Watch Description
What makes the Indiana 014 unique:
The Indiana 014 is a study in geometric artistry and historical preservation. At its center lies a parchment-toned dial, marked by subtle flecking from age, which only adds to its authenticity and charm. The silver center is engraved with a spider–web–like guilloché pattern that radiates outward from the hands with mesmerizing precision, catching and reflecting the light. Around the outer track, bold black Art Deco numerals are impactfully slanted, infusing the design with motion and personality. A recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock in the same silver hue provides depth and balance. Floating above, a pair of heat-blued hollow kite hands provide crisp contrast against the vintage backdrop, their sharply tapered design complementing the angular numerals and intricate center engraving.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel South Bend movement originally manufactured in 1928. Viewed through the open caseback, the movement reveals sweeping wave-like damaskeening across the bridge plates, accented by polished gears and ruby-red jewel settings. The open style of the bridges allows for an uninterrupted view of the mechanical interplay, highlighting both form and function in true South Bend fashion.
The movement is housed in a machined stainless steel case with a smooth machined bezel and a knurled machined-steel crown for tactile precision. A cognac-toned American-made leather strap completes the design, adding warmth that pairs seamlessly with the vintage dial. The resulting aesthetic is bold yet refined—an industrial piece of American history transformed into a wearable work of art.
In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the world to Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized-sound cartoon, blending innovation with artistry in a way that captivated audiences. Much like this breakthrough moment that revolutionized the global entertainment industry, the Indiana 014 exemplifies the spirit of creativity and mechanical ingenuity of this era, preserved today as a wearable piece of history.
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.
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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: Machined 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: 1228224
- Manufacture Year: 1928
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Indiana 014 unique:
The Indiana 014 is a study in geometric artistry and historical preservation. At its center lies a parchment-toned dial, marked by subtle flecking from age, which only adds to its authenticity and charm. The silver center is engraved with a spider–web–like guilloché pattern that radiates outward from the hands with mesmerizing precision, catching and reflecting the light. Around the outer track, bold black Art Deco numerals are impactfully slanted, infusing the design with motion and personality. A recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock in the same silver hue provides depth and balance. Floating above, a pair of heat-blued hollow kite hands provide crisp contrast against the vintage backdrop, their sharply tapered design complementing the angular numerals and intricate center engraving.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel South Bend movement originally manufactured in 1928. Viewed through the open caseback, the movement reveals sweeping wave-like damaskeening across the bridge plates, accented by polished gears and ruby-red jewel settings. The open style of the bridges allows for an uninterrupted view of the mechanical interplay, highlighting both form and function in true South Bend fashion.
The movement is housed in a machined stainless steel case with a smooth machined bezel and a knurled machined-steel crown for tactile precision. A cognac-toned American-made leather strap completes the design, adding warmth that pairs seamlessly with the vintage dial. The resulting aesthetic is bold yet refined—an industrial piece of American history transformed into a wearable work of art.
In 1928, Walt Disney introduced the world to Steamboat Willie, the first synchronized-sound cartoon, blending innovation with artistry in a way that captivated audiences. Much like this breakthrough moment that revolutionized the global entertainment industry, the Indiana 014 exemplifies the spirit of creativity and mechanical ingenuity of this era, preserved today as a wearable piece of history.
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.
