1920s Elgin "Depollier" Military Waterproof Watch

Elgin was a watch company founded in Elgin, Illinois in 1864 under the name "National Watch Company." It was then renamed to the "Elgin National Watch Company" in 1874, which eventually got shortened to the Elgin we know today.

At the time—and even for several decades that followed—the brand was arguably the largest watch manufacturer in the United States, having made its name initially for producing high-quality pocket watches for train engineers.

The brand's first wristwatch came into production in 1910, and Elgin quickly began manufacturing incredible, purpose-built watches and instruments for the United States military.

This remarkable piece is a particularly fantastic specimen from the brand's heyday, featuring an ingenious waterproof and dustproof case designed by Depollier a full decade before Rolex came out with their Oyster case design. These cases featured a unique locking crown as well as a gold heatsink on the case back to help protect the internal oils from the body heat of the wearer.

According to ads of the time, these watches were designed for—and beloved by—the multiple branches of the military—including the Signal Corps—for their robust design and ability to withstand the various brutal elements associated with war. Most Depollier-cased watches feature Waltham-signed dials and movements, making Elgin-signed models like this one incredibly unique and hard to find. 

Despite its age and rarity, this Elgin is in incredible condition and would be a fantastic addition to any collection, especially one belonging to lovers of vintage militaria and watch ingenuity.