The Chicago 478 (46mm)

The Chicago 478 (46mm)

The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (46mm)
The Chicago 478 (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 478 unique:

Today, we’re thrilled to present this remarkable piece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company over a century ago — the Chicago 478. This watch boasts a uniquely-styled dial with a breathtaking copper-colored center design and rustic subdial. The dial also features black numerals and dark blue solid diamond kite hands that look stunning against its cream-colored background. We encased the original pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and paired it with a gold-plated crown, making this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish. The back of the watch features a 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and going barrel. The movement also features luxurious and robust gold-plated gears powered by 17 ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. To top the piece off, we matched it with our comfortable, artisan-designed Olive leather watch strap, complementing the timepiece’s breathtaking dial. The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year forensic psychiatrist and police officer John Augustus Larson invented the modern polygraph test. Larson invented the device while attending medical school at the University of California, Berkeley, and he first used his device on William Hightower, who had been accused of murdering a priest.  Although the modern polygraph was a groundbreaking invention in criminology, polygraph tests are not definitive and cannot be used as evidence in many states. Larson eventually stated that he regretted inventing the polygraph because law enforcement used it improperly. In 1965, he wrote, “Beyond my expectation, through uncontrollable factors, this scientific investigation became for practical purposes a Frankenstein’s monster.” 

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 23276635 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:  23276635
  • Manufacture Year:  1921
  • 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 478 unique:

Today, we’re thrilled to present this remarkable piece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company over a century ago — the Chicago 478. This watch boasts a uniquely-styled dial with a breathtaking copper-colored center design and rustic subdial. The dial also features black numerals and dark blue solid diamond kite hands that look stunning against its cream-colored background. We encased the original pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and paired it with a gold-plated crown, making this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish. The back of the watch features a 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and going barrel. The movement also features luxurious and robust gold-plated gears powered by 17 ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. To top the piece off, we matched it with our comfortable, artisan-designed Olive leather watch strap, complementing the timepiece’s breathtaking dial. The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year forensic psychiatrist and police officer John Augustus Larson invented the modern polygraph test. Larson invented the device while attending medical school at the University of California, Berkeley, and he first used his device on William Hightower, who had been accused of murdering a priest.  Although the modern polygraph was a groundbreaking invention in criminology, polygraph tests are not definitive and cannot be used as evidence in many states. Larson eventually stated that he regretted inventing the polygraph because law enforcement used it improperly. In 1965, he wrote, “Beyond my expectation, through uncontrollable factors, this scientific investigation became for practical purposes a Frankenstein’s monster.” 

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

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