The American Artisan Series is the only truly American made watch built today. Each of these one-of-a-kind timepieces is fabricated using antique, U.S. made pocket watch mechanisms and a wide array of custom options. There's something special about these wristwatches, a legacy that the wearer can carry with them everywhere they go.
Movements
The movement of a watch is the mechanism that powers the hands and regulates time. The American Artisan Series is built using antique, American-made pocket watch movements. Each vintage movement is meticulously restored and tested before use in a casing system. Vortic has a variety of sources for antique pieces, but movements are primarily sourced from individuals who buy jewelry store and watchmaker estates. The owners of these estates almost always made a portion of their money from scrapping pocket watch cases for their precious metal value, but this left the beautifully decorated movement exposed and without a home. Vortic has dedicated itself to rescuing these movements and making them relevant again.
Case
Research
Vortic is working to learn more about Titanium 3D printing through a research grant at Pennsylvania State University.
3D Printing
All Artisan Series water-resistant cases are 3D printed from titanium by Imperial Machine and Tool in New Jersey. This company specializes in advanced machining practices for the aerospace and military industries.
Machining
Vortic uses a HAAS mill to machine the internal features of the case as well as the stainless steel back piece. The company is constantly bringing operations in-house to improve quality, design, and overall capabilities.
Hardware
The crowns, screws and other internal parts are masterfully swiss-turned at Swiss-O-Matic in Montrose, CO. Running a swiss-turning machine takes a great deal of specialized skill, and we are lucky to have one of the top facilities in the United States in our back yard.
Crystals
The dual crystals on each watch are made from Corning Gorilla Glass and precision cut by Abrisa in Santa Paula, CA. Gorilla Glass is known for its use on smartphones, and it is used to encase Vortic’s watches for its superior clarity, resistance to shattering, and scratch resistance.
Straps
Leather
Vortic’s standard watch bands are built from Stylecraft American cowhide leather, and there is an optional upgrade to premium, Famous Horween Shell Cordovan horsehide leather from Chicago, IL.
Fabrication
All of the American Artisan Series straps are hand-crafted from American made materials by Hadley Roma's Stylecraft division in Largo, FL.
Buckle
Each buckle is hand-forged by Smith Shop in Detroit, MI. Smith Shop is a relatively young operation, but the company prides itself on offering authentic products with uncompromising quality and attention to detail.