The Chicago 526 (46mm)

The Chicago 526 (46mm)

The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)
The Chicago 526 (46mm)

Watch Description

The American mechanism inside this watch is not a replica or an "inspired" piece. It was genuinely carried by an individual, 100 years ago, that depended on it. Each time you wear this watch, you will be transported through time, imagining who this individual was and the work they did to help build our country. Simply put, American Artisan Series watches make you feel something when you put them on. At Vortic, we tell customers that owning a watch isn't nearly as important as owning a story. And, this is an opportunity to be a part of a story that is bigger than yourself. You won't be the first to own this watch, and you certainly won't be the last, so make your chapter count.

The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements. Individuals commonly scrap pocket watch cases for their precious metal, leaving the original mechanism orphaned. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880's - 1950's) pocket watch made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.

What makes the Chicago 526 unique: Today we are incredibly excited to release this incredible watch originally built by the Elgin Watch Company, our Chicago 526. We knew right away when we saw this dial and unique hand combination, that a champagne titanium case and gold-plated crown would be the perfect look to compliment this watch. We continue to be stunned by the fine details of this watch as we turn it over, gold-plated gears shine through from beneath this large build plate, as well as the gold inlaid text of this "Lord Elgin" grade movement. The balance wheel is larger than we typically expect from a 12-size movement, and brings even more attention to itself with this gold-plated hairspring. Elgin didn't hold anything back when they built this beautiful watch and we wanted to do everything we could to continue their efforts.

This watch was originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois in 1912 by the Elgin Watch Company. The sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 is one of the most famous historical events of the twentieth century. On April 14th, the Titanic, the largest passenger steamship of its time, collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City. Despite the crew's attempts to save the ship, it eventually sank, resulting in the death of more than 1,500 passengers and crew members. The tragedy sparked a wave of public outrage, leading to improved safety regulations for ships and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic. The disaster also inspired numerous books, films, and songs, and continues to fascinate people to this day.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. The case is intentionally left unpolished so the intricate tool marks made during the milling process remain visible. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. Titanium has a darker look than steel, and due to its low thermal conductivity, feels warm to the touch. These characteristics create an enduring, highly wearable, distinctive piece.

Movement: The manually wound, antique, pocket watch movement inside this watch has been meticulously restored to as close to original condition as possible. Vortic has an exclusive group of highly experienced watchmakers that specialize in vintage watches. Before its use in a wristwatch, each movement is completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. Each finished Vortic watch is tested for at least a week before completion.

This watch's movement is serial number 16311010 from the Elgin Watch Company. 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
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions: 
    • Diameter: 46mm
    • Height: 12mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
    • Lugs: 22mm
  • Case Finish: Machined Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  16311010
  • Manufacture Year:  1912
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17j
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
It looks like it would have been right at home on the wrist of Indiana Jones! This watch is a showpiece as much as it is as unique timepiece!
—John from Indiana
After receiving the watch in the mail, I was surprised to see the watch somehow looked better in person than it did in the photos. I didn't think that would be possible!
—Mark from Massachusetts
The skeleton back is amazing and the packaging was perfect. To honor the past with details like this is truly impressive.
—Brad from Florida
I own so called "high end" watches such as Rolex, Panerai, and Zenith but they pale in comparison to my two Vortic models which I wear everyday to work.
—Todd from Ohio

What makes the Chicago 526 unique: Today we are incredibly excited to release this incredible watch originally built by the Elgin Watch Company, our Chicago 526. We knew right away when we saw this dial and unique hand combination, that a champagne titanium case and gold-plated crown would be the perfect look to compliment this watch. We continue to be stunned by the fine details of this watch as we turn it over, gold-plated gears shine through from beneath this large build plate, as well as the gold inlaid text of this "Lord Elgin" grade movement. The balance wheel is larger than we typically expect from a 12-size movement, and brings even more attention to itself with this gold-plated hairspring. Elgin didn't hold anything back when they built this beautiful watch and we wanted to do everything we could to continue their efforts.

This watch was originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois in 1912 by the Elgin Watch Company. The sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912 is one of the most famous historical events of the twentieth century. On April 14th, the Titanic, the largest passenger steamship of its time, collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City. Despite the crew's attempts to save the ship, it eventually sank, resulting in the death of more than 1,500 passengers and crew members. The tragedy sparked a wave of public outrage, leading to improved safety regulations for ships and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic. The disaster also inspired numerous books, films, and songs, and continues to fascinate people to this day.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

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