Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 527 unique: We are very happy to present to you this incredible watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 527. Immediately we are drawn to the unique details of this aged dial and how they play well with this machined champagne gold case. Most of the watches that we acquire have already been removed from their protective cases, so we can only imagine what may have scratched up the dial over the years to give this watch extra character. As you lean in for an even closer look you will notice the ridged design that surrounds the center dial and is also reflected around the outside of the minute indicators. Sharp gothic numerals and these dark-blued steel hands add to the flare and really make this piece one-of-a-kind. As we turn this watch over to reveal the movement through our exhibition back, we are again leaning in for a closer look at all these wonderful details. The different bridge plates have all been carefully machined with an amazing amount of craftsmanship, as gold-plated gears shimmer beneath. This watch is equipped with 17 beautiful jewels, all screw-set with nickel hardware.
This watch was originally produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1922 in Elgin, Illinois. In November of this year, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt captured the world's attention. The tomb, which had been untouched for more than 3,000 years, contained a wealth of artifacts and treasures. It was discovered by the British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team, who had been searching the Valley of the Kings for years. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was a major archaeological breakthrough and provided a wealth of information about the ancient Egyptian civilization. It also helped to revive worldwide interest in Egyptology and the study of ancient cultures.
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.
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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: 24928708
- Manufacture Year: 1922
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Chicago 527 unique: We are very happy to present to you this incredible watch from the Elgin National Watch Company, our Chicago 527. Immediately we are drawn to the unique details of this aged dial and how they play well with this machined champagne gold case. Most of the watches that we acquire have already been removed from their protective cases, so we can only imagine what may have scratched up the dial over the years to give this watch extra character. As you lean in for an even closer look you will notice the ridged design that surrounds the center dial and is also reflected around the outside of the minute indicators. Sharp gothic numerals and these dark-blued steel hands add to the flare and really make this piece one-of-a-kind. As we turn this watch over to reveal the movement through our exhibition back, we are again leaning in for a closer look at all these wonderful details. The different bridge plates have all been carefully machined with an amazing amount of craftsmanship, as gold-plated gears shimmer beneath. This watch is equipped with 17 beautiful jewels, all screw-set with nickel hardware.
This watch was originally produced by the Elgin National Watch Company in 1922 in Elgin, Illinois. In November of this year, the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt captured the world's attention. The tomb, which had been untouched for more than 3,000 years, contained a wealth of artifacts and treasures. It was discovered by the British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team, who had been searching the Valley of the Kings for years. The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was a major archaeological breakthrough and provided a wealth of information about the ancient Egyptian civilization. It also helped to revive worldwide interest in Egyptology and the study of ancient cultures.
Let customers speak for us
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.
