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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Campaign / trench style wristwatch

Elgin Campaign Style Wristwatch

Partially verified

Reported by Renaissance Antiques as dating to circa 1917, this American campaign-style wristwatch by Elgin is housed in a 38 mm nickel case measuring 40 mm lug-to-lug with a 17 mm lug width. The white enamel dial features black Arabic numerals, an outer perimeter of red minute markers at five-minute intervals, spade and whip style hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. According to the seller, the watch is powered by a 7-jewel manual-wind movement, serial number 20050584, and is mounted on a studded brown leather strap.

Front view of Elgin campaign style wristwatch showing white enamel dial, nickel case, and studded brown strap
Front view of Elgin campaign style wristwatch showing white enamel dial, nickel case, and studded brown strap — Renaissance Antiques. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.renaissanceantiques.com
Category
Wristwatch · Campaign / trench style wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Elgin National Watch Company
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
SSHO 4041
Source-reported date
circa 1917
Country
United States
Source-reported serial
20050584

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 Form and External Construction

The watch features a nickel case measuring 38 mm in diameter, 40 mm in length lug-to-lug, and having a lug width of 17 mm. Wire-style lugs are visible at the top and bottom of the case to secure the band.

A large onion-style winding crown is positioned at 3 o'clock. Visible imagery shows the watch fitted to a textured brown leather strap detailed with domed polished metal studs near the case attachments.

Evidence for this section
  • “crafted by Elgin in a nickel case”
  • “40mm Length Lug to Lug, 38mm Diameter, 17mm Lug Width”
  • “Wire-style lugs visible at the top and bottom of the case”
  • “Large onion-style winding crown at 3 o'clock”
  • “Brown textured leather strap secured with large domed polished metal studs”

Dial Configuration and Display

The white enamel dial is printed with 'ELGIN' beneath the 12 o'clock position and displays Arabic hour numerals accompanied by spade and whip hands.

The outer perimeter displays red minute numerals at five-minute intervals. Running seconds are indicated on a subsidiary seconds dial located at 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “White enamel dial printed with 'ELGIN' beneath the 12 o'clock position”
  • “spade & whip hands, minutes numerals in red on the outer dial, and a subsidiary seconds dial”
  • “Outer perimeter displays red minute numerals at five-minute intervals”
  • “Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock”

Reported Movement and Source Verification

The movement and inner case back are not depicted in the source imagery. According to the seller, the timepiece is powered by a 7-jewel manual-wind Elgin movement bearing serial number 20050584, which the source dates to circa 1917.

The dealer reports that the enamel dial is original and that the watch has undergone a complete restoration accompanied by an 18-month warranty; however, no movement caliber designation, internal case markings, or restoration records are documented in the source.

Evidence for this section
  • “7 jewel manual wind movement”
  • “Movement #20050584”
  • “original enamel dial”
  • “Circa 1917”
  • “bears a complete restoration and an 18-month warranty”

Open research questions

  • What specific Elgin movement size, model, and grade correspond to serial number 20050584?
  • What hallmarks or manufacturer serial numbers are stamped on the interior of the nickel case?
  • What specific restoration work was performed on the movement and exterior components?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Elgin Campaign Style Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial Number20050584“Movement #20050584”
Jewel Count7 jewels“7 jewel manual wind movement”
Case MaterialNickel“crafted by Elgin in a nickel case”
Case Diameter38 mm“38mm Diameter”
Lug to Lug40 mm“40mm Length Lug to Lug”
Lug Width17 mm“17mm Lug Width”
Dial MaterialEnamel“original enamel dial”
Circa DateCirca 1917“Circa 1917”
Listing SKUSSHO 4041“SKU: SSHO 4041”
Reported Warranty18-month warranty“18-month warranty”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial printed with 'ELGIN' beneath the 12 o'clock position
  • Outer perimeter displays red minute numerals at five-minute intervals
  • Subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock
  • Large onion-style winding crown at 3 o'clock
  • Brown textured leather strap secured with large domed polished metal studs
  • Wire-style lugs visible at the top and bottom of the case

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not visible in the provided image; movement number 20050584 and jewel count are source-reported
  • Source claims original dial and fully restored condition without independent third-party documentation

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

Consulted source

Elgin Campaign Style Wristwatch - Renaissance Antiques

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 295e7ba401

Terms in this record

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