Lord Elgin “Direct Reading 7776” men’s Retro Modern design jump hour wristwatch in 14K yellow gold fill, circa 1956.

Most collectors to refer to this model of Elgin’s “Direct Reading” watch as the “Elvis” watch because it was a favorite of Elvis Presley. There are many fantastic photos from the 1950s showing the King of Rock and Roll wearing the watch. It features an early use of the digital concept, with two rotating disks displaying the time through a window in the case, with the hour disk jumping at the top of each hour. This is the earliest version with the square time window and the 21-jewel movement, and was priced at $95.00 in 1956. This example is in excellent condition with only a few specks of brassing, and a very tiny nick to the bezel near the 9 o'clock position. Bezel has a polished and matte finish which I have restored. Caseback is excellent and unengraved, with a couple of tiny specks of wear in the corners. The case measures 36mm long and 26mm wide. Original rotating dial disks are excellent. Has new glass crystal. This watch is powered by its correct Elgin 21-jewel grade 719 manual wind movement, just serviced and running strong with the hour jumping crisply.

Price $975.