I bought a 12S Elgin 17J Grade 345 made in 1925. It came in a box that says "Elgin Dictator" on it. The watch fits the box perfectly, but that doesn't mean it is actually the box it came in. Anyway, I can't find any reference to an "Elgin Dictator" in Shugart, so if anyone knows anything about an Elgin Dictator, please let me know.

Thanks,
Roger

I am sure there are others with more info, but Elgin did make a 6/0 ladies watch that the movement had Dictator on it, I think those were made around 1925.

Wayne's Elgin site mentions that it may be a private label name of some Elgins. Take a look at the link below, it has many names listed.
Artistic, Boulevard, Dictator, Diplomat, Director, Elite, Senior-Seventeen, Strand, Transit

http://elginwatches.org/databases/PL_elgin.html

Thanks for the link...based on that info, I suspect the box and watch are a mismatch.

Roger

Does the movement have the name Dictator on it?
If it does, then it matches the box. The name would be on the works of the watch.
There were 12s, 16s, and 6/0s, that had the name according to the list.

Nothing on the movement. I had it completely apart when I COA'd it. Nothing under the dial or on plates. It is definitely a 12S. Will try to post picture.

Sometimes the name refers to the type of case.

Bob