Watch Description
What makes the Springfield 142 unique:
The Springfield 142 is a bold interpretation of early American timekeeping, with design details that feel both deliberate and enduring. The dial is a symphony of geometry and contrast—its outer surface is softly sand-toned, with thick, squared numerals that look as though they were carved from stone. These numerals are paired with squared minute markers, reinforcing a sense of symmetry and visual strength. At center, a brushed silver disc with a braided border adds a layer of ornamental refinement, creating a beautiful focal point. Hovering above, a pair of square spade hands in bronze tones complete the composition, while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock brings functional clarity with vintage character.
Inside, this timepiece is powered by a 19-jewel Illinois movement from 1920. It features decorative bridge engraving unlike any other in our collection—waves of ornate patterning that draw the eye across the mechanical landscape. The movement also showcases polished gears, gold-toned jewel cups, and precise perimeter text, offering an exhibition caseback view that’s every bit as compelling as the front.
The case is machined stainless steel with a matching scalloped bezel that adds both texture and dimensionality to the silhouette. A vertically grooved bronze crown sits boldly at 12 o’clock, echoing the warmth of the hands and numerals. We’ve paired this piece with a cognac-toned American-made leather strap for a cohesive, grounded aesthetic.
In 1920—the same year this movement was crafted—the United States saw the beginning of radio broadcasting as KDKA in Pittsburgh aired the first commercial radio broadcast. Just as that transmission marked a new era of connection, this watch connects us to a moment of innovation and progress, frozen in time.
Movement Manufacturer Information
The movement inside of this watch was made by Illinois Watch Company. We call this model "The Springfield" because the company was located in Springfield, Illinois.
Originally called the Springfield Watch Company, Illinois came to Springfield, Illinois in 1869 while the "modern" watch industry was fairly new but highly promising. City officials felt that the addition of industry to the city of Springfield would be excellent for the city's growth. However, after a series of failures and re-brandings, the company had a slow start until 1903 when they decided to manufacture high-quality watches only. Eventually making some of the most beautiful watches of their time, the company sold to Hamilton in 1927. Hamilton continued producing watches under the Illinois name for some time, but the original Springfield factory no longer stands.
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Watch Specifications
- Manufacturer: Vortic Watch Company
- Model Year: 2025
- Warranty: Full 1-Year Warranty
- Case Dimensions:
- Diameter: 45mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Lug to Lug: 55mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Case Material: Sandblasted Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 3641594
- Manufacture Year: 1922
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Springfield 142 unique:
The Springfield 142 is a bold interpretation of early American timekeeping, with design details that feel both deliberate and enduring. The dial is a symphony of geometry and contrast—its outer surface is softly sand-toned, with thick, squared numerals that look as though they were carved from stone. These numerals are paired with squared minute markers, reinforcing a sense of symmetry and visual strength. At center, a brushed silver disc with a braided border adds a layer of ornamental refinement, creating a beautiful focal point. Hovering above, a pair of square spade hands in bronze tones complete the composition, while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock brings functional clarity with vintage character.
Inside, this timepiece is powered by a 19-jewel Illinois movement from 1920. It features decorative bridge engraving unlike any other in our collection—waves of ornate patterning that draw the eye across the mechanical landscape. The movement also showcases polished gears, gold-toned jewel cups, and precise perimeter text, offering an exhibition caseback view that’s every bit as compelling as the front.
The case is machined stainless steel with a matching scalloped bezel that adds both texture and dimensionality to the silhouette. A vertically grooved bronze crown sits boldly at 12 o’clock, echoing the warmth of the hands and numerals. We’ve paired this piece with a cognac-toned American-made leather strap for a cohesive, grounded aesthetic.
In 1920—the same year this movement was crafted—the United States saw the beginning of radio broadcasting as KDKA in Pittsburgh aired the first commercial radio broadcast. Just as that transmission marked a new era of connection, this watch connects us to a moment of innovation and progress, frozen in time.
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.
