The Chicago 381 (47mm)
286 reviews

The Chicago 381 (47mm)

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The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)
The Chicago 381 (47mm)

Watch Description

The Chicago 381 is the 381st 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 381 Unique: Where to even begin with this watch! We are amazed at how the combination of the cream dial, the brown-gold numerals and steel blue hands all come together. To play with the brown undertones in the numerals we went with the copper crown and crimson strap. We tried to capture the texture of the ornate design in the center of the dial but it might just be something you have to see in person! We were thinking the design almost looked a medal. Turns out the year this movement was produced, 1928, Charles Lindbergh is presented the Medal of Honor for his first trans-Atlantic flight.

1928

30092040

https://player.vimeo.com/video/447535405

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: See Description
  • Crown/Hardware: Copper
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: 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 381 is the 381st 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 381 Unique: Where to even begin with this watch! We are amazed at how the combination of the cream dial, the brown-gold numerals and steel blue hands all come together. To play with the brown undertones in the numerals we went with the copper crown and crimson strap. We tried to capture the texture of the ornate design in the center of the dial but it might just be something you have to see in person! We were thinking the design almost looked a medal. Turns out the year this movement was produced, 1928, Charles Lindbergh is presented the Medal of Honor for his first trans-Atlantic flight.

1928

30092040

https://player.vimeo.com/video/447535405

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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