The Chicago 439 (46mm)

The Chicago 439 (46mm)

The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (46mm)
The Chicago 439 (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.

What makes the Chicago 439 unique: Today we happily present to you this beautiful watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, the Chicago 439. The clean and crisp feel of this watch brings this antique into the present with a very modern look. Our soft, sandblasted titanium case pairs perfectly with this immaculate white dial. We love the feature of the red minute indicators around the outside of the numerals, as well as these dark blue hands that stand out nicely. The copper crown blends in nicely with our tobacco strap, letting the dial and case steal the show. The movement inside of this watch has a little more wear and tear to showcase, which we enjoy letting shine through. 17 screw set jewels and gold-plated gears power this movement, as well as this Moseley regulator that keeps the balance wheel on track. Originally manufactured in 1926 in Elgin, Illinois a little outside of Chicago. This was also the same year that Henry Ford introduced his 40 hour workweek model for his employees, eventually becoming a standard for most of America.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. We use pressurized, fine glass beads in a sandblasting chamber to soften the edges and make the finish uniform. 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 28679904 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: Sandblasted Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Copper
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  28679904
  • Manufacture Year:  1926
  • 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
What makes the Chicago 439 unique: Today we happily present to you this beautiful watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, the Chicago 439. The clean and crisp feel of this watch brings this antique into the present with a very modern look. Our soft, sandblasted titanium case pairs perfectly with this immaculate white dial. We love the feature of the red minute indicators around the outside of the numerals, as well as these dark blue hands that stand out nicely. The copper crown blends in nicely with our tobacco strap, letting the dial and case steal the show. The movement inside of this watch has a little more wear and tear to showcase, which we enjoy letting shine through. 17 screw set jewels and gold-plated gears power this movement, as well as this Moseley regulator that keeps the balance wheel on track. Originally manufactured in 1926 in Elgin, Illinois a little outside of Chicago. This was also the same year that Henry Ford introduced his 40 hour workweek model for his employees, eventually becoming a standard for most of America.

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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