Elgin Hexagonal Watch Two-Tone — Black Glitter Dial (1981)

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Two-tone hexagonal Elgin: the dress watch with a glittering black dial and herringbone mesh bracelet

This watch bears the signature of Elgin, a historic American watch brand whose name, inherited from the great Illinois manufacture, appeared in the 20th century on dress watches produced in Japan. Unisex, it can be worn equally well by a man or a woman. Its most striking feature is its shape: an elongated hexagonal case, two-tone, combining steel and gold-plating, with a bold geometry highly characteristic of the 1980s. It measures 27mm (29mm with the crown) with a Lug-to-lug of 36mm and a thickness of 7.4mm.

The glittering black dial is the heart of the piece. Its grained surface, aventurine-style, sparkles with a thousand reflections depending on the light, a rare and precious background against which fine applied golden baton hour markers stand out. Two set stones, at 1 and 7 o’clock, add a touch of brilliance. The ELGIN and QUARTZ signatures appear on the dial, which is fitted with two golden hands and a matching slender seconds hand.

Inside beats a quartz movement with three hands, a guarantee of precision and ease of maintenance. The movement of this example has been checked by our watchmaker and the battery replaced before shipment. It is a watch of style, where the design of the case and the richness of the dial take precedence over horological complication.

On the wrist, the piece displays a decidedly eighties character. Its integrated mesh bracelet, in two-tone steel and golden finish, woven in a herringbone pattern, extends the hexagonal case into a supple and graphic silhouette. The ensemble, entirely original, adjusts up to a wrist size of 19.5cm and fastens with a Buckle folding clasp.

Three points to note

• The glittering black dial, aventurine-style, is the true luxury of the piece: a rare shimmering surface that changes with the light.
• The dial bears two set stones at 1 and 7 o’clock; we cannot guarantee their exact nature, whether diamonds or imitation stones, without gemological expertise.
• The case is two-tone steel and gold-plated; the plating shows fine signs of wear, disclosed here in full transparency.

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Technical characteristics

• Brand: Elgin
• Model: Two-tone hexagonal, glittering black dial
• Estimated year: 1981
• Origin: Japan
• Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Quartz
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
• Case: Two-tone, steel and gold-plated (steel back), hexagonal shape
• Dimensions: 27mm (29mm with the crown)
• Lug to lug: 36mm
• Thickness: 7.4mm
• Lug width: 19mm
• Crown: Golden, original
• Dial: Glittering black (aventurine-style), applied golden baton hour markers, two set stones at 1 and 7 o’clock, Elgin and Quartz signatures, original
• Hands: Golden baton hands (hours, minutes), fine central seconds hand, original
• Crystal: Mineral, very good condition
• Bracelet: Integrated two-tone steel and gold-tone link bracelet, chevron pattern, adjustable up to 19.5cm, original
• Buckle: Steel deployant clasp, original

Condition and warranty

• General condition: Excellent state of preservation. Immaculate and sparkling black glitter dial, crisp golden markers and hands. The gold plating on the case and bracelet shows fine signs of wear, consistent with the age of the piece.
• Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
• Mechanical: Quartz movement checked, new battery, guaranteed for 1 year
• Included: Invoice Atelier Victor, protective case
• Not included: Original box and papers

Frequently asked questions

What is the Elgin brand?
Elgin is a historic American watch brand, whose Illinois manufacture was one of the most important in the United States until the middle of the 20th century. The name was later reused for dress watches produced in Japan, combining classic American style with the reliability of Japanese manufacturing. This piece is a fine example, with a design typical of the 1980s.

What is an “aventurine” or glitter dial?
It is a dial whose textured, sparkling surface evokes aventurine stone or a starry sky. This black glitter background catches the light in a multitude of small reflections, bringing rare depth and richness to a dial. It is one of the main aesthetic attractions of this watch.

Are the stones on the dial diamonds?
The dial features two set stones, at 1 o’clock and 7 o’clock. We cannot guarantee their exact nature without gemological expertise: they may be small diamonds or imitation stones, commonly used on this type of fashion watch. We prefer to state this in full transparency rather than claim what we cannot certify.

Is this Elgin water-resistant?
No. Water resistance is never guaranteed on a vintage watch: the original gaskets have aged and the pressure of the caseback is no longer what it was on the first day. Avoid the shower, pool, and sea. Simple contact with rainwater, however, does not pose any difficulty.

For what wrist is this watch suitable?
With a hexagonal case 27mm wide and a bracelet adjustable up to 19.5cm, this is ideally a piece with a restrained, dressy format. That said, a watch is also a matter of style: depending on taste and the look sought, it can be worn equally well by a man or a woman who appreciates graphic and original pieces. The guideline is only a reference, never a rule.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.

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