The Chicago 040 (45mm)
341 reviews

The Chicago 040 (45mm)

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The Chicago 040 (45mm)
The Chicago 040 (45mm)
The Chicago 040 (45mm)
The Chicago 040 (45mm)
The Chicago 040 (45mm)
The Chicago 040 (45mm)

Watch Description

What makes the Chicago 040 unique: At first glance, The Chicago 040 looks like a classic black-and-white-dialed pocket watch conversion, but upon closer inspection, this one is something special. We've taken a 1918 Elgin pocket watch with hand-painted Masonic symbols and given it new life in our sleek stainless steel case with an exhibition back. Flip this piece over, and you'll see the original movement is just as intricate as the dial, not to be outshone by a straightforward tobacco leather strap. The resulting timepiece is truly a piece of American history and a conversation piece, to say the least. 

Movement Manufacturer Information

The movement inside of this watch was made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.

Also known as Elgin National Watch Company, Elgin wasn't only the largest watch manufacturer in the United States, but the largest watch manufacturer in the world for almost 100 years, operating from 1864-1964. The company often used a depiction of father time on advertisements. At one point, the company was making 7,500 watch movements per week and had 2,300 employees. The factory was demolished in 1966 and replaced with a shopping center.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Model Year: 2023
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions:
    • Diameter: 45mm
    • Thickness: 12mm
    • Lug to Lug: 55mm
    • Lug Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Machined Stainless Steel
  • Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 20526895
  • Manufacture Year: 1918
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours

What makes the Chicago 040 unique: At first glance, The Chicago 040 looks like a classic black-and-white-dialed pocket watch conversion, but upon closer inspection, this one is something special. We've taken a 1918 Elgin pocket watch with hand-painted Masonic symbols and given it new life in our sleek stainless steel case with an exhibition back. Flip this piece over, and you'll see the original movement is just as intricate as the dial, not to be outshone by a straightforward tobacco leather strap. The resulting timepiece is truly a piece of American history and a conversation piece, to say the least. 

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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