Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 074 unique:
The Chicago 074 is a stunning example of what happens when history and craftsmanship merge in an unexpected way. The first thing you’ll notice is the rich, gradient patina on the original 1918 Elgin dial—a mesmerizing mix of warm golden hues and deep, earthy tones that have naturally developed over more than a century. Paired with the unconventional sub-seconds dial at the 3 o’clock position, this watch tells a fascinating story of adaptation in American watchmaking.
Most of the antique pocket watches we restore were originally open-faced with the crown at 12 o’clock. However, some were designed for hunting cases, with a metal cover to protect the glass during outdoor activities. Many of these movements were later rotated 90 degrees to fit open-face cases, resulting in unique dial layouts like this one. It’s a conversation piece that bridges two eras of horology.
Inside, this watch houses a 17-jewel Elgin movement, meticulously restored and visible through the case back. It was originally manufactured in 1918, the same year the U.S. Postal Service officially launched its airmail service, marking a leap forward in transportation and connectivity. The movement is framed by our sandblasted stainless steel case, featuring a polished scalloped bezel that adds a touch of refined texture. A bronze crown complements the warm patina of the dial, while a rich camel-colored leather strap completes the look.
This is history on the wrist—an American-made timepiece with an unforgettable presence.
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.
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
- Model Year: 2025
- 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: 20991481
- Manufacture Year: 1918
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 074 unique:
The Chicago 074 is a stunning example of what happens when history and craftsmanship merge in an unexpected way. The first thing you’ll notice is the rich, gradient patina on the original 1918 Elgin dial—a mesmerizing mix of warm golden hues and deep, earthy tones that have naturally developed over more than a century. Paired with the unconventional sub-seconds dial at the 3 o’clock position, this watch tells a fascinating story of adaptation in American watchmaking.
Most of the antique pocket watches we restore were originally open-faced with the crown at 12 o’clock. However, some were designed for hunting cases, with a metal cover to protect the glass during outdoor activities. Many of these movements were later rotated 90 degrees to fit open-face cases, resulting in unique dial layouts like this one. It’s a conversation piece that bridges two eras of horology.
Inside, this watch houses a 17-jewel Elgin movement, meticulously restored and visible through the case back. It was originally manufactured in 1918, the same year the U.S. Postal Service officially launched its airmail service, marking a leap forward in transportation and connectivity. The movement is framed by our sandblasted stainless steel case, featuring a polished scalloped bezel that adds a touch of refined texture. A bronze crown complements the warm patina of the dial, while a rich camel-colored leather strap completes the look.
This is history on the wrist—an American-made timepiece with an unforgettable presence.
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.
