The Boston 388 (47mm)
335 reviews

The Boston 388 (47mm)

Special Release
Want to see more watches like this?

Subscribe to the Vortic newsletter to be the first to know when new watches are released.

The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)
The Boston 388 (47mm)

Watch Description

The Boston 388 is the 388th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Boston" 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 Boston 388 Unique: Back in the early 20th century, some American watchmakers would manufacture small runs of watches for private companies upon request. As pocket watches were becoming popular, many companies would grab onto the trend and would either make a small run of watches for their jewelry store to sell, or make watches that represented their company as gifts for employees. At the time, if you ordered a large enough quantity of watches, they would even engrave the movement as well as make a special dial. The watch for today’s Watch of the Day is a 1915 Waltham created specially for Smith & Patterson Co in Boston, Massachusetts. These special dials were created in a very small run for Smith & Patterson which makes this watch incredibly unique and rare. Often times as long as the customer made an order or five or more watches, the cost of a custom movement fee was waived and custom dials were 25-50 cents per watch. A very classic and elegant white dial with black numerals, we wanted to keep it simple and match the look with a stone strap and nickel coated dail. This Waltham 17 Jewel screw set movement with a Breguet hairspring and ¾ main plate is a beautiful example of a unique custom made watch from the era.

1915

20443027

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.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Model Year: 2021
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions:
    • Diameter: 47mm
    • Thickness: 12mm
    • Lug to Lug: 55mm
    • Lug Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: DLC Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Waltham Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours

The Boston 388 is the 388th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Boston" 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 Boston 388 Unique: Back in the early 20th century, some American watchmakers would manufacture small runs of watches for private companies upon request. As pocket watches were becoming popular, many companies would grab onto the trend and would either make a small run of watches for their jewelry store to sell, or make watches that represented their company as gifts for employees. At the time, if you ordered a large enough quantity of watches, they would even engrave the movement as well as make a special dial. The watch for today’s Watch of the Day is a 1915 Waltham created specially for Smith & Patterson Co in Boston, Massachusetts. These special dials were created in a very small run for Smith & Patterson which makes this watch incredibly unique and rare. Often times as long as the customer made an order or five or more watches, the cost of a custom movement fee was waived and custom dials were 25-50 cents per watch. A very classic and elegant white dial with black numerals, we wanted to keep it simple and match the look with a stone strap and nickel coated dail. This Waltham 17 Jewel screw set movement with a Breguet hairspring and ¾ main plate is a beautiful example of a unique custom made watch from the era.

1915

20443027

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

Buy Now, Pay Over Time WithAffirm Logo