Watch Description
What makes the Springfield 598 unique: Today we are very pleased to present this incredible timepiece from the Illinois Watch Company, our Springfield 598. This watch was originally produced as a pocket watch in 1918, in Springfield, Illinois. When this watch was placed in its original case, it likely was a six-sided case, based on this unique dial design that would have pointed towards the part of the case where the two angles met. Today, we have placed this watch in its new machined titanium case, manufactured in-house by our very talented team. A nickel-plated crown and hardware match the case and help to accentuate the silver-toned accents on the dial. We absolutely love the soft and subtle patina that shows the age of the watch and matches this navy strap quite nicely.As we turn this watch over to reveal the detailed movement within, we are immediately drawn in by this incredible design pattern that has been machined across the multiple build plates. This watch is decorated with 17 beautiful jewels, as well as rose-gold plated gears and a brilliant brass balance wheel.
The Illinois Watch Company originally built this watch in 1918 in Springfield, Illinois. In this same year, the first successful nonstop transatlantic flight was completed by John Alcock and Arthur Brown. This remarkable feat of engineering was a major milestone in aviation history as it demonstrated that long-distance flights were possible and opened up new possibilities for international travel. Not only did this event prove to be an important moment for transportation, but it also marked a period of increased hope during World War I. Despite the darkness of war engulfing Europe, two daring pilots were able to take on a seemingly impossible challenge and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. In doing so they reminded us all that no matter how dark things may seem, we can always look toward the future with optimism and courage.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Illinois Watch Company. We call this model "The Springfield" because the company was located in Springfield, Illinois.
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.
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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: Nickel Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 3368748
- Manufacture Year: 1918
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
As we turn this watch over to reveal the detailed movement within, we are immediately drawn in by this incredible design pattern that has been machined across the multiple build plates. This watch is decorated with 17 beautiful jewels, as well as rose-gold plated gears and a brilliant brass balance wheel.
The Illinois Watch Company originally built this watch in 1918 in Springfield, Illinois. In this same year, the first successful nonstop transatlantic flight was completed by John Alcock and Arthur Brown. This remarkable feat of engineering was a major milestone in aviation history as it demonstrated that long-distance flights were possible and opened up new possibilities for international travel. Not only did this event prove to be an important moment for transportation, but it also marked a period of increased hope during World War I. Despite the darkness of war engulfing Europe, two daring pilots were able to take on a seemingly impossible challenge and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. In doing so they reminded us all that no matter how dark things may seem, we can always look toward the future with optimism and courage.
Let customers speak for us
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.
