Vintage Lord Elgin Everest 9809

The Lord Elgin “Everest” (Reference 9809) is a rare late-1950s Swiss-American automatic watch featuring a striking 10K gold-filled case paired with a signature “Horizon Look” dial. Powered by a high-grade 23-jewel Caliber 664 self-winding movement, it showcases bold mid-century styling through its sleek profile and distinctive wraparound crystal. Highly sought after by vintage Elgin enthusiasts, this reference represents a unique era of design and international movement collaboration.

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.