Watch Description
The What makes the Chicago 457 unique:
Today, we present you this stunning piece initially constructed by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1924 — the Chicago 457. We crafted Elgin's original pocket watch into this stunning one-of-a-kind wristwatch. The watch's dial features a sophisticated cream-colored background that emphasizes its dark, stylized numerals. The numerals feature a distinct 45-degree-angle text-shadow conveying its early 20th-century style. The piece's hands feature a subtle dark blue hue that complements the dial's background. We equipped the piece with our black DLC case, contrasting the dial's light background while matching its dark numerals, and we added a gold-plated crown that shines brightly in juxtaposition with the dial. Our black DLC case features a clear back, giving you a perfect view of the watch's 345-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish and pendant setting. Peering through the back, you can also see the piece's breathtaking gold-plated gears and 17 ruby and sapphire jewels. We paired the watch with our artisan-designed, stone leather watch strap, adding a rugged quality that ties the piece together perfectly. The Elgin National Watch Company initially created the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1924 — the same year in which Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act. The act was signed into law by the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, and granted citizenship to Native Americans born in the United States. House Representative Homer P. Snyder, who was known for advocating for Native American rights, introduced the act to Congress. Snyder also served as the chair of the United States House Committee on Indian Affairs from 1921 to 1925. Although Congress granted Native Americans citizenship on June 2, 1924, many states unjustly denied their right to vote until Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
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.
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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: Gold Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 26312648
- Manufacture Year: 1924
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
The What makes the Chicago 457 unique:
Today, we present you this stunning piece initially constructed by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1924 — the Chicago 457. We crafted Elgin's original pocket watch into this stunning one-of-a-kind wristwatch. The watch's dial features a sophisticated cream-colored background that emphasizes its dark, stylized numerals. The numerals feature a distinct 45-degree-angle text-shadow conveying its early 20th-century style. The piece's hands feature a subtle dark blue hue that complements the dial's background. We equipped the piece with our black DLC case, contrasting the dial's light background while matching its dark numerals, and we added a gold-plated crown that shines brightly in juxtaposition with the dial. Our black DLC case features a clear back, giving you a perfect view of the watch's 345-grade open-face movement with a nickel finish and pendant setting. Peering through the back, you can also see the piece's breathtaking gold-plated gears and 17 ruby and sapphire jewels. We paired the watch with our artisan-designed, stone leather watch strap, adding a rugged quality that ties the piece together perfectly. The Elgin National Watch Company initially created the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1924 — the same year in which Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act. The act was signed into law by the 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, and granted citizenship to Native Americans born in the United States. House Representative Homer P. Snyder, who was known for advocating for Native American rights, introduced the act to Congress. Snyder also served as the chair of the United States House Committee on Indian Affairs from 1921 to 1925. Although Congress granted Native Americans citizenship on June 2, 1924, many states unjustly denied their right to vote until Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957.
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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.