Watch Description
What Makes The Boston 069 Unique:
The Boston 069 is defined by its clarity, scale, and the added distinction of a retailer-signed dial, anchored by a composition that feels both refined and purpose-driven. The bright enamel dial presents a clean, highly legible surface, framed by a precise minute track accented with subtle red five-minute markers that add a measured touch of color. Bold black Arabic numerals maintain strong contrast across the dial, their crisp printing reinforcing the watch’s instrument-like precision. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register introduces depth and symmetry, its tighter scale providing a visual anchor within the broader layout.
At the center of the dial, the signature “Shreve, Crump & Low Co., Boston” sets this piece apart. Founded in 1796, Shreve, Crump & Low is one of the oldest continuously operating luxury jewelers in the United States, known for importing and retailing high-quality timepieces, silver, and fine goods to an established clientele. Retailer-signed dials like this were typically reserved for watches sold through prominent jewelers, adding a layer of provenance that collectors value for both its historical context and relative scarcity.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 19-jewel Waltham movement manufactured in 1906, representing a higher-grade configuration within Waltham’s production at the time. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals finely finished bridges with decorative engraving, polished steel components, and gold-plated gears that catch the light as the watch runs. The increased jewel count reflects a focus on reducing friction and improving long-term durability, while the overall finishing speaks to a period when American watchmaking was refining both performance and presentation. The larger 16-size movement provides a more expansive mechanical layout, allowing the architecture to feel open, legible, and visually engaging.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a soft sandblasted texture that gives the surface a muted, matte appearance. This treatment reduces glare and allows the dial and its signed detail to remain the focal point. A matching sandblasted stainless steel bezel frames the dial with restraint, maintaining a cohesive and understated presentation. The machined stainless steel crown provides a tactile, confident grip when winding. Due to the larger 16-size movement, the crown remains positioned at 12 o’clock, preserving the watch’s original pocket watch orientation and reinforcing its historical character. The watch is paired with a brown leather strap, whose natural tone complements the warmth of the dial and balances the cooler tones of the case.
In 1906, American watchmaking was entering a period of maturity, with companies like Waltham producing increasingly refined movements that balanced precision, durability, and scale. At the same time, established retailers like Shreve, Crump & Low were curating and distributing these watches to a discerning market, adding their own mark to pieces that met their standards. The Boston 069 brings those two worlds together, preserving both the mechanical craftsmanship of Waltham and the legacy of one of America’s most historic jewelers.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Waltham Watch Company. We call this model "The Boston" because of the company's proximity to the city.
Also known as American Watch Company and American Waltham Watch Company, Waltham was one of the leaders in attempting an entirely new concept, machines making machines. Prior to this, a watchmaker would hand-make each part of a movement one-at-a-time. Operating from 1851-1957, Waltham called its product the "Scientific Watch." Waltham's innovative, precise machining techniques made parts interchangeable, and their early version of the assembly line made high-quality watches efficient to produce. Legend has it that Henry Ford drew inspiration for his assembly line production from a visit to Waltham's factory. Located on the bank of the Charles River in "Watch City" (Waltham), Massachusetts, the factory has since been converted to apartment lofts.
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Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Diameter: 49mm
- Case Material: Sandblasted Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 24mm Brown Leather Strap with Steel Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Waltham Watch Company
- Serial Number: 15093005
- Manufacture Year: 1906
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 16s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Boston 069 Unique:
The Boston 069 is defined by its clarity, scale, and the added distinction of a retailer-signed dial, anchored by a composition that feels both refined and purpose-driven. The bright enamel dial presents a clean, highly legible surface, framed by a precise minute track accented with subtle red five-minute markers that add a measured touch of color. Bold black Arabic numerals maintain strong contrast across the dial, their crisp printing reinforcing the watch’s instrument-like precision. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register introduces depth and symmetry, its tighter scale providing a visual anchor within the broader layout.
At the center of the dial, the signature “Shreve, Crump & Low Co., Boston” sets this piece apart. Founded in 1796, Shreve, Crump & Low is one of the oldest continuously operating luxury jewelers in the United States, known for importing and retailing high-quality timepieces, silver, and fine goods to an established clientele. Retailer-signed dials like this were typically reserved for watches sold through prominent jewelers, adding a layer of provenance that collectors value for both its historical context and relative scarcity.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 19-jewel Waltham movement manufactured in 1906, representing a higher-grade configuration within Waltham’s production at the time. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals finely finished bridges with decorative engraving, polished steel components, and gold-plated gears that catch the light as the watch runs. The increased jewel count reflects a focus on reducing friction and improving long-term durability, while the overall finishing speaks to a period when American watchmaking was refining both performance and presentation. The larger 16-size movement provides a more expansive mechanical layout, allowing the architecture to feel open, legible, and visually engaging.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a soft sandblasted texture that gives the surface a muted, matte appearance. This treatment reduces glare and allows the dial and its signed detail to remain the focal point. A matching sandblasted stainless steel bezel frames the dial with restraint, maintaining a cohesive and understated presentation. The machined stainless steel crown provides a tactile, confident grip when winding. Due to the larger 16-size movement, the crown remains positioned at 12 o’clock, preserving the watch’s original pocket watch orientation and reinforcing its historical character. The watch is paired with a brown leather strap, whose natural tone complements the warmth of the dial and balances the cooler tones of the case.
In 1906, American watchmaking was entering a period of maturity, with companies like Waltham producing increasingly refined movements that balanced precision, durability, and scale. At the same time, established retailers like Shreve, Crump & Low were curating and distributing these watches to a discerning market, adding their own mark to pieces that met their standards. The Boston 069 brings those two worlds together, preserving both the mechanical craftsmanship of Waltham and the legacy of one of America’s most historic jewelers.
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.
