Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 454 unique: Today, we are so excited to introduce this incredible piece from the Elgin National Watch Company — the Chicago 454. This watch features a classic single-sunk dial with crisp numerals and two cobalt blue watch hands. Originally manufactured in Elgin, Illinois, in 1899, the subtle aging on the dial reminds us of how old this watch actually is and how well it’s been preserved through the last century. Our titanium case with Diamond Like Coating (DLC) finish and our Cordovan Black leather strap modernize the watch while keeping its history intact. As we turn this watch over we are absolutely mesmerized by the fine details of this movement. Copper inlaid text throughout brings attention to all the different design elements, including this signature Moseley regulator with a very unique insignia that has been machined onto the surface. Rose-gold gears beneath and a brass balance wheel add to the precious metal details and let these 19 jewels shine. The nickel-plated gears, paired with the gold embellishments and inscriptions, create a stunning display of artistry and machinery wrapped up in one. The same year this watch was produced in 1899, the St. Valentine’s Day blizzard swept across the United States, resulting in a snowy southern Florida and record-breaking, freezing temperatures.Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Elgin Watch Company. We call this model "The Chicago" because of the company's proximity to the city.
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.
Legal Disclaimer: All product and company names, logos, brands, and other trademarks featured or referred to within Vortic's products and services are the property of their respective intellectual property rights holders, if any. Those intellectual property rights holders, other than Vortic, LLC, are not affiliated with Vortic, LLC, our products, or our website. They do not sponsor or endorse our materials.
Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 47mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug to Lug: 55mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: DLC Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Copper
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 7498343
- Manufacture Year: 1899
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
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The Movement
The engine that powers this watch is an antique American pocket watch movement. All the gears and springs that make it tell time are roughly 100 years old on average. We call these watches the American Artisan Series because we're celebrating the history and legacy of the artisan watchmakers who built this engineering marvel a century ago in the United States.
The Story
Today most pocket watches are scrapped for the gold or silver of the case (the outside of the antique timepiece), leaving the inside (what we call the "movement") as trash.
We take pride in upcycling these pieces of American history by salvaging as many as we can, then preserving them inside our wristwatches.
Our expert team of watchmakers restores the antique movement and then we manufacture a custom wristwatch case here in Fort Collins, Colorado.
The Strap
We partnered with Worn & Wound to produce a custom set of straps for our American Artisan Series watches. We now have 15 different colors to choose from including our two Horween Shell Cordovan options. These straps are made in the USA and are based on the Windup Model 2 Premium strap that Worn and Wound offers.
