Watch Description
What makes the Boston 473 unique: We’re delighted to feature this eye-catching and highly distinct watch originally manufactured by the American Waltham Watch Company over a century ago — the Boston 473. The front of this sophisticated watch boasts a light-tan-colored background with a splendid bronze-colored center. You can also see the dial’s thin and distinct black numerals and its blued steel heavy moon watch hands that glimmer vividly. We matched the dial’s color palette by encasing it within our lightly Gilded Titanium case and paired it with a sumptuous-looking gold-plated crown. Our case features a transparent back, enabling watch enthusiasts to view its antique 225-grade hunting movement with 17 remarkable screw-set jewels that help turn its gold-plated gears. The watch’s movement also features a nickel finish, pendant setting, Breguet hairspring, and patent regulator. To top the piece off, we equipped it with our Natural leather watch strap, further complementing the dial’s breathtaking center.The American Waltham Watch Company initially produced this stunning piece of history in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1919 — the same year famed WWII pilot Francis Stanley “Gabby” Gabreski was born. Gabby made a name for himself by becoming one of seven United States combat pilots to become a flying ace, meaning he shot down over five enemy aircraft in two separate wars. He’s credited with 34 enemy aircraft takedowns. In addition to being an exceptional fighter pilot, he used his Polish heritage to serve as a liaison for Polish Royal Air Force squadrons. He learned from their talented pilots during his time with them and flew a total of 20 missions with them in 1943. After World War II, the Air Force assigned him to complete his education at Columbia University, where he studied Russian and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He again saw combat during the Korean War, and in 1967, he retired from the military as a colonel.
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
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 47mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug to Lug: 55mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: Machined Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Waltham Watch Company
- Serial Number: 22555940
- Manufacture Year: 1919
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
The American Waltham Watch Company initially produced this stunning piece of history in Waltham, Massachusetts, in 1919 — the same year famed WWII pilot Francis Stanley “Gabby” Gabreski was born. Gabby made a name for himself by becoming one of seven United States combat pilots to become a flying ace, meaning he shot down over five enemy aircraft in two separate wars. He’s credited with 34 enemy aircraft takedowns. In addition to being an exceptional fighter pilot, he used his Polish heritage to serve as a liaison for Polish Royal Air Force squadrons. He learned from their talented pilots during his time with them and flew a total of 20 missions with them in 1943. After World War II, the Air Force assigned him to complete his education at Columbia University, where he studied Russian and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He again saw combat during the Korean War, and in 1967, he retired from the military as a colonel.
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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.
