The Chicago 448 (46mm)

The Chicago 448 (46mm)

The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (46mm)
The Chicago 448 (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 448 unique: For today’s watch of the day we are happy to present this wonderful timepiece from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 448. We love the small details in the center of the dial, with this incredible craftsmanship displayed to carry your eye around the entirety of the face. We find it interesting to not see the Elgin insignia displayed here, which gives this watch a simple clean look that we really enjoy. We cased this watch in machined titanium which helps the details of the dial and our gold-plated crown really pop. As we turn this watch over to display the movement within, we immediately are drawn to the subtle aging patina that has grown on this watch over the years of its long life. Adorned by 17 screw-set jewels in these brass raised settings, to pair nicely with the gold-plated gears beneath. Powered by a Moseley regulator and brass balance wheel as well. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1922. The Irish Civil War began in June of this year, the result of the Irish people attempting to gain their independence from the British Empire. The conflict lasted all the way until May of 1923.

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 24364057 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
  • 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:  24364057
  • Manufacture Year:  1922
  • 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 448 unique: For today’s watch of the day we are happy to present this wonderful timepiece from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 448. We love the small details in the center of the dial, with this incredible craftsmanship displayed to carry your eye around the entirety of the face. We find it interesting to not see the Elgin insignia displayed here, which gives this watch a simple clean look that we really enjoy. We cased this watch in machined titanium which helps the details of the dial and our gold-plated crown really pop. As we turn this watch over to display the movement within, we immediately are drawn to the subtle aging patina that has grown on this watch over the years of its long life. Adorned by 17 screw-set jewels in these brass raised settings, to pair nicely with the gold-plated gears beneath. Powered by a Moseley regulator and brass balance wheel as well. This watch was originally produced in Elgin, Illinois in 1922. The Irish Civil War began in June of this year, the result of the Irish people attempting to gain their independence from the British Empire. The conflict lasted all the way until May of 1923.

Quality Straps

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Mission

Learn More About Vortic
Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series