Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 529 unique: Today, we're proud to present the Chicago 529, a breathtaking wristwatch conversion from an antique 17-jewel Elgin Watch Company pocket watch that dates back to 1921. This extraordinary timepiece has been masterfully reimagined with exceptional craftsmanship and style for the modern era. Its sandblasted titanium case adds a contemporary touch, while the nickel-plated crown and black leather strap combine luxury and elegance, making it perfect for any occasion. The true beauty of the Chicago 529, however, lies beneath the watch face, where you'll find the intricate gold-plated gears. These gears are a testament to the skill and expertise of the craftsmen who brought this masterpiece to life. With their grace and precision, they provide an unparalleled timekeeping experience that is truly impressive.On this date in 1921, the Elgin Watch Company introduced their first wristwatch, the "Elgin Sports Model." This was a significant moment in watchmaking history, as it marked a shift away from pocket watches. Elgin, based in Elgin, Illinois, was one of the largest watch manufacturers in the United States during the early 20th century. The Sports Model featured a 7-jewel movement and paved the way for the widespread adoption of wristwatches. Today, Elgin watches are highly collectible and sought after by watch enthusiasts around the world.
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: Sandblasted Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 23621867
- Manufacture Year: 1921
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
On this date in 1921, the Elgin Watch Company introduced their first wristwatch, the "Elgin Sports Model." This was a significant moment in watchmaking history, as it marked a shift away from pocket watches. Elgin, based in Elgin, Illinois, was one of the largest watch manufacturers in the United States during the early 20th century. The Sports Model featured a 7-jewel movement and paved the way for the widespread adoption of wristwatches. Today, Elgin watches are highly collectible and sought after by watch enthusiasts around the world.
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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.