1930 Elgin Avigo Vintage Watch

1930 Elgin Avigo Vintage Watch

Avigo line was introduced in 1929 to meet the Air Corps specification of only having 4 numerals on the dial to avoid confusion when reading it. Aircraft gauges and optics were also released under the Avigo line. These usually always contained a 7 jewel movement and were around for several years. No Avigo’s or their variants were military issued. Sub dial at 6 o’clock around the numeral 6 is another Avigo characteristic.

Avigo was the aircraft instrumentation division of Elgin and the whole Lindbergh thing was red hot, they joined the party with a watch which had a version of their 3, 6, 9 8 Day aircraft clock dial.

Many different dial designs were sold from 1929-1935, but all met the Army Air Corps legibility specification only having 4 large numerals on the dial (12~3~6~9) and the winged Avigo logo. The word “Avigo” was made up by Elgin, which also sold aircraft gauges under the Avigo line.

CASE: Floral design on all front quadrants. Case is in good condition. This is a nickel case with a Chrome plate. The bezel is in good shape, along with the sides. The chrome on case back has been effected by perspiration or sweet which is slightly acidity and therefore a chrome -layer will, in time be eaten away. Inside the case reads Cased and Time by Elgin National Watch Co Wadsworth Nickel Modele 302 s/n 8138166

DIAL: Original Avigo winged design dial introduced during the heyday of flight during the Lindberg years. Sub-dial at 6 o’clock around the numeral 6 is another Avigo characteristic. The dial has never been cleaned or touched-up (which is very unusual for Avigos). There is a interesting radiation burn from the hour hand at 3, not moving in years.

Movement: Elgin, CAL 485, 7 jewel, USA movement, serial 32462617 . We disassembled it, cleaned every single tiny part, put it back together, polished all surfaces, and calibrated it to keep good time. Sounds expensive and complicated? It is! It will cost you about $150 to have this work done. The Timegrapher test the movement at few seconds fast per day.

Finer Details
Manufacturer: Elgin
Country of origin: Illinois United States
Serial no.: 32462617
Year built: c. 1930
Model: Avigo model 2
Case material: Nickel base metal with silver plate
Case markings (outside):
Case markings (inside): Cased and Time by Elgin National Watch Co Wadsworth Nickel Modele 302 s/n 8138166
Case condition: Good Condition
Case Size. 31mm x 34mm 
Dial: Original white with black numerals
Hands: Original Nickel Chrome
Movement type:  Elgin Cal 485 
Movement markings: Elgin USA 32677684
Band: New Black Leather with matching buckle
Crystal type: Excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

I will include a 3 month guarantee on the movement which is long enough for you to assess the working order. Also, I offer a refund if you are not entirely happy, as long as the watch is returned within seven day’s. (shipping is not refundable)

A 3 month layaway option is available. There is no restocking fee or cancellation fee’s if things don’t work out. A complete refund of payments upon cancellation.

Vintage watches tend to be smaller. Please be sure that you are familiar with the sizes of vintage timepieces and check the measurements given.
Vintage Watches make great gifts for occasions such as Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Christmas. These vintage models are becoming much sought after and very rare so it’s not something you see in everyday life making it something very special and unusual to give and receive.