Watch Description
What makes the Chicago 534 unique: We are thrilled to present the Chicago 534, by the Vortic Watch Company – a wristwatch conversion crafted from an antique 17-jewel Elgin Watch Company pocket watch first built in 1926. This unique timepiece is a stunning example of our dedication to preserving American watchmaking heritage and pushing the boundaries of innovation.Featuring a gilded titanium case, nickel-plated crown, and a moss leather strap, the Chicago 534 is a true masterpiece. The gold-plated gears add a touch of luxury while the vintage-inspired design pays tribute to the rich history of the Elgin Watch Company. The fine details etched into the dial of this pocket watch conversion cements that this is more than just a watch, it's a statement piece that blends vintage and modern aesthetics to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
As part of Vortic's American Artisan Series, the Chicago 534 is a testament to our commitment to upcycling, sustainable watchmaking and preserving American history. Our passion for watchmaking is evident in every detail of this timepiece. So if you're looking for a unique and timeless wristwatch that tells a story, look no further than the Chicago 534 by Vortic Watch Company.
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: 29010470
- Manufacture Year: 1926
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
Featuring a gilded titanium case, nickel-plated crown, and a moss leather strap, the Chicago 534 is a true masterpiece. The gold-plated gears add a touch of luxury while the vintage-inspired design pays tribute to the rich history of the Elgin Watch Company. The fine details etched into the dial of this pocket watch conversion cements that this is more than just a watch, it's a statement piece that blends vintage and modern aesthetics to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
As part of Vortic's American Artisan Series, the Chicago 534 is a testament to our commitment to upcycling, sustainable watchmaking and preserving American history. Our passion for watchmaking is evident in every detail of this timepiece. So if you're looking for a unique and timeless wristwatch that tells a story, look no further than the Chicago 534 by Vortic Watch Company.
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.
