The Chicago 449 (46mm)

The Chicago 449 (46mm)

The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (46mm)
The Chicago 449 (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 449 unique: We are happy to present to you this wonderful timepiece from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 449. We are amazed by the incredible details of this very clean and bright dial, with intricate gold and silver details all across the dial that really bring everything to life. The combination of Roman numerals with Arabic numerals around the outside is a unique touch and adds to the character of this dial. Our machined titanium case and nickel-plated hardware throughout continue the soft silver-colored theme and make for a perfect combination of visual interest. We love the subtle patina that covers the majority of the different surfaces inside this movement, showing its age and bringing attention to the fine details that have been intricately machined all throughout. 17 ruby jewels have been screw-set with stainless steel hardware, keeping everything spinning on track nicely. The spiral patterns on the mainspring barrel and crown wheel keep your eye spinning with the gold-plated gears beneath and add a little extra flair to the overall visual display. This watch was originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois in 1922. Meanwhile, in Onawa, Iowa Christian Kent Nelson was hard at work securing the patent for his Eskimo Pie invention. Nelson was a schoolteacher and candy store owner and came up with the idea of the iconic ice cream bar when a boy in his store couldn’t decide to spend his money on ice cream or a chocolate bar.

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 24764118 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: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  24764118
  • 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 449 unique: We are happy to present to you this wonderful timepiece from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 449. We are amazed by the incredible details of this very clean and bright dial, with intricate gold and silver details all across the dial that really bring everything to life. The combination of Roman numerals with Arabic numerals around the outside is a unique touch and adds to the character of this dial. Our machined titanium case and nickel-plated hardware throughout continue the soft silver-colored theme and make for a perfect combination of visual interest. We love the subtle patina that covers the majority of the different surfaces inside this movement, showing its age and bringing attention to the fine details that have been intricately machined all throughout. 17 ruby jewels have been screw-set with stainless steel hardware, keeping everything spinning on track nicely. The spiral patterns on the mainspring barrel and crown wheel keep your eye spinning with the gold-plated gears beneath and add a little extra flair to the overall visual display. This watch was originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois in 1922. Meanwhile, in Onawa, Iowa Christian Kent Nelson was hard at work securing the patent for his Eskimo Pie invention. Nelson was a schoolteacher and candy store owner and came up with the idea of the iconic ice cream bar when a boy in his store couldn’t decide to spend his money on ice cream or a chocolate bar.

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

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