Watch Description
What makes the Indiana 012 unique:
The Indiana 012 commands attention with its bold, modern contrast and timeless design. Housed in a DLC black-coated stainless steel case, this watch offers a striking juxtaposition against the cream-colored dial, creating an eye-catching aesthetic that is both refined and rugged. The dial features crisp, black numerals with a subtle vintage serif style, complemented by classic kite hands and a matching subdial for seconds. This clean, minimalist layout showcases the enduring elegance of South Bend's craftsmanship.
The movement within is a South Bend Watch Company piece from 1923, meticulously restored to preserve its legacy. Boasting 19 jewels and marked with adjustments for temperature and four positions, this movement reflects the precision and care that defined American watchmaking during the early 20th century. That same year, the iconic Hollywood sign was first erected in Los Angeles, symbolizing the bold progress of the Roaring Twenties.
The black-coated case is paired with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, enhancing the watch's sleek, monochromatic look. The tactile, knurled crown adds to the robust character, while the open case back reveals the intricate mechanics beneath. This watch perfectly balances heritage and modernity—an undeniable statement piece for any collection.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by South Bend Watch Company. We call this model "The Indiana" because the company was located in South Bend, Indiana.
Founded in 1902 by sons of the Studebaker Auto Company, South Bend Watch company started producing high-quality watches in 1905 using equipment and employees liquidated from the failed Columbus Watch Company. While initially successful, the company's use of an "on credit" payment system led to its downfall during the stock market crash of 1929. A fire finally destroyed the original factory in 1957.
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
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 47mm
- Thickness: 13.5mm
- Lug to Lug: 59mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: DLC Black-Coated Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: South Bend Watch Company
- Serial Number: 1043140
- Manufacture Year: 1923
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Indiana 012 unique:
The Indiana 012 commands attention with its bold, modern contrast and timeless design. Housed in a DLC black-coated stainless steel case, this watch offers a striking juxtaposition against the cream-colored dial, creating an eye-catching aesthetic that is both refined and rugged. The dial features crisp, black numerals with a subtle vintage serif style, complemented by classic kite hands and a matching subdial for seconds. This clean, minimalist layout showcases the enduring elegance of South Bend's craftsmanship.
The movement within is a South Bend Watch Company piece from 1923, meticulously restored to preserve its legacy. Boasting 19 jewels and marked with adjustments for temperature and four positions, this movement reflects the precision and care that defined American watchmaking during the early 20th century. That same year, the iconic Hollywood sign was first erected in Los Angeles, symbolizing the bold progress of the Roaring Twenties.
The black-coated case is paired with a black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, enhancing the watch's sleek, monochromatic look. The tactile, knurled crown adds to the robust character, while the open case back reveals the intricate mechanics beneath. This watch perfectly balances heritage and modernity—an undeniable statement piece for any collection.
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.
