The Rockford 040 (46mm)

The Rockford 040 (46mm)

The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (46mm)
The Rockford 040 (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 Rockford Watch Company. We call this model "The Rockford" because the company was located in Rockford Illinois.

What makes the Rockford 040 unique: Today, we’re pleased to present this breathtaking watch originally manufactured by the Rockford Watch Company — the Rockford 040. The watch’s dial boasts a simple yet elegant design with a white background and bold black hour numerals. The front of the watch also features blood-orange minute numerals and unique royal blue hands. We’re excited to announce that for the next week, our pocket watches will feature our remarkable Gunmetal Titanium cases. The Gunmetal Titanium case looks stunning with the Rockford 040’s pocket watch, and we also equipped the piece with a copper crown, adding even more style. The back of the watch presents a 335-grade open-face movement with a stylish ¾ plate, nickel finish, and pendant setting. You can also view the piece’s robust and luxurious gold-plated gears powered by 17 jewels. Finally, we matched this one-of-a-kind watch with our comfortable Natural leather watch strap. The Rockford Watch Company initially produced the Rockford 040’s pocket watch in Rockford, Illinois, 1914 — the same year Babe Ruth began playing Major League Baseball. Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox in July 1914. Although Ruth later became a star player and baseball legend, he struck out 0-for-2 during his first time at bat and was benched in the seventh inning. Ruth continued playing for the Red Sox until they sold his contract to the New York Yankees in 1919.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. After machining, we bake the case in a kiln for a specific interval before sandblasting for uniformity. Any imperfections at this stage will scrap the piece, but the result is a beautiful, slightly darker finish that we call gunmetal. 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 931622 from the Rockford Watch Company. The Rockford Watch Company began operation in 1873 with equipment purchased from the Cornell Watch Company. Four hundred local businesses and individuals pledged $150,000 (over $3mil with inflation) of support to stimulate the growth of their town. The company struggled to keep up with demand early on, and eventually went bankrupt. Rockford was rejuvenated in 1901, but a major fire and lightning strike slowed the company further in 1903. By 1915 the company closed its doors, though the building still stands vacant.

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: Gunmetal Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Copper
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Rockford Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  931622
  • Manufacture Year:  1914
  • 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 Rockford 040 unique: Today, we’re pleased to present this breathtaking watch originally manufactured by the Rockford Watch Company — the Rockford 040. The watch’s dial boasts a simple yet elegant design with a white background and bold black hour numerals. The front of the watch also features blood-orange minute numerals and unique royal blue hands. We’re excited to announce that for the next week, our pocket watches will feature our remarkable Gunmetal Titanium cases. The Gunmetal Titanium case looks stunning with the Rockford 040’s pocket watch, and we also equipped the piece with a copper crown, adding even more style. The back of the watch presents a 335-grade open-face movement with a stylish ¾ plate, nickel finish, and pendant setting. You can also view the piece’s robust and luxurious gold-plated gears powered by 17 jewels. Finally, we matched this one-of-a-kind watch with our comfortable Natural leather watch strap. The Rockford Watch Company initially produced the Rockford 040’s pocket watch in Rockford, Illinois, 1914 — the same year Babe Ruth began playing Major League Baseball. Ruth joined the Boston Red Sox in July 1914. Although Ruth later became a star player and baseball legend, he struck out 0-for-2 during his first time at bat and was benched in the seventh inning. Ruth continued playing for the Red Sox until they sold his contract to the New York Yankees in 1919.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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