1947 Elgin Wristwatch Service with Biography

Overhaul Service of an Elgin Grade 558, 17 Jewel, 15/0 Size Wristwatch

It is always interesting to see who owned a watch and to know something of the person. The current owner of the watch, the nephew of the original owner provided the following short biography and photos. Thank you John and family for sharing some family history.

My uncle, John Grimaldi, was born in 1920 in Jersey City, NJ. He was the third of eight children. By the time of his birth, his parents had become naturalized American citizens, having earlier emigrated from southern Italy. Along with two older siblings, he quit school to help support the family during the Depression. John enlisted in the Army after the outbreak of WWII. One of his early duty posts was Ft. Riley, Kansas, where he learned to ride a horse as a member of the First Cavalry Division. He went on to serve at other posts and eventually rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After the war, John became a painter, by trade, and eventually settled with his wife and son in Green Brook, NJ. There, he spent the last 20 years of his life lovingly restoring their home, a farm house built in the 1800’s.

My uncle John died unexpectedly in 1975. The photo below was taken in May of that year and shows him celebrating my sister’s 8th grade graduation. He was my sister’s godfather. Seated is his wife (my aunt). If you look closely, this watch can be seen on his wrist. After his death later that year, my Aunt gave me his wristwatch.

I had the watch serviced several times and wore it for decades, through college, work, etc. It was for me, a trusted timepiece and a reminder of my uncle John. About 15 years ago, I replaced the original band with an identical, new/old stock unused one I found at a local flea market.

After the watch is serviced, I plan to give it to my Uncle John’s son, who will give it to his adult son. Thus, he’ll be the owner of this watch, originally purchased and worn by his grandfather, a man he never met.

The vintage Elgin Watch was disassembled and cleaned. Reassembled and lubricated. Hairspring and balance adjusted. Case cleaned and new glass crystal installed. Watch placed on extended testing. Watch overhaul service complete.