The Chicago 136 (47mm)
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The Chicago 136 (47mm)

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The Chicago 136 (47mm)
The Chicago 136 (47mm)
The Chicago 136 (47mm)
The Chicago 136 (47mm)
The Chicago 136 (47mm)
The Chicago 136 (47mm)

Watch Description

The Chicago 136 is the 136th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Chicago" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Chicago 136 Unique: Now this is a classy watch. You could wear this with a tux, or with jeans. So many options. Not to mention given the large numeral size, it's very functional and easy to tell the time quickly. There's a little patina, but one might think this watch is not as old as it is. Originally manufactured in 1906, this Elgin movement is a special model called the GM Wheeler. We don't see many of those in the 12size, and this particular one would have been a "gentleman's pocket watch" meaning it was very expensive in 1906 due to the decoration, style, and engraving. It would have been marketed to an upper class individual for certain. Fun fact, based on a 2.99% inflation rate, $100 in 1906 would be equivalent to $2,879 today, making this watch a great value!

12397182

1906

https://player.vimeo.com/video/454884546

Movement Manufacturer Information

The movement inside of this watch was made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.

Also known as Elgin National Watch Company, Elgin wasn't only the largest watch manufacturer in the United States, but the largest watch manufacturer in the world for almost 100 years, operating from 1864-1964. The company often used a depiction of father time on advertisements. At one point, the company was making 7,500 watch movements per week and had 2,300 employees. The factory was demolished in 1966 and replaced with a shopping center.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Model Year: 2020
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions:
    • Diameter: 47mm
    • Thickness: 12mm
    • Lug to Lug: 55mm
    • Lug Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Machined Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: See Description
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Horween Shell Cordovan Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours

The Chicago 136 is the 136th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Chicago" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Chicago 136 Unique: Now this is a classy watch. You could wear this with a tux, or with jeans. So many options. Not to mention given the large numeral size, it's very functional and easy to tell the time quickly. There's a little patina, but one might think this watch is not as old as it is. Originally manufactured in 1906, this Elgin movement is a special model called the GM Wheeler. We don't see many of those in the 12size, and this particular one would have been a "gentleman's pocket watch" meaning it was very expensive in 1906 due to the decoration, style, and engraving. It would have been marketed to an upper class individual for certain. Fun fact, based on a 2.99% inflation rate, $100 in 1906 would be equivalent to $2,879 today, making this watch a great value!

12397182

1906

https://player.vimeo.com/video/454884546

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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