Elgin Time: A History of the Elgin National Watch Company 1864 to 1968

by E.C. Alft, William H. Briska

In the mid-1920s, the world's largest watch-making complex was located in Elgin, IL. The huge factory enclosed more than 21 acres of space and employed over 4,000 workers. The Elgin National Watch Company dominated the U.S. watch market, and its influence was felt worldwide. The firm was so renowned that a U.S. President had toured its operations. Less than 50 years after its 1920s zenith, the big factory would completely disappear and the U.S. watchmaking industry would be in financial ruin. The company, and its host community, grew together, each contributing values, traditions and prosperity to the other. Their fates and identities became intertwined. This book is an account of the company and city during their shared beginning, growth and ultimate separation. This new, 188-page soft cover edition of Elgin Time has many new photos, updated information on the demise of the company and an elaborated discussion of the pension fight. A name index has also been added for better research capabilities.

186 pages

Published January 1, 2020