The Springfield 281 (46mm)

The Springfield 281 (46mm)

The Springfield 281 (46mm)
The Springfield 281 (46mm)
The Springfield 281 (46mm)
The Springfield 281 (46mm)
The Springfield 281 (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.

The Springfield 281 is the 281st one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Springfield" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Springfield 281 Unique: The Springfield 281 features another Illinois Autocrat movement (can you tell we love those?!) and a dial with just the right amount of patina. Manufactured in 1916, this is all original inside. We used a machined titanium case and natural distressed leather strap to showcase this 104 year old piece of history. Fun fact, in 1916 the first, true 40-hour work week occurred in factories, starting that occupational tradition that’s lasted, well, 104 years!

1916

3073457

https://player.vimeo.com/video/444345914

Case Style:More info coming soon.

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 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
  • Model Year: 2020
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions: 
    • Diameter: 46mm
    • Height: 12mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
    • Lugs: 22mm
  • Case Finish: See Description
  • Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • 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

The Springfield 281 is the 281st one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Springfield" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Springfield 281 Unique: The Springfield 281 features another Illinois Autocrat movement (can you tell we love those?!) and a dial with just the right amount of patina. Manufactured in 1916, this is all original inside. We used a machined titanium case and natural distressed leather strap to showcase this 104 year old piece of history. Fun fact, in 1916 the first, true 40-hour work week occurred in factories, starting that occupational tradition that’s lasted, well, 104 years!

1916

3073457

https://player.vimeo.com/video/444345914

Quality Straps

View Strap Options

Mission

Learn More About Vortic
Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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