Watch Description
What makes the Springfield 153 unique:
The Springfield 153 is a study in tonal harmony and gothic precision. A cream-colored dial anchors the aesthetic with warmth and balance, accented by sharp black Roman numerals that arc along the perimeter. Just inside the chapter ring, a gold-toned minute track adds a subtle glint of luxury without overpowering the design. At 6 o’clock, a sub-dial adds distinctive character and symmetry. Overhead, a set of ornate gothic hands—blued and intricately shaped—slice cleanly across the dial, delivering a rich contrast and commanding presence.
Powering this timepiece is a 17-jewel Illinois movement from 1917, preserved in truly immaculate condition. Gold-plated gears glint beneath a plate adorned with fine, swirling engravings, and every detail—from the bridgework to the jewel cups—reflects the elegance and precision of early 20th-century American watchmaking. This movement isn’t just mechanically sound; it’s a work of art in its own right.
The case is sculpted from sandblasted stainless steel with a smooth bronze bezel that perfectly complements the golden tones of the dial. A knurled bronze crown adds tactile texture and function, while the open caseback allows full view of the movement’s artistry. This piece is paired with a black American-made leather strap that provides a sleek, grounding finish, keeping the visual focus where it belongs—on the dial and movement.
In 1917, as the United States entered World War I, the country’s manufacturing prowess shifted dramatically toward wartime production. Major American watchmakers like Illinois, Hamilton, and Elgin played critical roles, supplying timepieces for soldiers and logistics officers. Watches like this were not just accessories—they were instruments of precision, used to coordinate movements and manage time under the highest stakes imaginable.
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: Machined Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: Leather
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 3400847
- Manufacture Year: 1917
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What makes the Springfield 153 unique:
The Springfield 153 is a study in tonal harmony and gothic precision. A cream-colored dial anchors the aesthetic with warmth and balance, accented by sharp black Roman numerals that arc along the perimeter. Just inside the chapter ring, a gold-toned minute track adds a subtle glint of luxury without overpowering the design. At 6 o’clock, a sub-dial adds distinctive character and symmetry. Overhead, a set of ornate gothic hands—blued and intricately shaped—slice cleanly across the dial, delivering a rich contrast and commanding presence.
Powering this timepiece is a 17-jewel Illinois movement from 1917, preserved in truly immaculate condition. Gold-plated gears glint beneath a plate adorned with fine, swirling engravings, and every detail—from the bridgework to the jewel cups—reflects the elegance and precision of early 20th-century American watchmaking. This movement isn’t just mechanically sound; it’s a work of art in its own right.
The case is sculpted from sandblasted stainless steel with a smooth bronze bezel that perfectly complements the golden tones of the dial. A knurled bronze crown adds tactile texture and function, while the open caseback allows full view of the movement’s artistry. This piece is paired with a black American-made leather strap that provides a sleek, grounding finish, keeping the visual focus where it belongs—on the dial and movement.
In 1917, as the United States entered World War I, the country’s manufacturing prowess shifted dramatically toward wartime production. Major American watchmakers like Illinois, Hamilton, and Elgin played critical roles, supplying timepieces for soldiers and logistics officers. Watches like this were not just accessories—they were instruments of precision, used to coordinate movements and manage time under the highest stakes imaginable.
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.
