Elgin 571

Very much American. You might find this thread of interest: http://mb.nawcc.org/showthread.php?69023-Elgin-571

 

As Dave says, very much American. As you can see from the pic below, it's based on the earlier BW Raymond models, but replaced the screwed-down, bezel set hole jewels with friction set, and replaced the bezel set cap jewels with jewels frictioned into small plates that screw down from underneath.

 

8 Adjustments would include 5 Positions(When a watch is held in different positions), plus 2 temperature and Isochronism(8 total)
9 Adjustments would include 6 Positions plus 2 temperature and Isochronism(9 total)

In the B W Raymond the 5 positions are indicated as well as temperature on some, but Isochronism not marked

Rob

 

Ray, et. al.:

Actually, by the time Elgin built the grade No. 571, they themselves were a bit confused about just what "8 Adjustments" meant. Some of their literature stated "... eight adjustments - six to position and two to temperature" (see scan of Elgin's employee magazine June-July 1950 The Watch Word article, page 33 - below).

A year later, a June, 1951 ad (see below) noted "... 8 adjustments, five to position."

After a few years, perhaps to clear up confusion as to whether it meant adjustment to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions; or temperature, isochronism and six positions; or perhaps as a marketing ploy to claim a greater number of adjustments; Elgin changed the No. 571's marking to "9 Adjustments." This was understood to mean 6 adjustments to position. See the example below

 

Oh, here's more confusion; an August, 1950 Pugh Brothers ad. They were watch inspectors in Pittsburgh, PA and Youngstown, OH.

 

Kent, have you ever seen a 571, or any BWR with FOUR meantime screws? All mine only have two, at the ends of the balance arms.

 

None that I noticed; its not something that I usually look for.