Elgin Clock Value & Price Guide

Elgin clocks represent a significant chapter in American horological history, ranging from mid-century modern masterpieces to intricate anniversary models. While originally famous for watches, the Elgin brand expanded into diverse home timepieces that collectors prize for their distinct aesthetic and reliable movements.

Price Range: $38 - $63 based on recent sales

History of Elgin Clock

The Elgin National Watch Company was founded in 1864 in Elgin, Illinois, and quickly became one of the largest manufacturers of timepieces in the world. While the company initially focused on pocket watches and wristwatches, the brand name was later licensed and utilized for a wide array of domestic clocks, including the iconic atomic-age wall clocks of the 1950s and 1960s. These decorative pieces captured the optimistic spirit of the era with their bold starburst and sunburst designs. During the latter half of the 20th century, Elgin transitioned into the quartz era, producing popular anniversary clocks and novelty items like the guitar-shaped desk clocks. Despite the closure of the original Illinois factory in the 1960s, the Elgin name continued to represent accessible luxury and innovative design in American homes for decades.

Value Factors for Elgin Clock

The typical price range for Elgin Clock is $38 - $63 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Design Era: Mid-century modern starburst and sunburst wall clocks command the highest prices due to their popularity in interior design.
• Material Quality: Clocks featuring solid brass rays or high-quality wood accents are more valuable than those using plastic or thin metal alloys.
• Mechanical Condition: For anniversary clocks, a working mechanical movement is significantly more valuable than a non-functioning unit or a later quartz conversion.
• Completeness: Original packaging, instruction manuals, and intact glass domes for mantle clocks add a premium to the final sale price.

Tips for Buying Elgin Clock

• Verify the authenticity of starburst and sunburst models by checking for the original Elgin branding on the face, as many generic mid-century reproductions exist.
• Inspect anniversary clocks for the presence of the original glass dome and ensure the torsion pendulum rotates freely without obstruction.
• Check for battery corrosion in quartz models from the 1970s and 1980s, as leaked acid can permanently damage the internal circuitry.
• For travel alarm clocks, ensure the folding case hinges are intact and the manual winding mechanism does not slip.

Items in This Collection

• Elgin Collectible Mini Clock
• Elgin Starburst Wall Clock
• Elgin S. Haller Anniversary Clock
• Elgin Anniversary Clock
• Elgin Starburst Clock
• Elgin Quartz Anniversary Clock
• Elgin Sunburst Clock
• Elgin Guitar Clock
• Elgin Quartz Wall Clock
• Elgin Folding Travel Alarm Clock