Watch Description
What Makes The Chicago 115 Unique:
The Chicago 115 is defined by contrast and ornamentation, centered around a dial that blends structured design with unexpectedly rich detail. The outer dial features a vertically brushed silver surface, its linear texture subtly catching light while showing natural patina throughout. Fine spotting and age marks give the dial an authentic, time-earned character, while bold black Arabic numerals maintain strong legibility against the textured background.
What sets this piece apart is the gold-plated center section, which introduces a dramatic shift in both color and texture. This inner portion features intricate engraving, adding a level of detail not commonly found in more utilitarian dials of the era. The contrast between the brushed outer ring and the ornate center creates a layered composition that draws the eye inward without overwhelming the overall layout. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register continues the gold-toned theme, with a circular brushed finish that ties the design together while adding depth.
The handset complements the dial with a more stylized profile, featuring subtle shaping that echoes early 20th-century design language. Blued-steel hands provide a crisp contrast against both the silver and gold surfaces, shifting slightly in tone depending on the light and reinforcing the watch’s dynamic presence.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1922. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals Geneva striping across the bridges, along with polished steel components and gold-plated gears that add warmth and motion to the composition. Elgin was one of the largest and most respected American watchmakers of its time, known for producing reliable, well-finished movements at scale. The 12-size configuration offers a balanced layout, allowing a clear view of the gear train and balance assembly as they operate.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a clean machined surface that provides a modern, precise frame for the vintage dial. A matching stainless steel bezel surrounds the dial with a subtle, refined edge, while the machined crown—positioned at 12 o’clock—preserves the original pocket watch orientation. This crown placement remains a defining feature of converted pieces, maintaining a direct connection to the watch’s origins. The watch is paired with a striking teal leather strap, whose bright tone makes this watch stand out, begging to be seen.
By the early 1920s, Elgin Watch Company had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of American watchmaking, producing millions of movements known for their durability and consistency. Pieces like the Chicago 115 highlight how even within large-scale production, there was still room for artistry and variation. The result is a watch that balances reliability with a level of decorative detail that feels distinctly personal.
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: Machined Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Front: Domed Sapphire Back: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 24mm Teal Leather Strap by W&W with Steel Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 24521359
- Manufacture Year: 1922
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Chicago 115 Unique:
The Chicago 115 is defined by contrast and ornamentation, centered around a dial that blends structured design with unexpectedly rich detail. The outer dial features a vertically brushed silver surface, its linear texture subtly catching light while showing natural patina throughout. Fine spotting and age marks give the dial an authentic, time-earned character, while bold black Arabic numerals maintain strong legibility against the textured background.
What sets this piece apart is the gold-plated center section, which introduces a dramatic shift in both color and texture. This inner portion features intricate engraving, adding a level of detail not commonly found in more utilitarian dials of the era. The contrast between the brushed outer ring and the ornate center creates a layered composition that draws the eye inward without overwhelming the overall layout. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register continues the gold-toned theme, with a circular brushed finish that ties the design together while adding depth.
The handset complements the dial with a more stylized profile, featuring subtle shaping that echoes early 20th-century design language. Blued-steel hands provide a crisp contrast against both the silver and gold surfaces, shifting slightly in tone depending on the light and reinforcing the watch’s dynamic presence.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1922. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals Geneva striping across the bridges, along with polished steel components and gold-plated gears that add warmth and motion to the composition. Elgin was one of the largest and most respected American watchmakers of its time, known for producing reliable, well-finished movements at scale. The 12-size configuration offers a balanced layout, allowing a clear view of the gear train and balance assembly as they operate.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a clean machined surface that provides a modern, precise frame for the vintage dial. A matching stainless steel bezel surrounds the dial with a subtle, refined edge, while the machined crown—positioned at 12 o’clock—preserves the original pocket watch orientation. This crown placement remains a defining feature of converted pieces, maintaining a direct connection to the watch’s origins. The watch is paired with a striking teal leather strap, whose bright tone makes this watch stand out, begging to be seen.
By the early 1920s, Elgin Watch Company had firmly established itself as a cornerstone of American watchmaking, producing millions of movements known for their durability and consistency. Pieces like the Chicago 115 highlight how even within large-scale production, there was still room for artistry and variation. The result is a watch that balances reliability with a level of decorative detail that feels distinctly personal.
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.
