Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 531 unique: Today we are excited to showcase the Chicago 531, a stunning wristwatch conversion built from an antique 17-jewel pocket watch originally crafted by the Elgin Watch Company in Elgin, Illinois in 1923. The striking contrast of the watch's gold and silver dial accentuates the intricate hand-engraved inner dial and dramatic blued steel hands, while the original movement's gold-plated gears complete the regal aesthetic. Our machined titanium case protects the delicate mechanism, creating a sleek and modern look. We chose a knurled nickel crown that adds a touch of sophistication, and the luxurious merlot leather strap creates a harmonious contrast with the bold dial. The Chicago 531 is a true masterpiece that exudes dramatic beauty and historical significance, making it a must-have accessory for anyone looking to make a statement.Also during the year 1923, William Coolidge, an American scientist, made a significant breakthrough in metallurgy by inventing a tungsten filament for incandescent light bulbs. This innovation resulted in more efficient and longer-lasting light bulbs, which had a profound impact on the lighting industry. Coolidge's work and research revolutionized the field of metallurgy and set the foundation for modern lighting technology. His tungsten filament is still used in incandescent bulbs today. Coolidge's legacy is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the potential for innovation to improve our daily lives.
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: Machined Titanium
- Crown/Hardware: Nickel Plated
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Elgin Watch Company
- Serial Number: 25714557
- Manufacture Year: 1923
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
Also during the year 1923, William Coolidge, an American scientist, made a significant breakthrough in metallurgy by inventing a tungsten filament for incandescent light bulbs. This innovation resulted in more efficient and longer-lasting light bulbs, which had a profound impact on the lighting industry. Coolidge's work and research revolutionized the field of metallurgy and set the foundation for modern lighting technology. His tungsten filament is still used in incandescent bulbs today. Coolidge's legacy is a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and the potential for innovation to improve our daily lives.
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.
