Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 485 unique: Today, we’re excited to share another stunning watch with you that was initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1921 — the Chicago 485. The stunning cream-colored face of this watch features an intricate center pattern complemented by uniquely patinated gold numerals and minute markings. Additionally, the black spade hands and subdial markings of this timepiece perfectly counterbalance the gold accents of the face. We have encased the original movement of this watch with our blued titanium case and topped it with a gold crown to highlight this watch’s unique combination of luxury and patina. As you turn the watch over, you can view the intricate inner workings of the ¾ plate movement through our unique clear-backed case. The movement features 17 sumptuous screw-set jewels accompanied by gleaming gold gears, and it also boasts mechanical features such as a going barrel, Moseley regulator, and Breguet hairspring. To continue this stunning watch's luxurious look and feel, we have paired the movement with our rich merlot watch strap.On February 23, 1921— the same year Elgin Natl. Watch Co. produced this watch — the first US transcontinental air mail flight arrived in NYC from San Francisco. This flight was a monumental moment for the United States Postal Service because it allowed individuals and businesses to ship mail from coast to coast in a fraction of the time as it did by train.
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: Gunmetal Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 24275386
- Manufacture Year: 1921
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
On February 23, 1921— the same year Elgin Natl. Watch Co. produced this watch — the first US transcontinental air mail flight arrived in NYC from San Francisco. This flight was a monumental moment for the United States Postal Service because it allowed individuals and businesses to ship mail from coast to coast in a fraction of the time as it did by train.
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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.
