B.W. Raymond Movements
The first Elgin watch, introduced in April 1867 and priced at $115, was a B.W. Raymond, named for the founder and first president of the Elgin National Watch Company (at that time, the National Watch Company). This first watch was an 18 size, fifteen-jewel, full plate with straight-line escapement.The B.W. Raymond became Elgin's famous railroad watch, and was the first watch movement commissioned by a railroad company.
Elgin historican E.C. Alft describes it thus:
"This was the first quick-train American watch, changing the balance wheel vibrations from fourteen thousand to eighteen thousand vibrations per hour. This permitted use of a balance wheel smaller in diameter and lighter in weight and allowed a weaker and longer main spring, which reduced friction."
Serial number 101, the first B.W. Raymond and the first Elgin watch, remained in the collection of the Elgin Watch Company and its successor companies until 1987, when it was auctioned by Christie's in New York. The high bidder was Donald Brinckman, CEO of Safety-Kleen Corporation, based in Elgin at the time. He paid $15,000 for the watch and presented it to the City of Elgin. Today it can be seen in a display case in the Elgin Civic Center.
Read more about B.W. Raymond, the man.