The Chicago 520 (47mm)
338 reviews

The Chicago 520 (47mm)

Want to see more watches like this?

Subscribe to the Vortic newsletter to be the first to know when new watches are released.

The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)
The Chicago 520 (47mm)

Watch Description

What makes the Chicago 520 unique: We’re thrilled to showcase this splendid piece of watch history that was originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company — the Chicago 520. This watch boasts a beautiful single-sunk, light gray dial with rustic, brown numerals and a sophisticated, light gold-colored center design. The front of this unforgettable watch also features blued steel spade and whip watch hands and a subdial that matches its center design. We encased the pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and topped it off with a gold-plated crown, complementing the dial’s light gold-colored details. On the rear side, you can view the pocket watch’s original 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Quick train, Going barrel, and Breguet hairspring. You can also see the movement’s sumptuous gold-plated gears and 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. Finally, we matched the watch with our stylish and comfortable Cordovan Oxblood leather strap, making the final product all the more elegant.

The Elgin National Watch Company initially released the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1920 — the same year that F. Scott Fitzerald published his first novel, This Side of Paradise. The book depicts the life of a privileged student at Princeton University during the Jazz Age. The novel is considered to be the first work to bring extensive attention to the Jazz Age generation. Although Fitzgerand is primarily known for his 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, he received much acclaim for his debut novel, which gave him widespread success practically overnight. Famous literary critic Burton Rascoe gave a glowing review for the work and stated that the public should “make a note of the name, F. Scott Fitzerland. It is borne by a 23-year-old novelist who will … be much heard of hereafter.”

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: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Sapphire
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 22687597
  • Manufacture Year: 1920
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 520 unique: We’re thrilled to showcase this splendid piece of watch history that was originally manufactured by the Elgin National Watch Company — the Chicago 520. This watch boasts a beautiful single-sunk, light gray dial with rustic, brown numerals and a sophisticated, light gold-colored center design. The front of this unforgettable watch also features blued steel spade and whip watch hands and a subdial that matches its center design. We encased the pocket watch within our Machined Titanium case and topped it off with a gold-plated crown, complementing the dial’s light gold-colored details. On the rear side, you can view the pocket watch’s original 384-grade open-face movement with a Moseley regulator, Quick train, Going barrel, and Breguet hairspring. You can also see the movement’s sumptuous gold-plated gears and 17 screw-set ruby and sapphire jewels throughout its ¾ plate. Finally, we matched the watch with our stylish and comfortable Cordovan Oxblood leather strap, making the final product all the more elegant.

The Elgin National Watch Company initially released the pocket watch in Elgin, Illinois, in 1920 — the same year that F. Scott Fitzerald published his first novel, This Side of Paradise. The book depicts the life of a privileged student at Princeton University during the Jazz Age. The novel is considered to be the first work to bring extensive attention to the Jazz Age generation. Although Fitzgerand is primarily known for his 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, he received much acclaim for his debut novel, which gave him widespread success practically overnight. Famous literary critic Burton Rascoe gave a glowing review for the work and stated that the public should “make a note of the name, F. Scott Fitzerland. It is borne by a 23-year-old novelist who will … be much heard of hereafter.”

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

Buy Now, Pay Over Time WithAffirm Logo