Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 079 unique:
The dial of the Chicago 079 is a masterpiece of early 20th-century watchmaking, featuring an intricately textured gold center with a decorative emblem that immediately draws the eye. The raised gold numerals and minute markers provide exceptional depth, while the rich patina of the outer dial adds character and contrast. The sunk sub-seconds dial, also gold in tone, complements the dial’s center beautifully, reinforcing the refined yet rugged aesthetic. A pair of heat-blued kite hands brings a striking visual contrast, standing out against the dial’s golden backdrop.
At the heart of this timepiece is an Elgin movement, originally manufactured in 1923. This 17-jewel open-face movement was a testament to American watchmaking precision, built for durability and smooth operation. The movement’s intricate damascening adds a captivating level of detail, with gold-plated gears visible through the open caseback, enhancing the movement’s mechanical beauty.
Encasing this historic movement is a stonewashed steel case, designed to showcase the watch’s rich history while offering modern durability. The angled, steel bezel frames the dial elegantly, while the bronze vertical-grooved crown adds a warm, vintage-inspired accent. The watch is paired with a chocolate-brown leather strap, its deep tones complementing the gold hues of the dial and movement.
In 1923, Elgin was one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, producing high-precision timepieces for both civilian and military use. That same year, the United States was in the midst of a technological transformation—Ford had just introduced the first truck with an enclosed cab, marking a shift toward modern automotive design. This period of industrial innovation mirrors the craftsmanship and precision found in the Chicago 079, a true piece of American horological history.
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.
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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: Stonewashed Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Bronze
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 25874129
- Manufacture Year: 1923
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 079 unique:
The dial of the Chicago 079 is a masterpiece of early 20th-century watchmaking, featuring an intricately textured gold center with a decorative emblem that immediately draws the eye. The raised gold numerals and minute markers provide exceptional depth, while the rich patina of the outer dial adds character and contrast. The sunk sub-seconds dial, also gold in tone, complements the dial’s center beautifully, reinforcing the refined yet rugged aesthetic. A pair of heat-blued kite hands brings a striking visual contrast, standing out against the dial’s golden backdrop.
At the heart of this timepiece is an Elgin movement, originally manufactured in 1923. This 17-jewel open-face movement was a testament to American watchmaking precision, built for durability and smooth operation. The movement’s intricate damascening adds a captivating level of detail, with gold-plated gears visible through the open caseback, enhancing the movement’s mechanical beauty.
Encasing this historic movement is a stonewashed steel case, designed to showcase the watch’s rich history while offering modern durability. The angled, steel bezel frames the dial elegantly, while the bronze vertical-grooved crown adds a warm, vintage-inspired accent. The watch is paired with a chocolate-brown leather strap, its deep tones complementing the gold hues of the dial and movement.
In 1923, Elgin was one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, producing high-precision timepieces for both civilian and military use. That same year, the United States was in the midst of a technological transformation—Ford had just introduced the first truck with an enclosed cab, marking a shift toward modern automotive design. This period of industrial innovation mirrors the craftsmanship and precision found in the Chicago 079, a true piece of American horological history.
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.
