Antique Elgin BW Raymond Pocket Watch Face Movement Works For Parts

Description

Antique circa 1885 pocket watch face by Elgin National Watch Co with B.W. Raymond works, numbered 1627879. Grade 70, 15 jewels, 18s

“John C. Adams, Chicago watchmaker and timekeeper for the railroad serving the Chicago area, along with Benjamin W. Raymond, past Chicago mayor and member of the board of directors of the Chicago and Galena Union Railroad, promoted the construction of a watch factory in the West. The National Watch Company was first incorporated in Chicago, Illinois, in August 1864. The incorporators included Benjamin W. Raymond, past Chicago mayor, Howard Z. Culver, Thomas W. Dickenson, George M. Wheeler, Philip Carpenter, W. Robbins and Edward H. Williams. Several key watchmakers were recruited from the American Waltham Watch Co. in Waltham, Massachusetts. The factory in Elgin, Illinois, thirty miles northwest of Chicago, was completed in 1866.
The first movement, completed in April 1867, was named the B.W. Raymond in honor of Benjamin W. Raymond, the company's president. The watch was an 18-size, 15-jewels, key wind, key set, full plate, quick train and straight line escapement design adjusted to temperature (later assigned grade 69). The second grade introduced was the H. Z. Culver in July 1867, also a 15-jewel, adjusted, high grade, full plate movement. The H. H. Taylor grade was introduced in November 1867, also an adjusted 15-jewel, high grade, full plate movement advertised for use by railroad men.
The company officially changed its name to the Elgin National Watch Company in May 1874, as the Elgin name had come into common usage for their watches.
During the mid-1870's the company developed a lower priced line of watches. The 18-size and 16-size watch models were redesigned and smaller size watches for general use were introduced. Prices were also reduced resulting in increased demand.
Elgin became best known for producing the ""working man's"" mid-grade watches, however, they also produced a number of high grade watches. Elgin watch grades identify the level of quality to which they are finished. Elgin assigned a grade number to a movement of a specific size, jeweling and finish. If a change was made a different grade number would be assigned. Elgin also assigned a name, such as B W. Raymond, to a range of grade numbers of various sizes and jeweling, but finished to the same level of quality.”

Condition

Fair Condition - No case/glass; missing hand

Dimensions

1.875” x 1.875” x 0.375” (Width x Depth x Height)