Watch Description
What Makes The Chicago 113 Unique:
The Chicago 113 presents a beautifully aged dial defined by a warm antique patina that has developed naturally over the last century. Subtle engraved detailing spreads across the surface, catching light softly without overpowering the design. Distinct black numerals stand out against the worn background, offering both clarity and character, while the original blued-steel hands sweep cleanly across the dial with deep, inky tones that remain striking today. A recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock adds balance and introduces a fine contrast in texture, grounding the overall layout in classic American design.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1923. Through the open caseback, we’re treated to carefully executed engraving across the bridges, polished steel elements, and gold-plated gears that reveal the precision and pride behind early 20th-century American watchmaking. The movement’s finishing reflects Elgin’s commitment to durability and refinement during one of its most productive eras.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 case, crafted from sandblasted bronze that gives the piece a warm, understated presence on the wrist. An angled sandblasted bronze bezel adds subtle visual depth, while the knurled machined-steel crown offers a tactile contrast and reliable function. We let this bronze case patina a bit before building it so you have a head start on the aging process and can see the character that will continue to develop on this watch. Completing the build is an oxblood cordovan leather strap that complements the bronze tones and ties the entire watch together with a confident, grounded aesthetic.
In 1923, American industry was in the midst of rapid transformation, with manufacturing centers like Chicago driving innovation in transportation, infrastructure, and consumer goods. That same year, the United States saw continued expansion of rail networks and urban growth, reinforcing the need for precise, dependable timekeeping. The Chicago 113 reflects that moment in history—a functional instrument shaped by craftsmanship, purpose, and the rhythm of a growing nation.
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 Diameter: 45mm
- Case Material: Sandblasted Bronze
- Crown/Hardware: Bronze
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Front: Domed Sapphire Back: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 22mm Oxblood Cordovan Leather with Bronze Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 25636472
- Manufacture Year: 1923
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Chicago 113 Unique:
The Chicago 113 presents a beautifully aged dial defined by a warm antique patina that has developed naturally over the last century. Subtle engraved detailing spreads across the surface, catching light softly without overpowering the design. Distinct black numerals stand out against the worn background, offering both clarity and character, while the original blued-steel hands sweep cleanly across the dial with deep, inky tones that remain striking today. A recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock adds balance and introduces a fine contrast in texture, grounding the overall layout in classic American design.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1923. Through the open caseback, we’re treated to carefully executed engraving across the bridges, polished steel elements, and gold-plated gears that reveal the precision and pride behind early 20th-century American watchmaking. The movement’s finishing reflects Elgin’s commitment to durability and refinement during one of its most productive eras.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 case, crafted from sandblasted bronze that gives the piece a warm, understated presence on the wrist. An angled sandblasted bronze bezel adds subtle visual depth, while the knurled machined-steel crown offers a tactile contrast and reliable function. We let this bronze case patina a bit before building it so you have a head start on the aging process and can see the character that will continue to develop on this watch. Completing the build is an oxblood cordovan leather strap that complements the bronze tones and ties the entire watch together with a confident, grounded aesthetic.
In 1923, American industry was in the midst of rapid transformation, with manufacturing centers like Chicago driving innovation in transportation, infrastructure, and consumer goods. That same year, the United States saw continued expansion of rail networks and urban growth, reinforcing the need for precise, dependable timekeeping. The Chicago 113 reflects that moment in history—a functional instrument shaped by craftsmanship, purpose, and the rhythm of a growing nation.
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.
