Your Weekly Roundup Is Back
Each week we'll send one of these emails with a roundup of the last few Watch of the Daywatches. We call it the Weekly Roundup! Sometimes we'll put a teaser for upcoming watches, and sometimes, like today, we'll share some other awesome content you might want to check out.
The New Possible Podcast From Autodesk Fusion 360
Our co-founders Tyler and R.T. were interviewed on Autodesk's podcast, The New Possible. As one of the first times our co-founders been interviewed together, this was a highly entertaining talk-show style podcast all about the history of the company. Tyler and R.T. share their ups and downs, their highs and lows, and some behind-the-scenes information never shared before!
The Weekly Roundup
Here's your weekly round-up! Click the images of the watches to learn more about them, and make sure to check the website at 12 PM Mountain Time for the Watch of the Day! They've been selling quickly, and there's always only one. For the rest of this month, we will continue to release four watches each week. We are working towards a goal of five watches a week and you'll be the first to know when we get there!
Today's Watch! The Boston 217
The Boston 217 that is the showcase of today's Watch of the Day shows just how unique and individual these watches can be. The amount of detail that went into the dial on this watch makes it truly one of a kind. We chose polished bronze for the case to accent the gold circle details around the numerals and help the Blue Steel full moon hands pop in contrast. A nickel-coated crown and natural band keep it simple and let the dial do all the showing off on this watch. This 17 Jewel screw-set Waltham was manufactured in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1925 with a ¾ plate main plate that is very decoratively ornate. At the same time not too far away, the first issue of New Yorker Magazine was produced and circulated. A publication meant for sophisticated humor and satire, this watch would have fit perfectly in the pocket of Eustace Tilley, the first illustration to adorn the cover of the New Yorker.
The Cleveland 039 (SOLD)
The Ball Watch Company was founded in 1891 in Cleveland, Ohio after Webb C. Ball was appalled by the lack of accuracy and timekeeping standards observed by the Railroad Industry. Many close calls and deadly train crashes due to poor timekeeping inspired him to produce a better system. He created the “Ball Time Service,” which had a series of criteria to ensure that all railroad conductor’s watches kept perfect time or close to it. According to this system, conductors submitted their watches for inspection every two weeks to confirm that their watch maintained proper performance.
This particular movement features 19 Jewels in raised, gold, screw-down settings that give the movement excellent visual dimensionality. The rose gold gear train, polished and decorated ratchet wheels, and geneva striped bridges only add to this movement’s pedigree. In terms of performance, this piece has a double roller escapement (part of Ball’s standards for watches; promotes consistency and prevents issues like overbanking) and a reed whipspring regulator to keep the hairspring in place.
The dial displays a textured finish with a mild green patina from almost 100 years of use. The movement was manufactured in 1927. We think the moss green strap makes the subtle coloring of the dial and printed black numerals pop beautifully. Our machined titanium case has a black DLC coating that pairs well with the dark numerals and rustic, blued steel, diamond hands.
The Chicago 400 (SOLD)
We decided to mark this St. Patrick’s day and the re-launching of our Watch of the Day program with this very unique Elgin dial and movement originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois in 1925. We cased this watch in machined bronze to accent the very ornate gold dial and hands. With such a unique touch of green in the center of the dial, we knew when we saw this watch that it would be a perfect fit for St. Patrick’s day.
In addition, we added a very special engraving on the case back to mark the occasion, the first time we have signified a Watch of the Day with a custom engraving! It was said that when St. Patrick originally brought Christianity to Ireland, he used a green three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. The tradition has grown through the years to wear green on March 17. This special watch will mark the occasion and is sure to keep you from missing out on the festivities.
The Rockford 037 (SOLD)
Every watch we make is uniquely special in it’s own way, and this watch is no exception to that. This particular Rockford is the kind of piece that you’ll want to take off just to show off the intricacies of the movement behind this very clean and simple dial. This rare ¾ bridge plate has three separate “fingers” to hold the 3rd, 4th and escape wheels in place. This extra detail in the manufacturing of the movement opens up the gears for a better look inside and demands a second and third look.
The gold lacquered text and brass hardware help to really accent the wavy details of this main plate and make for a truly amazing marvel of manufacturing. We are continually amazed by the detail that went into every single one of these antique parts within the watch. Rockford Watch Company was established in 1873 and produced it’s first run of watches in 1876. They focused on smaller batches of very high-quality watches, which is what makes these watches so rare.
This watch was manufactured in 1913 and is one of only 2,600 produced in this particular batch. We love to work with these Rockford watches as they always seem to have a rare quality and esteem, and now you can see why. Our new Gunmetal finish to this machined titanium case is accented with a custom bronze crown that we patina to match the case and strap.
The Springfield 367 (SOLD)
As if this beautifully ornate dial isn’t enough to catch your attention, the 17 Jewel Autocrat movement definitely will. What makes this movement special is the bridge plate that spans across the entire movement with raised silver set screws and the engraved “Autocrat” insignia next to the center wheel. This watch truly was the symbol of high class and sophistication when it was manufactured in 1925 in Springfield, Illinois.
With a total production of 40,000 for these movements, we get quite excited when we have the chance to use one of these in a custom watch such as this. With a magnificent movement and dial, we went all out with a polished bronze case, copper crown and classic natural band. Diamond blue steel hands and stark black numerals help to emphasize the contrast of the detail in the center of the dial. The dictionary defines Autocrat as a ruler with absolute power and authority.
We couldn’t imagine a better way to describe this watch, powered by a Reed whip spring regulator to keep the hairspring in place and accented with gold lacquered text. This watch is truly a head turner and will make you feel as powerful as it looks.
Did you see our interview with Rico's Watches?!
Eric from Rico's Watches Podcast interviewed co-founder R.T. Custer and asked all about the history of the company, the huge lawsuit everyone's talking about, and what's next for Vortic Watch Company! Make sure you check it out here!
