Watch Description
What makes the Springfield 143 unique:
The Springfield 143 is a stunning example of how age and elegance can coexist in perfect balance. Its dial is remarkably clean for its age, retaining a soft metallic shine that catches the light without distraction. A sunken central section in a brushed vertical finish adds contrast and subtle depth, while the gold-toned Art Deco numerals—each meticulously applied—curve gracefully around the dial. Instead of printed markers, applied gold dots form the minute track, adding an unexpected touch of dimension. Hovering above, a set of gold diamond-kite hands provide striking vintage character with refined sharpness, while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock completes the design in a harmonious arc.
Powering this timepiece is a 19-jewel Illinois “Time King” movement, crafted in 1922. The "Time King" moniker signifies a higher grade of accuracy and attention to detail from the Illinois Watch Company, often reserved for some of their best railroad-style movements. This example showcases intricate Geneva stripes across the plates, gold-plated gears, and polished screws—details that speak to the precision and pride of early 20th-century American watchmaking.
We’ve housed this exceptional movement inside a 45mm machined stainless steel case, complemented by a matching smooth machined bezel and vertically grooved bronze crown. The contrast between the brushed steel and warm-toned crown brings out the best in both materials. Paired with a rich oxblood Horween leather strap featuring light stitching, this watch is visually balanced and ready to be worn with everything from a dress shirt to denim.
In 1922, the same year this movement was made, the Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C. Designed to honor the 16th President of the United States, the structure quickly became a national symbol of unity and civil rights. Nearly a century later, this watch carries that same spirit of American craftsmanship, perseverance, and timeless design.
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.
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: 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: 4019779
- Manufacture Year: 1922
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Springfield 143 unique:
The Springfield 143 is a stunning example of how age and elegance can coexist in perfect balance. Its dial is remarkably clean for its age, retaining a soft metallic shine that catches the light without distraction. A sunken central section in a brushed vertical finish adds contrast and subtle depth, while the gold-toned Art Deco numerals—each meticulously applied—curve gracefully around the dial. Instead of printed markers, applied gold dots form the minute track, adding an unexpected touch of dimension. Hovering above, a set of gold diamond-kite hands provide striking vintage character with refined sharpness, while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock completes the design in a harmonious arc.
Powering this timepiece is a 19-jewel Illinois “Time King” movement, crafted in 1922. The "Time King" moniker signifies a higher grade of accuracy and attention to detail from the Illinois Watch Company, often reserved for some of their best railroad-style movements. This example showcases intricate Geneva stripes across the plates, gold-plated gears, and polished screws—details that speak to the precision and pride of early 20th-century American watchmaking.
We’ve housed this exceptional movement inside a 45mm machined stainless steel case, complemented by a matching smooth machined bezel and vertically grooved bronze crown. The contrast between the brushed steel and warm-toned crown brings out the best in both materials. Paired with a rich oxblood Horween leather strap featuring light stitching, this watch is visually balanced and ready to be worn with everything from a dress shirt to denim.
In 1922, the same year this movement was made, the Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C. Designed to honor the 16th President of the United States, the structure quickly became a national symbol of unity and civil rights. Nearly a century later, this watch carries that same spirit of American craftsmanship, perseverance, and timeless design.
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.
