The Cleveland 008 (46mm)

The Cleveland 008 (46mm)

The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (46mm)
The Cleveland 008 (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 Ball Watch Company. We call this model "The Cleveland" because the company was located within the Cleveland city limits.

The Cleveland 008 is the 8th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Cleveland" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Cleveland 008 Unique: Today we bring you this wonderfully designed piece from the Ball Watch Company. When we first found this watch we knew we had something truly special, and wanted to give it new life in the best way we know how. This dial features an exquisite sunburst design, accentuated by brilliant gold numerals, minute indicators, and kite-style hands. We carried along the gold theme with a gold-plated crown and hardware throughout. We set the movement in our black DLC case and finished it off with our oxblood cordovan strap. A truly high-class watch that is guaranteed to turn some heads no matter the occasion. This ¾ bridge plate design shape is unique to Ball, and we love the details and machined patterns that are carried throughout. Rose gold gears turn on 19 screw-set jewels, with stainless steel hardware as well as a brass balance wheel. This watch was contract built for Ball by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois in 1926 in a very short run of only 8,000 watches. This is the same year that the National Numbered Highway System is initiated, creating the world-famous Route 66 which actually runs right through Springfield, Illinois.

1926

B403229

Case Style:Machined Titanium cases have been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. A DLC or "Diamond Like Carbon" coating is then applied to the case to create a uniquely black finish. While in the family of PVD coatings, DLC provides a small amount of transparency that allows us to see machine marks and surface detail while still appearing black. This coating is extremely durable and represents the best we have to offer.

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 from the Ball Watch Company. Founded by Webb C. Ball in 1891, Ball Watch Company's watches focused on the railroad industry and had a reputation for quality that was second to none. Mr. Ball famously invented and implemented a standard set of watch inspections and requirements to qualify a watch for use on the railroad at a time when timekeeping was paramount to safety. This was known as a "Standard" or "Railroad Grade" watch. The core of the manufacturing for these watches was performed by Hamilton and Waltham Watch Companies, but the adjustment, finishing, and testing performed by Ball set them ahead of the pack. One of the few companies still in existence, Ball now makes watches in Switzerland and is owned by Hong Kong group Asia Commercial Holdings Ltd.

Watch Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
  • Model Year: 2021
  • Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
  • Case Dimensions: 
    • Diameter: 46mm
    • Height: 12mm
    • Lug-to-Lug: 55mm
    • Lugs: 22mm
  • Case Finish: DLC Titanium
  • Crown/Hardware: Gold Plated
  • Water Resistance: 1 ATM
  • Crystals: Gorilla Glass
  • Case Back: Stainless Steel
  • Strap: Leather

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Ball Watch Company
  • Serial Number: 
  • Manufacture Year: 
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 19j
  • 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

The Cleveland 008 is the 8th one-of-a-kind piece in Vortic's "Cleveland" line of the American Artisan Series. This watch contains the original movement (timepiece), dial (face), and hands from a vintage (1880’s – 1950’s) pocket watch. The American Artisan Series is a line of fully American Made wristwatches powered by restored, U.S. made pocket watch movements.

What makes the Cleveland 008 Unique: Today we bring you this wonderfully designed piece from the Ball Watch Company. When we first found this watch we knew we had something truly special, and wanted to give it new life in the best way we know how. This dial features an exquisite sunburst design, accentuated by brilliant gold numerals, minute indicators, and kite-style hands. We carried along the gold theme with a gold-plated crown and hardware throughout. We set the movement in our black DLC case and finished it off with our oxblood cordovan strap. A truly high-class watch that is guaranteed to turn some heads no matter the occasion. This ¾ bridge plate design shape is unique to Ball, and we love the details and machined patterns that are carried throughout. Rose gold gears turn on 19 screw-set jewels, with stainless steel hardware as well as a brass balance wheel. This watch was contract built for Ball by the Illinois Watch Company in Springfield, Illinois in 1926 in a very short run of only 8,000 watches. This is the same year that the National Numbered Highway System is initiated, creating the world-famous Route 66 which actually runs right through Springfield, Illinois.

1926

B403229

Quality Straps

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Mission

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Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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