at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: ELGIN 23 Jewels 730A U.S.A. 6 ADJ”
  • “The 730A was officially certified as a chronometer by the U.S. Government’s Observatory at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory”

Physical Characteristics

The watch features a circular case with a diameter of 35.5 mm (37 mm with crown) and a thickness of 10 mm. The case is described as 10K gold-filled.

The dial is described as light-colored with Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. Observable signs of wear include surface marks near the lower bezel edge.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case Diameter 35.5”
  • “Case Diameter w/Crown 37”
  • “Case Thickness 10”
  • “10K GF Ref. 2286 Wristwatch”
  • “Gold-tone circular case showing surface wear and minor marks near the lower bezel edge.”
  • “Light-colored dial with printed black Arabic numerals and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock.”

Open research questions

  • What is the precise production timeframe for reference 2286 within the 1950s?
  • What surviving archival documentation confirms the role of the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in certifying specific Elgin wristwatch movements?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin B.W. Raymond Railroad Watch Ref. 2286
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference2286“Ref. 2286 Wristwatch”
Movement Grade730A“Elgin Grade 730A B.W. Raymond”
Movement InscriptionELGIN 23 Jewels 730A U.S.A. 6 ADJ“Movement: ELGIN 23 Jewels 730A U.S.A. 6 ADJ”
Case Diameter35.5 mm“Case Diameter 35.5”
Case Back MarkingsCased and Timed by ELGIN Watch Co. 2286“Case Back Markings: Cased and Timed by ELGIN Watch Co. 2286”
Case Back MarkingsCased and Timed by ELGIN Watch Co. 2286“Case Back Markings: Cased and Timed by ELGIN Watch Co. 2286”
Lug Width19 mm“Lug Width 19”

Visible details

  • Light-colored dial with printed black Arabic numerals and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock.
  • Gold-tone circular case showing surface wear and minor marks near the lower bezel edge.
  • Fitted with a smooth black leather or synthetic strap on a display stand.

Research qualifications

  • Movement and case back interior are not shown in the provided image.
  • Country of origin is determined from the movement inscription quote 'U.S.A.' reported by the source.

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

Consulted source

B.W. Raymond ELGIN Railroad Watch 35.5mm 10K GF Ref. 2286 Wristwatch – SECOND HAND HOROLOGY

Reviewed 2026-10-25 · Record f7db80931b

Terms in this record

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