{"product_id":"the-chicago-117-45mm","title":"The Chicago 117 (45mm)","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Makes The Chicago 117 Unique:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chicago 117 pairs the dependability of early American watchmaking with a softer, more understated visual character. Built around a 17-jewel Elgin movement manufactured in 1922, this piece carries the refined simplicity that defined many of the best pocket watches of the early twentieth century. While some watches rely on heavy ornamentation to stand apart, the Chicago 117 succeeds through proportion, texture, and restraint.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElgin stood among the largest and most influential American watch manufacturers of its era, producing millions of movements while helping establish standards for precision manufacturing across the industry. By the early 1920s, Elgin had refined its methods into an incredibly consistent process capable of producing reliable movements that balanced durability with elegant finishing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe dial immediately creates a different personality than many period examples. A warm ivory surface carries subtle aging and soft tonal variation that give the watch depth without overwhelming the design. Bold black Arabic numerals remain highly legible against the lighter background, framed by a crisp outer railroad minute track that reinforces the movement’s original purpose as a precision instrument. Collectors will immediately notice the blued Louis-style hands, whose sculpted profiles add a level of elegance and movement that contrasts beautifully with the otherwise restrained layout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register anchors the composition and preserves the original proportions of the pocket watch dial. Its detailed minute divisions create additional visual texture while maintaining the symmetry that collectors often appreciate in early American pocket watch layouts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurning the watch over reveals the movement beneath the sapphire caseback. The 17-jewel Elgin movement displays brushed and polished surfaces, visible gold-plated gearing, ruby jewel settings, and an architecture that feels straightforward yet refined. Collectors familiar with American movements from this period will appreciate the practical engineering that made Elgin one of the most respected names in the industry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe modern exterior creates a subtle contrast with the century-old movement within. The machined stainless steel V3 case is paired with a sandblasted bezel that softens reflections and introduces a more tactile character. Above the dial sits a pre-patinated bronze crown, adding warmth and a slight industrial edge against the cooler steel surfaces. Paired with the rich brown strap, the overall presentation feels balanced and timeless.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chicago 117 does not compete for attention through excess. Instead, it rewards closer inspection, revealing small details and subtle textures that become more noticeable over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vortic Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52068527866157,"sku":null,"price":4800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1710\/0345\/files\/1_fcd81bba-0c98-403f-9644-50cbc46f0142.png?v=1779229810","url":"https:\/\/vorticwatches.com\/products\/the-chicago-117-45mm","provider":"Vortic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}