1934 Elgin B.W. Raymond Pocket Watch Railroad Grade 506 Lever Set 21 Jewels 16s Openface 10K G.F. Up Down Indicator

Watch Overview

This is a pristine timepiece — a very collectible Elgin B.W. Raymond Railroad Grade pocket watch with an up/down wind indicator, dated from 1934 and made in the U.S.A. A true piece of American railroad horological history.

Open-face, manual-wind watch houses the original Elgin Watch Co. movement, caliber Grade 506, Model 15, 21 jewels, size 16s, lever-set and adjusted to six positions, temperature, and isochronism — for a total of nine adjustments. The movement is part of a small production run of only 1,000 pieces (with a total grade production of 4,600), making it a highly collectible and historically significant example of Elgin timepieces.

The elegant white enamel dial features bold black Arabic numerals, a distinctive red minute track, large blue steel hands, a power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Housed in a beautifully engraved 10K yellow gold-filled round case (51.7mm), with a screw bezel and back, this watch remains in excellent vintage condition, showing only light wear consistent with its age. Fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, this exceptional Elgin timepiece runs accurately and will make a stunning addition to any railroad pocket watch collection.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Elgin
• Type: Pocket Watch
• Model: B. W. Raymond
• Year / Era: 1934 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: United States

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: White
• Features: Black Arabic numerals, bold/red minute track and large matching blue steel hands. Sub-seconds at 6 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock position
• Closure: Open Face

Movement

• Type: Mechanical
• Caliber: B. W. Raymond Grade 506
• Jewels: 21
• Movement Functions:
  • Manual-winding
  • Central hours and minutes
  • Small-seconds
  • Power reserve indicator (DN UP)
  • Model 15
  • Size 16s
  • Lever-set
  • Railroad grade
  • Adjusted 6 positions, temperature and isochronism
  • Total adjusment 9
  • Serial Number 34574262
  • Run quantity: 1,000
  • Grade/Model total production: 4,600

Case & Band

• Material: 10K yellow gold filled
• Case Shape: Round - Engraved/polished
• Bezel: Screw - Engraved
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Lever-set
• Case Back Markings: Cased and Timed by Elgin Watch Co. - 10K Gold Filled - Keystone - 92265

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 51.7
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 57.2
• Case Thickness: 13.7

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The watch remains in good condition, showing some signs of wear consistent with its age and use. Strong case and bezel, as well as a white enamel dial. The pocket watch holder is not included in the purchase.
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear.

History & Legacy of Elgin

Elgin Watch Company was a leading American watch manufacturer that operated from 1864 to 1968. Founded by a group of investors in Elgin, Illinois, it quickly became one of the most successful watchmakers in the United States. By the early 20th century, Elgin was producing over one million watches per year and was the largest producer of fine watches in the world. Its slogan, “Elgin, The Watchword for Elegance and Efficiency,” reflected its reputation for quality and precision.

The early years of the company were marked by rapid expansion and innovation. In 1874, Elgin introduced the first full plate movement, which was more durable and accurate than previous designs. A year later, it developed the first watch with a stem winding and setting mechanism, which became the industry standard. The company was also known for its high-quality movements and innovative designs, including the first wristwatch with an alarm and the first watch with a shock-resistant balance.

During World War II, Elgin produced watches for the military, including the famous A-11, known as “The Watch That Won the War.” After the war, the company continued to produce watches but faced increasing competition from foreign manufacturers and the rise of quartz technology. In 1968, production ceased and its assets were sold to a group of investors. Although the Elgin name has since been used by various companies, the original Elgin Watch Company is remembered as one of the most important American watchmakers in history.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

WA-5922