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 Waltham Watch Company. We call this model "The Boston" because of the company's proximity to the city.
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.
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.
Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. The case is intentionally left unpolished so the intricate tool marks made during the milling process remain visible. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. Titanium has a darker look than steel, and due to its low thermal conductivity, feels warm to the touch. These characteristics create an enduring, highly wearable, distinctive piece.
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 22555940 from the Waltham Watch Company. 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.
Legal Disclaimer: All product and company names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Vortic's products and services are the property of their respective intellectual property rights holders, if any. Those intellectual property rights holders, other than Vortic, LLC, are not affiliated with Vortic, LLC, our products, or our website. They do not sponsor or endorse our materials.
Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
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Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 46mm
- Height: 12mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
- Lugs: 22mm
- Case Finish: Machined Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Gorilla Glass
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Waltham Watch Company
- Serial Number: 22555940
- Manufacture Year: 1919
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17j
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
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.
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.
Quality Straps
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.
Mission
Our mission is to preserve and enhance the legacy of manufacturing excellence in America. We believe that this legacy is highly relevant in the world of watch manufacturing because our goal is to marry form and function in a way that makes something beautiful that will last forever. American made pocket watches were of such a high quality and decoration that they evolved into more than just a way to tell time. They became traditional heirlooms to be inherited by future generations as a wedding gift or a coming of age treasure. Each piece tells a lively tale of what U.S. manufacturing meant in the past using an intricate language of decorated bridges, plates, gears, and springs. Today, we are restoring these pieces to their former glory and making them relevant again using the best of modern technology.
American Made
We feel proud and blessed to live in the country, state, and city that we do. However, our motivation to build everything in the United States, and to deal locally whenever possible, is derived from a different source of inspiration. We believe that the close relationships, face-to-face interaction, and tight quality control we achieve while dealing domestically produces a truly superior product. Because of this, we are very transparent about where our components are made as we continue to build our in-house capabilities.
