Elgin 571

[Omexa]

Hi, is the Elgin 571 based on a Swiss movement? Regards Ray

 

[Dave Coatsworth]

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

 

[GeneJockey]

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.

 

[Omexa]

Hi GeneJockey, firstly what a wonderful Collection you have! Now a question; I mostly collect Verge and Fusee Pocket Watches and movements. The B W Raymond are marked "Adjusted 5 Positions" , the Elgin 571 is marked "8 Adjustments", what is the difference? As a matter of interest someone is selling a 571 movement (not all there, missing most of the parts) that is marked "9 Adjustments". Regards Ray

 

[musicguy]

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

 

[Kent]

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


https://mb.nawcc.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=79304&d=1293055503&thumb=1

 

[Kent]

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

 

[GeneJockey]

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.

 

[Kent]

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