Manufactured in the early 1960s, this is a fine example of Elgin’s ultimate railroad watch, the B.W. Raymond “Railroad Wrist Chronometer,” featuring Cal. 873 and a 10K YGF waterproof case.
It is powered by Elgin Cal. 873 (21 jewels), a highly refined movement based on the Swiss A. Schild Cal. 1604B. To meet the strict high-precision standards required of American railroad watches, Elgin made its own modifications, including adjustment in five positions.
The movement is equipped with a hacking function that stops the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out, providing a fascinating glimpse into the historical practice of railroad personnel synchronizing their watches to the exact second for accurate train operations.
The white dial is a perfect expression of functional beauty, featuring large Arabic numerals for excellent legibility, precise minute markings, and a distinctive red seconds hand. The watch is housed in a robust screw-back waterproof case, making it a highly practical model designed for everyday use.
A historically significant collector’s item, this watch represents the “final golden age” of American watchmaking, when the industry was transitioning from pocket watches to wristwatches.