L o r d E l g i n E l v i s D i r e c t R e a d i n g
c. 1 9 5 7
Lord Elgin “Direct Reading” men’s Retro Modern design jump hour wristwatch in 14K yellow gold fill with original matching faceted bracelet, circa 1957.
Most collectors to refer to this model of Elgin’s “Direct Reading” as the “Elvis” watch because it was a favorite of Elvis Presley. There are many fantastic photos from the 1950s showing Elvis wearing the watch. It is difficult to find with its original matching Hadley faceted bracelet. It features an early use of the digital concept, with two rotating discs displaying the time through a window in the case, with the hour disc jumping at the top of each hour. This example is in crisp, near mint condition with no brassing. The gold applied Elgin crest still shows almost all of its detail. Bezel has a matte and polished finish which I have restored. Caseback is superb and unengraved, with one microscopic speck of wear, but all of its original factory-applied brushed finish. The case measures 36mm long and 26mm wide. Original rotating dial discs are superb. Glass crystal is excellent. This watch is powered by its correct 21-jewel Elgin grade 719 adjusted manual wind movement, just serviced by me, with the hour disc jumping crisply. Original Hadley bracelet is very good, with some marks and light overall wear.
(SOLD)
