Watch Description
What makes the Springfield 151 unique:
The Springfield 151 is a captivating example of how age, artistry, and engineering can converge into a singular, timeless statement. At the center of this dial is an intricate circular medallion, densely patterned with shapes reminiscent of playing card symbols—spades and clubs—each form catching light from every angle. The texture feels almost etched by hand—each raised form crisp and deliberate, contrasting beautifully against the warm gold tone and soft vertical brushing across the rest of the dial. A soft speckle and faint scratches give this piece a sense of timeworn integrity. Framing the design are thick, art deco-style numerals—each one bold and slightly stylized—and a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock inscribed with the word “MASTER,” indicating its original standing as a higher-grade timepiece within the Illinois Watch Company’s lineup. Completing the layout are a pair of open diamond kite hands in blued steel, adding sharp, vintage geometry to the warm patina of the dial.
At its heart is a 19-jewel Illinois movement from 1922, part of a limited run of just 1,200 pieces. Visible through the open caseback, this movement is a celebration of early 20th-century American engineering. Deep Geneva stripes sweep across the bridges, accented by polished screws and bright brass hardware. The “MASTER” engraving inside the movement echoes the dial, underscoring the elevated quality and finishing this watch originally received—both functionally and visually.
The movement is housed in a 45mm tumbled stainless steel case, paired with a smooth tumbled titanium bezel and a vertically grooved titanium crown. These materials were carefully chosen to preserve the utilitarian character of the original watch while enhancing its durability and wearability today. A rich chocolate-toned American-made leather strap complements the palette, grounding the entire piece with classic, earthy warmth.
Originally crafted in 1922, this watch was born into a world undergoing rapid transformation. That same year, the Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C.—a tribute to American ideals and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and leadership. It’s fitting that this watch, with its refined engraving and robust movement, was built during a moment that honored both progress and permanence.
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: Tumbled Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Titanium
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 4014900
- Manufacture Year: 1922
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 19 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Springfield 151 unique:
The Springfield 151 is a captivating example of how age, artistry, and engineering can converge into a singular, timeless statement. At the center of this dial is an intricate circular medallion, densely patterned with shapes reminiscent of playing card symbols—spades and clubs—each form catching light from every angle. The texture feels almost etched by hand—each raised form crisp and deliberate, contrasting beautifully against the warm gold tone and soft vertical brushing across the rest of the dial. A soft speckle and faint scratches give this piece a sense of timeworn integrity. Framing the design are thick, art deco-style numerals—each one bold and slightly stylized—and a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock inscribed with the word “MASTER,” indicating its original standing as a higher-grade timepiece within the Illinois Watch Company’s lineup. Completing the layout are a pair of open diamond kite hands in blued steel, adding sharp, vintage geometry to the warm patina of the dial.
At its heart is a 19-jewel Illinois movement from 1922, part of a limited run of just 1,200 pieces. Visible through the open caseback, this movement is a celebration of early 20th-century American engineering. Deep Geneva stripes sweep across the bridges, accented by polished screws and bright brass hardware. The “MASTER” engraving inside the movement echoes the dial, underscoring the elevated quality and finishing this watch originally received—both functionally and visually.
The movement is housed in a 45mm tumbled stainless steel case, paired with a smooth tumbled titanium bezel and a vertically grooved titanium crown. These materials were carefully chosen to preserve the utilitarian character of the original watch while enhancing its durability and wearability today. A rich chocolate-toned American-made leather strap complements the palette, grounding the entire piece with classic, earthy warmth.
Originally crafted in 1922, this watch was born into a world undergoing rapid transformation. That same year, the Lincoln Memorial was officially dedicated in Washington, D.C.—a tribute to American ideals and the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and leadership. It’s fitting that this watch, with its refined engraving and robust movement, was built during a moment that honored both progress and permanence.
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.
