Vintage Elgin Tank Cocktail

A vintage Elgin ladies cocktail watch featuring a rectangular tank-style case with a 10K gold filled bezel. Powered by a 17-jewel Swiss manual-wind movement (Caliber 897), it reflects Elgin’s mid-century transition to imported Swiss calibers. The slim, elegant design makes it a timeless dress accessory. A charming and authentic vintage mechanical timepiece with classic 1950s–60s styling.

Elgin: Founded in 1864 as the National Watch Company, Elgin produced watches in Elgin, Illinois at what was once the world’s largest dedicated watch factory. By 1910, the company had built its own observatory to improve timekeeping accuracy. Like many manufacturers, Elgin shifted to military production during World War II. Postwar competition from Swiss imports eventually led to the sale of the company in 1968. While the original Elgin company no longer exists, its legacy lives on through a vast catalog of excellent vintage watches.