The Chicago 524 (46mm)

The Chicago 524 (46mm)

The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (46mm)
The Chicago 524 (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 524 unique: For this year's Valentine's Day Special Release, we are actually showcasing two incredible watches together at the same time. Both of these watches are made in the hunting style, with the crown at the 3 position, with incredible presentation dials. The pair can stand alone individually, but also could make for quite a matching pair for you and your partner. This first watch is our Chicago 524, originally produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in Elgin, Illinois in 1925. The dial on this watch will instantly draw you in to inspect all of the fine details and gold-colored accents that are sprinkled about amongst these incredible bold Roman numerals. Gold-flashed hands stand out against the crisp white background and add to the gold features along with this gold-plated crown. We topped it off with gold hardware to piece together this comfortable Merlot strap.

Valentine's Day is an ancient holiday that dates back to the Roman Empire. During the 3rd century, the Roman Empire celebrated a pagan holiday called Lupercalia, which was held annually in mid-February and was dedicated to the Roman god of fertility. During this celebration, Roman men would sacrifice goats and dogs, then whip women with the hides of the animals in order to make them fertile. Eventually, Emperor Claudius II outlawed the holiday, believing that it made men too eager to marry and leave the military. It wasn't until the 5th century that Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day, a day to honor the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. Since then, Valentine's Day has been celebrated around the world as a day of love and romance.

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 27657791 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:  27657791
  • Manufacture Year:  1925
  • 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 524 unique: For this year's Valentine's Day Special Release, we are actually showcasing two incredible watches together at the same time. Both of these watches are made in the hunting style, with the crown at the 3 position, with incredible presentation dials. The pair can stand alone individually, but also could make for quite a matching pair for you and your partner. This first watch is our Chicago 524, originally produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in Elgin, Illinois in 1925. The dial on this watch will instantly draw you in to inspect all of the fine details and gold-colored accents that are sprinkled about amongst these incredible bold Roman numerals. Gold-flashed hands stand out against the crisp white background and add to the gold features along with this gold-plated crown. We topped it off with gold hardware to piece together this comfortable Merlot strap.

Valentine's Day is an ancient holiday that dates back to the Roman Empire. During the 3rd century, the Roman Empire celebrated a pagan holiday called Lupercalia, which was held annually in mid-February and was dedicated to the Roman god of fertility. During this celebration, Roman men would sacrifice goats and dogs, then whip women with the hides of the animals in order to make them fertile. Eventually, Emperor Claudius II outlawed the holiday, believing that it made men too eager to marry and leave the military. It wasn't until the 5th century that Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day, a day to honor the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. Since then, Valentine's Day has been celebrated around the world as a day of love and romance.

Quality Straps

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Mission

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American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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