The Chicago 218 (47mm)
338 reviews

The Chicago 218 (47mm)

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The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)
The Chicago 218 (47mm)

Watch Description

The Chicago 218 is the 218th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Chicago" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Chicago 218 Unique: When we procured this dial we knew it must be used for something special and while Saint Patrick's Day was temping, once we got this stunning dial in a machined bronze case with a Cordovan Oxblood strap it was a game over. This watch is simply meant to be boasted through the holidays. One of our co-founder's R.T. actually grew up on his family's Christmas tree farm, helping families every season find their perfect tree for the holiday! 2020 was the final year for the DeLong Christmas Tree Farm and so we would like to dedicate this watch to R.T.'s family legacy, a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit he continues to embody, and Jean, R.T.'s mom, who passed earlier this year. A true Conversation Piece, this dial is not only Christmas tree green but it has a scalloped texture to the dial that reminds us of the layers of branches. The gold numerals are accented by small circles and diamonds like ornaments decorating the dial. The movement is nothing to scoff at either, 17jewels produced by the Elgin Watch Company in 1911 - more than 100 years ago! There is a bit of a fracture at the bottom of the dial, to be expected for being 109 years old! You can see some designs engraved on the movement including the floral swirl you can find on many Elgins. This watch is very special to us and we look forward to it finding the perfect wrist to call home for many generations to come.

1911

15468969

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.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Model Year: 2020
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions:
    • Diameter: 47mm
    • Thickness: 12mm
    • Lug to Lug: 55mm
    • Lug Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Machined Bronze
  • Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Horween Shell Cordovan Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours

The Chicago 218 is the 218th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Chicago" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Chicago 218 Unique: When we procured this dial we knew it must be used for something special and while Saint Patrick's Day was temping, once we got this stunning dial in a machined bronze case with a Cordovan Oxblood strap it was a game over. This watch is simply meant to be boasted through the holidays. One of our co-founder's R.T. actually grew up on his family's Christmas tree farm, helping families every season find their perfect tree for the holiday! 2020 was the final year for the DeLong Christmas Tree Farm and so we would like to dedicate this watch to R.T.'s family legacy, a nod to the entrepreneurial spirit he continues to embody, and Jean, R.T.'s mom, who passed earlier this year. A true Conversation Piece, this dial is not only Christmas tree green but it has a scalloped texture to the dial that reminds us of the layers of branches. The gold numerals are accented by small circles and diamonds like ornaments decorating the dial. The movement is nothing to scoff at either, 17jewels produced by the Elgin Watch Company in 1911 - more than 100 years ago! There is a bit of a fracture at the bottom of the dial, to be expected for being 109 years old! You can see some designs engraved on the movement including the floral swirl you can find on many Elgins. This watch is very special to us and we look forward to it finding the perfect wrist to call home for many generations to come.

1911

15468969

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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