Description:
Vintage Elgin Sportsman manual wind wristwatch in working condition, featuring a classic mid-century design with applied gold tone Arabic numerals and a clean, understated dial layout. This Swiss-made Elgin Sportsman is fitted with a ST 1686 17 jewel manual wind movement and retains a very attractive vintage appearance. The dial shows a warm aged tone with applied numerals and centre seconds, giving the watch strong mid-century character. The watch is currently running and keeping good time during testing. It is fitted with a newer brown leather strap which suits the watch well and is ready to wear. The stainless steel back and base metal bezel case shows honest wear consistent with age, including plating loss to the case edges. The acrylic crystal remains clear and presents very well. A very wearable vintage Elgin with classic proportions and attractive vintage styling.
Maker History:
Elgin was one of America's most well-known watch manufacturers, founded in 1864 as the Elgin National Watch Company. By the mid-20th century, Elgin branded watches were produced using both American and Swiss movements. The Sportsman line was designed as a practical everyday watch, offering reliability and clean, timeless styling that remains popular with collectors today.
Key Details:
• Maker: Elgin
• Model / Grade: Sportsman
• Movement: ST1686
• Date / Period: 1960s (approx)
• Material: Base metal bezel, stainless steel back
• Movement Type: Manual wind
• Jewels: 17 jewels
• Dial Type: Cream dial with applied Arabic numerals
• Hands: Silver tone hands with centre seconds
Dimensions:
• Case Diameter: 33.0mm (excluding crown)
• Thickness: 10.4mm approx
• Lug to Lug: 41.7mm
• Lug Width: 16mm
• Width inc crown: 35.8mm
Condition:
• Running and keeping good time during testing
• Light age related marks to dial
• Acrylic crystal in good condition
• Case plating wear, especially to edges
• Crown in good condition
• Movement clean and presentable
• Newer leather strap fitted
• Overall honest vintage condition
Summary:
A classic vintage Elgin Sportsman wristwatch with attractive mid-century styling, working movement, and good everyday wearability. A great entry-level vintage watch or addition to a collection.
Important Notes About Antique & Vintage Watches & Movements:
This item is being sold as a vintage or antique timepiece. We have described the condition as accurately as possible at the time of listing, however no guarantee can be given regarding accuracy, reliability, or future performance. The service history is unknown and a service or repair may be required before use, or for long term reliability.
Postage & Shipping:
As usual, this item will be packaged carefully and dispatched with tracking. International shipping is available upon request.
