Here is a photo from a montgomery ward Book from 1941 - 1942.

Check out the prices

Elgin

Here is the 992

Waltham

Here is a later ad

e

Here is the latest one I found

By 1953 they where only selling Elgin.

The lowly crummy 21J Elgin BWR was more expensive than the 992E. Who oould imagine such nonsense!

ZOUNDS!!!

Check the vanguard out 23 Jewels and a 10kt case at $71.50. That is $5.50 more than the 992B

Yeah, hind sight being 20/20, we know there's a difference, but one was a 23j and the other a 21j, so it makes sense the Vanguard would cost more than the 992E.

Ironically, I rotate carry between my 23j Vanguard and my 992B, and I usually reach for the Vanguard first. It's lighter in weight, thinner, and keeps time with my atomic clock. I haven't set it since before Christmas (until the mainspring decided to pop on it recently , so back to Chris it goes).

I know my Hamilton is the best made in overall craftsmanship and keeps cracker jack time, but I seem to gravitate to the Waltham more often than not when I'm walking out the door for the day. Isn't a carry watch supposed to keep good time? Well, my Waltham sure does!

Anyway, I'm rambling again......

Regards! Mark