The 616 was Elgin's move to parity the 992. Even the case is similar with the bar over the crown. It is a fine watch but not even close to a 992. Elgin also came up with a 21 Jeweled version that one will go toe to toe for the most part with a 992, however, the 992 holds up better I think and so do many others. Mine is a Model 616 17 jewel, 6 adjustments, pendant set, 27,000 made.



Great Article by Bob Sharp

The Model 616 is one of a family of six 16-Size watches made by Elgin from the mid-?40s through the early to mod-?50s. This family of watches was Elgin?s last series of U.S.-made 16-Size watches. The models in this range are characterized by a number of shared parts and a common overall ?architecture.? They all use pressed-in jewels on the plates, an uncut balance wheel with a hairspring of an Elinvar-type alloy, and a fairly simple wide damascening pattern. They have the look of a cost-optimized design and as though they were designed for a higher level of automation (or lower level of highly skilled labor) in assemply.

All six models in this group were cased and timed at the factory and the case should say this on the inside of the back. Half a dozen or more case styles were used in yellow gold-fill, rolled gold plate and stainless steel. In general, the lesser watches used the RGP cases although the top Model 571 was cased in this style for export to Canada ? probably to reduce duty. The stainless case also seems most commonly used on the 571 model movement. In any event, any of these cases will accommodate any of the movements (provision for the setting lever, where necessary, being the only caveat). The cases are unique to these models because the watches use a set-screw to retain the winding stem in the movement rather than in the sleeve of the case. The cases all should also have a semi-circular cut-out on the inner perimeter on the movement side. This is to clear the regulator adjustment screw which has its head on the outboard side, just the opposite of previous Elgin experience.

All of the watches should also have single sunk dials (faux single sunk on later models, by means of a lathe cut circle around the seconds bit ? cost cutting?). On all but the very earliest of these dials, there should be a stylized ?dp? trademark to signify Elgin?s use of their ?DuraPower? mainspring, allegedly unbreakable. Two styles of dial were common on all five of the lower grades: bold boxcar Arabic numerals or Montgomery numeric dials. The top model (571 B.W. Raymond) used variations on these two schemes, but usually with the marking ?B. W. Raymond? on the dial as well. Some 24-hour dials also exist as used in Canadian applications.

Finally, on to the details of the individual models/movements. As you will see, your Model 616 is relatively uncommon. That?s not to say anything about its value. As you discovered, they are around to be found. But as a less common model in this set, it can be difficult to find one in very good condition, particularly since many of the 616 came in the quick-to-wear rolled gold plated cases (and that still doesn?t necessarily mean that it?s valuable, just depends on who wants one).

Model 571 B. W. Raymond 21 jewels, 8 (some marked as 9) adjustments, lever set, approximately 87,000 made. This model is the top of the food chain in this group. It was a railroad grade/railroad approved model.

Model 572, 19 jewel, 5 adjustments, lever set, 18,000 were made.

Model 573, 17 jewel, 5 adjustments, lever set, 51,000 made.

Model 574, 17 jewel, 5 adjustments, pendant set, 49,000 made.

Model 575, 15 jewel, 4 adjustments, pendant set, 57,000 made.


As noted, only the 21-jewel B. W. Raymond Model 571 was a true railroad grade/ railroad approved watch. I have seen some of the others advertised recently as ?streetcar conductor?s watches? or similar claims. I don?t know the validity of these claims.

As far as the matter of adjustments is concerned, I believe that Elgin was indulging in a bit of marketing excess when they rated the watches. Thanks to the hairspring and better quality mainsprings, they were all probably inherently adjusted to temperature and isochronism. That means three possible adjustments were ?gimmies? ? isochronism and temperature (heat and cold). Few other watchmakers (apart from Waltham on the later 23-jewel Vanguards) counted such adjustments when the movements were marked. However, considering that the 571 B. W. Raymond starts with a claimed 8 or 9 adjustments, it stands to reason that the lesser models probably included the three intrinsic adjustments in the total marked on their movements. As a result, to make an apples-to-apples comparison with the markings traditionally used on other brands of watches, these models should probably be ?discounted? by 3 adjustments to yield an equivalent specification.