The Chicago 481 (47mm)
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The Chicago 481 (47mm)

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The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)
The Chicago 481 (47mm)

Watch Description

What makes the Chicago 481 unique: Today, we’re delighted to feature this exquisite timepiece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1921 — the Chicago 481. The original pocket watch boasts a refined dial with bold black numerals, red minute numerals, and dark blue spade and whip hands. These sophisticated details look exceptionally breathtaking against its pristine light eggshell background. We complemented the original pocket watch and added to its opulent style by encasing it within our robust and scratch-resistant Machined Titanium case. We also equipped the piece with a matching nickel-plated crown.

Our Machined Titanium case features a transparent back, enabling watch enthusiasts to view its 384-grade open-face movement with a ¾ plate featuring 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels. The antique movement also includes additional stunning details, including a going barrel, quick train, Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and gold-plated gears. To top it off, we matched it with our comfortable Natural leather watch strap, enabling the owner to wear this one-of-kind piece of history. 


The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year American race car driver Tommy Milton won his first Indy 500. What was especially remarkable about his victory was that Ralph DePalma led the race for 109 laps, establishing a world record that remained until 1988, and he was leading by two laps at the race’s halfway point. Tragically, One of DePalma’s connecting rods broke during his historic run, forcing him to drop out of the race. Tommy Milton won the race along with riding mechanic Harry Franck. Milton was famous for having only one functional eye, which would have disqualified him from the race today. He went on to win the Indy 500 a second time two years later.

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.

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: Machined Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 23950198
  • Manufacture Year: 1921
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 481 unique: Today, we’re delighted to feature this exquisite timepiece initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1921 — the Chicago 481. The original pocket watch boasts a refined dial with bold black numerals, red minute numerals, and dark blue spade and whip hands. These sophisticated details look exceptionally breathtaking against its pristine light eggshell background. We complemented the original pocket watch and added to its opulent style by encasing it within our robust and scratch-resistant Machined Titanium case. We also equipped the piece with a matching nickel-plated crown.

Our Machined Titanium case features a transparent back, enabling watch enthusiasts to view its 384-grade open-face movement with a ¾ plate featuring 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels. The antique movement also includes additional stunning details, including a going barrel, quick train, Moseley regulator, Breguet hairspring, and gold-plated gears. To top it off, we matched it with our comfortable Natural leather watch strap, enabling the owner to wear this one-of-kind piece of history. 


The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1921 — the same year American race car driver Tommy Milton won his first Indy 500. What was especially remarkable about his victory was that Ralph DePalma led the race for 109 laps, establishing a world record that remained until 1988, and he was leading by two laps at the race’s halfway point. Tragically, One of DePalma’s connecting rods broke during his historic run, forcing him to drop out of the race. Tommy Milton won the race along with riding mechanic Harry Franck. Milton was famous for having only one functional eye, which would have disqualified him from the race today. He went on to win the Indy 500 a second time two years later.

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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