The Chicago 437 (46mm)

The Chicago 437 (46mm)

The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (46mm)
The Chicago 437 (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 437 is the 437th 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 437 Unique: Today we bring you this incredibly unique watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, the Chicago 437. Most of the movements we source come to us without their original case, as the cases themselves are often taken for the precious metals they are made of. This watch pays homage to its original case with this incredible octagonal design around the outside, which would have been the shape of the case that housed this watch. The design continues on the center of the dial, carefully machined with these intricate patterns that immediately draw you in for a second look. We matched the gold-colored dial with our gold crown and hardware, topping it off with our very classy black cordovan strap. Once you turn this watch over to reveal the inner workings, you will find even more character to tell its story. A nicely aged patina throughout the build plates shows its age, with gold-plated gears and a brass balance wheel bringing some contrast and color to the visual landscape. A very intricate pattern has been delicately machined into the build plate, subtly showing through upon second glance. We love the storied past of these watches and hope that this watch will continue to continue its legacy. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1923 a little outside of Chicago. This is also the same year that the Sahara Desert was traversed by automobiles for the very first time.

1923

25713579

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 437 is the 437th 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 437 Unique: Today we bring you this incredibly unique watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, the Chicago 437. Most of the movements we source come to us without their original case, as the cases themselves are often taken for the precious metals they are made of. This watch pays homage to its original case with this incredible octagonal design around the outside, which would have been the shape of the case that housed this watch. The design continues on the center of the dial, carefully machined with these intricate patterns that immediately draw you in for a second look. We matched the gold-colored dial with our gold crown and hardware, topping it off with our very classy black cordovan strap. Once you turn this watch over to reveal the inner workings, you will find even more character to tell its story. A nicely aged patina throughout the build plates shows its age, with gold-plated gears and a brass balance wheel bringing some contrast and color to the visual landscape. A very intricate pattern has been delicately machined into the build plate, subtly showing through upon second glance. We love the storied past of these watches and hope that this watch will continue to continue its legacy. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1923 a little outside of Chicago. This is also the same year that the Sahara Desert was traversed by automobiles for the very first time.

1923

25713579

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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