Hello all,

I have a few questions about a newly acquired deck watch as compared to an older one. I have had the Hamilton 3992B for some time but just got the Elgin British deck watch. The questions I have are:

A. Which is the rarer example? I do know the Hamilton production ranges for the 3992B differ from source to source but I do know they range from approximately 2400 to 2600 examples. How does the Elgin compare in that amount made? May have the Elgin’s swapped parts back and forth with their BW Raymond GCT’s like Hamilton did between 4992B and 3992B making actual production numbers sketchy?
B. There are differences between rear case markings with the Elgin. I know Canadian issued 3992B markings differ from British examples but the British seem to only have one style for the 3992B. I have seen at least 2 styles for the British Elgin’s. Who marked them? Did some get partially marked by Elgin and sent to the H.S.D. for further markings. I have seen some with rear case markings of “Elgin National Watch Co”, “Ser. No XXX”, and Broad arrow with the “H.S. 3” designation and another serial number. Then examples, such as mine, with just the H.S.3 and serial number. What determined the difference in markings: timing, resources, location?
C. Also I would love any input, further information and specifications about the Elgin.

Thank you all for your time. I have attached some photos with brief descriptions. Regards, M

The rear Elgin markings ( my example )

Other Elgin style markings seen.

Serial number on the movement will give us more info on the watch.
Very nice looking watch!

Steve

Sorry Steve..yes that would help. Serial number 41757066. Marked BW Raymond 22 jewels. 5 Positions

Grade: 581 B.W. Raymond
Movement Serial Number:41757066
Estimated Production Year: 1943
Run Quantity: 10000
Size: 16s
Jewels: 21j-22j
Movement Configuration: Sweepsecond
Movement Finish: Nickel
Model: 15
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Barrel: Going
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Positions: 5
Railroad Grade: No

info from: http://pocketwatchdatabase.com...esult/elgin/41757066

Hope this helps!

Steve

Yes it does Steve, thank you. Is the resource you accessed give an amount produced for the British government by any chance?

Thanks Steve for the database link.
I ran mine through and this came out:
Grade: 581
B.W. Raymond

Movement Serial Number: 41751157
Estimated Production Year: 1943
Run Quantity: 10000
Size: 16s
Jewels: 21j
Movement Configuration: Sweepsecond
Movement Finish: Nickel
Model: 15
Movement Setting: Pendant
Plate: 3/4 Plate
Barrel: Going
Adjusted: Yes
Adjusted to Positions: 5
Railroad Grade: No
Notes: B.W. Raymond

Not quite right, because my movement was gilded!

I would love to see some pictures Werner. Do you know the number produced for the British? More or less than Hamilton....maybe take a guess.

None of the databases for Elgin I've seen say where they went, only the amount made. I would guess records of shipments were kept elswhere from production records, and were not saved. Too bad, that info would be nice to know today.

Steve

Hi Michael, Steve
this was my first Elgin deck watch and uptill now I haven´t done any research on it yet. Considering the ammount of Hamiltons to be found, these Elgins are much rarer, so an educated guess would be, less Elgins were delivered than Hamiltons.
Anyway, here are the pictures you asked for, notice no broad arrow on the dial and glided movement.











Regards

Werner

Beutiful example!!!! Thank you for the photos and rarity question answered. Werner, what is the significance with no broad arrow on the movement? One of the first to be issued possibly or a replacement dial?

Michael, our movements are 5909 apart, so mine could be one of the first ones sent, yet again, it could also be a replacement dial and movement, as you say!...I´m working on it
Has yours got a broad arrow on the movement?
...I just had a look into my Hamilton 3992B deck watch, that is marked US Govt.

Werner

The Elgin does not but my Hamilton 3992b has the broad arrow and BU Ships mark on the movement.

Thanks for showing, mine has a different engraving on the movement ;
992B Master

I wonder why the variations on markings for movements and rear case backs? Especialy the British Elgin deck watches. Our examples have the same "basic" markings while others have more elaborate markings like shown in this thread.

Here is mine. Can't find a photo of the case back.

Not British but another Elgin from that era issued to the Air Transport Command.

Thanks James, good to see you pop in and also good to see another without the broad arrow and gilded movement

Watches that fit into boxes with holes so you can see them are awesome!

Thanks all for the photos and information. M

Hallo friends,
just to show my two US deck watches for British Forces in WWII, Hamilton for the Royal Air Force and Elgin for the Royal Navy:
Greetings Konrad Knirim
www.knirim.de

Nice pieces and as always nice pictures Konrad.