Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 478 unique:Today, we’re thrilled to present this remarkable piece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company over a century ago — the Chicago 478. This watch boasts a uniquely-styled dial with a breathtaking copper-colored center design and rustic subdial. The dial also features black numerals and dark blue solid diamond kite hands that look stunning against its cream-colored background. We encased the original pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and paired it with a gold-plated crown, making this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish. The back of the watch features a 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and going barrel. The movement also features luxurious and robust gold-plated gears powered by 17 ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. To top the piece off, we matched it with our comfortable, artisan-designed Olive leather watch strap, complementing the timepiece’s breathtaking dial. The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year forensic psychiatrist and police officer John Augustus Larson invented the modern polygraph test. Larson invented the device while attending medical school at the University of California, Berkeley, and he first used his device on William Hightower, who had been accused of murdering a priest. Although the modern polygraph was a groundbreaking invention in criminology, polygraph tests are not definitive and cannot be used as evidence in many states. Larson eventually stated that he regretted inventing the polygraph because law enforcement used it improperly. In 1965, he wrote, “Beyond my expectation, through uncontrollable factors, this scientific investigation became for practical purposes a Frankenstein’s monster.”
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.
Legal Disclaimer: All product and company names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Vortic's products and services are the property of their respective intellectual property rights holders, if any. Those intellectual property rights holders, other than Vortic, LLC, are not affiliated with Vortic, LLC, our products, or our website. They do not sponsor or endorse our materials.
Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 47mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug to Lug: 55mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: Machined Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 23276635
- Manufacture Year: 1921
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
Today, we’re thrilled to present this remarkable piece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company over a century ago — the Chicago 478. This watch boasts a uniquely-styled dial with a breathtaking copper-colored center design and rustic subdial. The dial also features black numerals and dark blue solid diamond kite hands that look stunning against its cream-colored background. We encased the original pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and paired it with a gold-plated crown, making this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish. The back of the watch features a 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and going barrel. The movement also features luxurious and robust gold-plated gears powered by 17 ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. To top the piece off, we matched it with our comfortable, artisan-designed Olive leather watch strap, complementing the timepiece’s breathtaking dial. The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year forensic psychiatrist and police officer John Augustus Larson invented the modern polygraph test. Larson invented the device while attending medical school at the University of California, Berkeley, and he first used his device on William Hightower, who had been accused of murdering a priest. Although the modern polygraph was a groundbreaking invention in criminology, polygraph tests are not definitive and cannot be used as evidence in many states. Larson eventually stated that he regretted inventing the polygraph because law enforcement used it improperly. In 1965, he wrote, “Beyond my expectation, through uncontrollable factors, this scientific investigation became for practical purposes a Frankenstein’s monster.”
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The Movement
The engine that powers this watch is an antique American pocket watch movement. All the gears and springs that make it tell time are roughly 100 years old on average. We call these watches the American Artisan Series because we're celebrating the history and legacy of the artisan watchmakers who built this engineering marvel a century ago in the United States.
The Story
Today most pocket watches are scrapped for the gold or silver of the case (the outside of the antique timepiece), leaving the inside (what we call the "movement") as trash.
We take pride in upcycling these pieces of American history by salvaging as many as we can, then preserving them inside our wristwatches.
Our expert team of watchmakers restores the antique movement and then we manufacture a custom wristwatch case here in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Strap
We partnered with Worn & Wound to produce a custom set of straps for our American Artisan Series watches. We now have 15 different colors to choose from including our two Horween Shell Cordovan options. These straps are made in the USA and are based on the Windup Model 2 Premium strap that Worn and Wound offers.
