...saw this pw at auction @Ebay today...is it possible someone at Elgin had the #6 stamp upside down when they stamped this movement?...Jim C

Jim,

It doesn't say "9 Positions," it says "9 Adjustments."

That's 6 positions, plus hot, cold, and isochronism, for a total of 9.

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Steve Maddox
Past President, NAWCC Chapter #62
North Little Rock, Arkansas
IHC Charter Member 49

Thanks Steve!

This comes up every once in a while. Essentially, the ad writers tried to come up with something to make their client's watch sound better than the rest. Like horsepower claims on cars and trucks these can get a bit fanciful.

In the 1920s South-Bend came up with the Studebaker Watch Company and marketed "8-Adjustments" watches through mail-order ads. Hamilton built some for a major jeweler marked that way as well. The "8" referred to the five positions, plus heat cold and isochronism. Isochronism refers to the ability of the watch to run at the same speed regardless of whether it is fully or partially wound.

Like Steve said six positions could take the total to the "9-Adjustments" you see on the late Elgin. By the time that watch was produced Elgin was barely hanging on and the ad writers were creating a mythical "super-watch" out of those on hand.

The last Elgin 571s were somewhat pathetic in light of what Hamilton was still able to produce and of course especially when compared to Elgin's former glory.

Hope this helps a bit.

Lindell