The Chicago 502 (47mm)
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The Chicago 502 (47mm)

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The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)
The Chicago 502 (47mm)

Watch Description

What makes the Chicago 502 unique: We are incredibly pleased to present to you this remarkable watch initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1917 — the Chicago 502. The front of this piece boasts a breathtaking dial with a light-gray background and an elegant white center design pattern. The dial also features stylish black numerals as well as blued-steel heavy moon hands. We complemented this splendid watch with our Bronzed Titanium case along with a copper crown. Through the back of this watch, you will see a 345-grade open-face movement as well as a handsome engraving that reads, “Elgin Elite,” referring to the original pocket watch’s Elite variation. The movement also features a Breguet hairspring, Moseley regulator, quick train, going barrel, and gold-plated gears with 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels. We made this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish by matching it with our artisan-designed Stout leather watch strap.

The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the Chicago 502’s pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1917 — the same year Jesse Lynch Williams won the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his Broadway play, Why Marry? The play follows a bacteriologist, Earnest, and his research assistant, Helen, who are in love, but neither are willing to admit it. Earnest refuses to admit his feelings because he worries that he won’t be able to support Helen financially, while Helen worries that marriage would interfere with their careers. Although the play is not especially famous, it has been praised by some for its combination of realism and satire as well as its innovative depiction of gender politics.

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: Sandblasted Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Copper
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 19512421
  • Manufacture Year: 1917
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 502 unique: We are incredibly pleased to present to you this remarkable watch initially produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1917 — the Chicago 502. The front of this piece boasts a breathtaking dial with a light-gray background and an elegant white center design pattern. The dial also features stylish black numerals as well as blued-steel heavy moon hands. We complemented this splendid watch with our Bronzed Titanium case along with a copper crown. Through the back of this watch, you will see a 345-grade open-face movement as well as a handsome engraving that reads, “Elgin Elite,” referring to the original pocket watch’s Elite variation. The movement also features a Breguet hairspring, Moseley regulator, quick train, going barrel, and gold-plated gears with 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels. We made this one-of-a-kind watch even more stylish by matching it with our artisan-designed Stout leather watch strap.

The Elgin National Watch Company originally manufactured the Chicago 502’s pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1917 — the same year Jesse Lynch Williams won the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his Broadway play, Why Marry? The play follows a bacteriologist, Earnest, and his research assistant, Helen, who are in love, but neither are willing to admit it. Earnest refuses to admit his feelings because he worries that he won’t be able to support Helen financially, while Helen worries that marriage would interfere with their careers. Although the play is not especially famous, it has been praised by some for its combination of realism and satire as well as its innovative depiction of gender politics.

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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