Elgin EPSA-case Super Compressor c.1968
Elgin EPSA-case Super Compressor c.1968
Of all the EPSA-case “Super Compressors” that the (traditionally) American brands ever produced, the 2 varieties that Elgin offered may well be as uncommon and least seen of them all in today’s market. This silver dial variety, then, is quite rare in general, but is also one of the only light colored dials out of those (along with the Hamilton Aqua Date 600).
Sharing a very similar design to Hamilton’s, this dial features more contrast with the black painted hands & indices that make for a wonderfully aesthetic, sporty look. Nice, sizable lume plots and hands, including the ‘brick’ on the sweep hand, are icing on the cake. The Elgin 997 Movement is a 21.6k beats per hour motor (based on the A. Schild 1903), which surpasses most of the other compressors that tended to only house 18k beat per hour movements.
These 36mm Elgins don’t pop up every day, so don’t pass up on this one if you are a compressor collector or fan!
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Case: Great, unpolished shape. Some scratches on the case back, but nothing overly problematic.
Dial: Wonderful brushed silver dial. Lume plots are a combination of mustard yellow and dulled discoloration over the years. Lume hasn’t degraded/isn’t missing, however. Makes for a unique appearance without being at the expense of the dial’s integrity.
Hands: Very nice black painted hands, with lume that matches the condition of the dial.
Crystal: Excellent condition.
Movement: Keeping very good time
Movement: Elgin 997 (AS 1903 base), 17 jewels, 21,600 bph
Case: Signed stainless steel, unpolished
Powered: Mechanical - Automatic
Case Width: 36.4 mm (39mm incl. crown)
Case Length: 43.2 mm
Lug Width: 18 mm
Thickness: 13.6mm
Crystal: High dome acrylic
Crown: Original, non-screw down, dual cross-hatched crowns
Band: Tropic-style rubber dive band
Boxes: None
Function - This watch is wound automatically by the natural motion of your arm. It is recommended to wind the crown 10-15 times to typically give an initial power reserve to last throughout the day.
[All vintage watches are expected to function as described. However, due to age and generally unknown service history (unless otherwise stated), these watches may not keep time as accurately as new or quartz (battery) watches. This is completely normal and does not indicate that there is a major problem. Like your automobile, all mechanical watches will likely need to be serviced at some point in time. Please keep this in mind, as there is no guarantee regarding when these vintage watches may need standard maintenance. Every watch sold by Buying On Time is done so with the expectation that it is not currently in need of service or repair, unless noted. We guarantee that all watches sold are accurately described and in the stated condition when they leave our hands.]