I also purchased this elgin pocket watch. It is possible nickel and has no markings on the back. i would also like to know the history of it. I purchased it for 20.00 Once again was it worth it.

In order to find out info on it we woud need the serial number on the movement. Then there are plenty who can help you out with info. Maybe a picture of the movement. The back cover probably screws off.

Kim,
The movement is the part of the watch where the parts or the "guts" are, and as Robert mentioned you can see it if you unscrew the case, or it may have a hinge that lets you pop open the case.
Post the number on the movement and we can tell you all about the watch.
Good luck,

PS you can also just post the number if you don't have a picture.

Ok Guys and Gals the serial # on the "guts" is 27715899

Hi Kim,
Your Serial Number makes your watch an:

ELGIN, made in 1924, it's a grade 288, class 106, size 18s, has 7 Jewels, it's an Open Face, full plate, nickel damaskeening, model 5, pendant set watch!!!

Nickel Damaskeening (which means that the plates will have a shiny silver color with paterns and designs that change as you move the watch around the patterns are known as damaskeening.)

There were 296 runs of this watch made between 1903 and 1926, and yours comes from a run of 1000 in 1924.

THAT IS YOUR WATCH!!!