The Chicago 426 (46mm)

The Chicago 426 (46mm)

The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)
The Chicago 426 (46mm)

Watch Description

The American mechanism inside this watch is not a replica or an "inspired" piece. It was genuinely carried by an individual, 100 years ago, that depended on it. Each time you wear this watch, you will be transported through time, imagining who this individual was and the work they did to help build our country. Simply put, American Artisan Series watches make you feel something when you put them on. At Vortic, we tell customers that owning a watch isn't nearly as important as owning a story. And, this is an opportunity to be a part of a story that is bigger than yourself. You won't be the first to own this watch, and you certainly won't be the last, so make your chapter count.

The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements. Individuals commonly scrap pocket watch cases for their precious metal, leaving the original mechanism orphaned. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880's - 1950's) pocket watch made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.

The Chicago 426 is the 426th 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 426 Unique: Did you know that the Elgin National Watch Company produced over 55 million watches between 1864 and 1968? You’d think that with so many Elgins in existence, that finding new and exciting dials and movements would be a difficult task. This unique timepiece is just one of many that we’re happy to breathe new life into, and yet, there are still so many more! This particular dial features a star design, nicely aged numerals, and a font we rarely see. We paired it with our gunmetal titanium case to accent the numerals. Aged, gothic-style hands pair well with the rustic motif of the dial while the gold-plated crown and olive strap add a touch of modernity. The movement has been intricately machined by a rose engine lathe to produce the incredible pattern across the steel build plate. 17 screw-set jewels power its gold-plated gears. This fantastic movement, which is powered by a Moseley regulator and a Breguet hairspring, was originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch company in 1925, in Elgin, Illinois. In October of this same year, the Pittsburgh Pirates won their second world series title, defeating the Washington Senators.

1925

28066695

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. The case is intentionally left unpolished so the intricate tool marks made during the milling process remain visible. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. Titanium has a darker look than steel, and due to its low thermal conductivity, feels warm to the touch. These characteristics create an enduring, highly wearable, distinctive piece.

Movement: The manually wound, antique, pocket watch movement inside this watch has been meticulously restored to as close to original condition as possible. Vortic has an exclusive group of highly experienced watchmakers that specialize in vintage watches. Before its use in a wristwatch, each movement is completely disassembled, cleaned, oiled, and calibrated. Each finished Vortic watch is tested for at least a week before completion.

This watch's movement is serial number from the Elgin Watch Company. 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: 2021
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions: 
    • Diameter: 46mm
    • Height: 12mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
    • Lugs: 22mm
  • Case Finish: Machined Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17j
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
It looks like it would have been right at home on the wrist of Indiana Jones! This watch is a showpiece as much as it is as unique timepiece!
—John from Indiana
After receiving the watch in the mail, I was surprised to see the watch somehow looked better in person than it did in the photos. I didn't think that would be possible!
—Mark from Massachusetts
The skeleton back is amazing and the packaging was perfect. To honor the past with details like this is truly impressive.
—Brad from Florida
I own so called "high end" watches such as Rolex, Panerai, and Zenith but they pale in comparison to my two Vortic models which I wear everyday to work.
—Todd from Ohio

The Chicago 426 is the 426th 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 426 Unique: Did you know that the Elgin National Watch Company produced over 55 million watches between 1864 and 1968? You’d think that with so many Elgins in existence, that finding new and exciting dials and movements would be a difficult task. This unique timepiece is just one of many that we’re happy to breathe new life into, and yet, there are still so many more! This particular dial features a star design, nicely aged numerals, and a font we rarely see. We paired it with our gunmetal titanium case to accent the numerals. Aged, gothic-style hands pair well with the rustic motif of the dial while the gold-plated crown and olive strap add a touch of modernity. The movement has been intricately machined by a rose engine lathe to produce the incredible pattern across the steel build plate. 17 screw-set jewels power its gold-plated gears. This fantastic movement, which is powered by a Moseley regulator and a Breguet hairspring, was originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch company in 1925, in Elgin, Illinois. In October of this same year, the Pittsburgh Pirates won their second world series title, defeating the Washington Senators.

1925

28066695

Quality Straps

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Mission

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Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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