Lord Elgin Elvis Direct Reading

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 $100.00 in 1956. This example has its rare, original faceted Hadley expansion bracelet (notice the bracelet on Elvis' watch below) and its original "Direct Reading" box. This is the first example with bracelet and box that I have offered in many years. It is in crisp, near mint condition with no brassing. The beveled edges of the bezel and sharp and distinct. The fancy Lord Elgin applied gold crest shows its crisp, engraved details. Caseback is superb and unengraved, with its factory-applied brushed finish. The case measures 36mm long and 26mm wide. Original rotating dial disks are superb and bright. 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. Original Hadley bracelet show light wear. Original box is excellent.