The Lancaster 103 (46mm)

The Lancaster 103 (46mm)

The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (46mm)
The Lancaster 103 (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 Hamilton Watch Company. We call this model "The Lancaster" because the company was located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

What makes the Lancaster 103 unique: Today we are happy to release this stunning example from the Hamilton Watch Company, our Lancaster 103. This bright, crisp, and clean dial has everything we want from an antique watch while maintaining a modern feel. We love the bold characteristics of these blued-steel hands that stand out nicely against the white face of the dial. Cased in machined titanium to grab your attention, then softened off with our natural leather strap. A copper crown and hardware to match are the finer details that bring everything together nicely on this fantastic timepiece. At the heart of this watch is a 912 movement originally manufactured in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1930. Carefully decorated across this large bridge plate with these eye-catching Geneva lines and accented with stainless steel hardware. The brass balance wheel and jewel fittings contrast well, bringing a touch of color to the nickel-plated elements that make up this movement. In the same year that this watch was originally produced, we saw the passing of the Tariff Act of 1930, which raised taxes on imports to the highest rates ever in the United States. Experts say that this didn’t necessarily cause the Great Depression, but definitely worsened the effects of it due to other countries retaliating and raising their prices on exported goods coming to America. Thankfully, with this watch being American-made, this bill likely didn’t affect the watchmaking industry in the same ways.

Case Style:This case has been CNC milled from a solid block of aerospace grade titanium. The case is intentionally left unpolished so the intricate tool marks made during the milling process remain visible. Titanium is the ultimate material for strength to weight ratio. Titanium has a darker look than steel, and due to its low thermal conductivity, feels warm to the touch. These characteristics create an enduring, highly wearable, distinctive piece.

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 3322947 from the Hamilton Watch Company. Hamilton is named after famous Pennsylvanian Alexander Hamilton and is the result of multiple re-organizations of attempted watch companies in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1892, Hamilton had a reputation for superior quality and maintained half of the railroad watch market share during some of the most prolific years of American railroad history. During World War II, Hamilton was integral to the production of accurate timepieces for the Military. Deemed "the watch that won the war," the company established an employee-run newsletter so that employees turned soldiers could keep up with life at the factory. While the original factory still stands as luxury apartments, the company stopped producing watches in the US in 1969. Hamilton now produces watches in Switzerland and is owned by the Swatch Group.

Watch Specifications

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

Movement

  • Manufacturer: Hamilton Watch Company
  • Serial Number:  3322947
  • Manufacture Year:  1930
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17j
  • 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
What makes the Lancaster 103 unique: Today we are happy to release this stunning example from the Hamilton Watch Company, our Lancaster 103. This bright, crisp, and clean dial has everything we want from an antique watch while maintaining a modern feel. We love the bold characteristics of these blued-steel hands that stand out nicely against the white face of the dial. Cased in machined titanium to grab your attention, then softened off with our natural leather strap. A copper crown and hardware to match are the finer details that bring everything together nicely on this fantastic timepiece. At the heart of this watch is a 912 movement originally manufactured in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1930. Carefully decorated across this large bridge plate with these eye-catching Geneva lines and accented with stainless steel hardware. The brass balance wheel and jewel fittings contrast well, bringing a touch of color to the nickel-plated elements that make up this movement. In the same year that this watch was originally produced, we saw the passing of the Tariff Act of 1930, which raised taxes on imports to the highest rates ever in the United States. Experts say that this didn’t necessarily cause the Great Depression, but definitely worsened the effects of it due to other countries retaliating and raising their prices on exported goods coming to America. Thankfully, with this watch being American-made, this bill likely didn’t affect the watchmaking industry in the same ways.

Quality Straps

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Mission

Learn More About Vortic
Two men walking side by side through a leather curing facility.

American Made

Learn More About The American Artisan Series

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