The Chicago 427 (46mm)

The Chicago 427 (46mm)

The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (46mm)
The Chicago 427 (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 427 is the 427th 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 427 Unique: This stunning Elgin features unique, bold and black numerals. We thought it would be the perfect fit for our diamond-like coating, titanium case. The double-sunk dial is another beautiful example of the kind of face Elgin is known for dreaming up. We paired it with our stone band for a monochromatic look. This watch is equipped with 17 Ruby and Sapphire jewels, along with gold-plated gears and a brass expansion balance. This uniquely shaped ¾ plate bridge is a signature look for Elgin, powered by a Breguet hairspring and Moseley regulator. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1924, not far Northwest of Chicago. In the same year, Red Grange, “The Galloping Ghost,” of the University of Illinois scored four touchdowns in twelve minutes while playing the University of Michigan.

1924

26222616

Case Style:Machined Titanium cases have been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. A DLC or "Diamond Like Carbon" coating is then applied to the case to create a uniquely black finish. While in the family of PVD coatings, DLC provides a small amount of transparency that allows us to see machine marks and surface detail while still appearing black. This coating is extremely durable and represents the best we have to offer.

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: DLC Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Nickel 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 427 is the 427th 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 427 Unique: This stunning Elgin features unique, bold and black numerals. We thought it would be the perfect fit for our diamond-like coating, titanium case. The double-sunk dial is another beautiful example of the kind of face Elgin is known for dreaming up. We paired it with our stone band for a monochromatic look. This watch is equipped with 17 Ruby and Sapphire jewels, along with gold-plated gears and a brass expansion balance. This uniquely shaped ¾ plate bridge is a signature look for Elgin, powered by a Breguet hairspring and Moseley regulator. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1924, not far Northwest of Chicago. In the same year, Red Grange, “The Galloping Ghost,” of the University of Illinois scored four touchdowns in twelve minutes while playing the University of Michigan.

1924

26222616

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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