The Springfield 494 (46mm)

The Springfield 494 (46mm)

The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (46mm)
The Springfield 494 (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 Illinois Watch Company. We call this model "The Springfield" because the company was located in Springfield, Illinois.

What makes the Springfield 494 unique: Today, we’re thrilled to showcase this breathtaking piece originally produced by the Illinois Watch Company nearly a century ago — the Springfield 494. The Springfield sports a classically-styled dial, including a spotted, cream-colored background and dark, elegant numerals. The dial also features a unique subdial surrounded by a sophisticated design. We encased this stunning pocket watch inside our robust and scratch-resistant Machined Titanium case, and we added a luxurious-looking gold-plated crown. The case and crown emphasize the watch’s dial and make the complete piece even more remarkable. The back of the watch features gorgeous bronze-colored engravings that reinforce its historical production, including the “Illinois Watch Co. Springfield” and the “Stanley” trade name. The piece also sports a 406-grade open-face movement with gold-plated gears powered by 19 opulent jewels. To tie the piece together, we paired the pocket watch with our one-of-a-kind Natural leather watch strap, which further adds to the watch’s antique style. The Illinois Watch Company initially manufactured the pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926 — the same year that country and blues musician DeFord Bailey became the first African-American to perform on The Grand Ole Opry radio show in Nashville. DeFord Bailey was known for playing the harmonica and was even called the “harmonica wizard.” His music career spanned two decades, and although he isn’t a household name, his musical influence left a significant impact on the Nashville music industry. In 2005, he was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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 4712593 from the Illinois Watch Company. Originally called the Springfield Watch Company, Illinois came to Springfield, Illinois in 1869 while the "modern" watch industry was fairly new but highly promising. City officials felt that the addition of industry to the city of Springfield would be excellent for the city's growth. However, after a series of failures and re-brandings, the company had a slow start until 1903 when they decided to manufacture high-quality watches only. Eventually making some of the most beautiful watches of their time, the company sold to Hamilton in 1927. Hamilton continued producing watches under the Illinois name for some time, but the original Springfield factory no longer stands.

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: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  4712593
  • Manufacture Year:  1926
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 19j
  • 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 Springfield 494 unique: Today, we’re thrilled to showcase this breathtaking piece originally produced by the Illinois Watch Company nearly a century ago — the Springfield 494. The Springfield sports a classically-styled dial, including a spotted, cream-colored background and dark, elegant numerals. The dial also features a unique subdial surrounded by a sophisticated design. We encased this stunning pocket watch inside our robust and scratch-resistant Machined Titanium case, and we added a luxurious-looking gold-plated crown. The case and crown emphasize the watch’s dial and make the complete piece even more remarkable. The back of the watch features gorgeous bronze-colored engravings that reinforce its historical production, including the “Illinois Watch Co. Springfield” and the “Stanley” trade name. The piece also sports a 406-grade open-face movement with gold-plated gears powered by 19 opulent jewels. To tie the piece together, we paired the pocket watch with our one-of-a-kind Natural leather watch strap, which further adds to the watch’s antique style. The Illinois Watch Company initially manufactured the pocket watch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1926 — the same year that country and blues musician DeFord Bailey became the first African-American to perform on The Grand Ole Opry radio show in Nashville. DeFord Bailey was known for playing the harmonica and was even called the “harmonica wizard.” His music career spanned two decades, and although he isn’t a household name, his musical influence left a significant impact on the Nashville music industry. In 2005, he was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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