The Springfield 154 (45mm)
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The Springfield 154 (45mm)

Watch of the Day Aug 06

The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)
The Springfield 154 (45mm)

Watch Description

What makes the Springfield 154 unique:   

The Springfield 154 is a lesson in balance—between elegance and restraint, simplicity and impact. At its center is a crisp white dial marked by bold, black stylized numerals in a fancy serif font, each one spaced with perfect clarity. A track of red minute numerals arcs around the outer edge, providing vivid contrast that brings a flash of energy to the otherwise minimalist display. Hovering above the dial is a pair of heat-blued spade and poker hands—slender and sculptural in equal measure—while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock is stark and efficient, its railroad-style markings bringing quiet order to the layout.

Inside beats a 17-jewel Illinois movement originally manufactured in 1916, beautifully preserved and visible through the open caseback. The movement bridges display an intricate interplay of machined graining, with overlapping circular waves that give the metal surface a mesmerizing shimmer as it catches the light. The mechanical precision is matched by decorative artistry, highlighting the golden age of American watchmaking with every gear and jewel.

This movement is housed in a smooth stainless steel case with a matching polished bezel and a knurled machined-steel crown. The fluid transitions between the brushed case sides and polished bezel lend visual depth and subtle complexity, which is perfectly contrasted by the stark black leather strap and cream stitching. This strap grounds the watch with a bold tonal frame, pulling the visual focus back to the vibrant dial.

In 1916, the same year this movement was produced, the Illinois Watch Company was playing a pivotal role in the evolving American railroad system. That year marked the expansion of time signal stations across the U.S., including the Bureau of Standards’ formal time service used by railroads for precise scheduling. Illinois was at the forefront of producing watches that met the strict requirements for railroad-grade accuracy—a legacy preserved in this very piece.

 

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.

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: 3001968
  • Manufacture Year: 1916
  • Function: Manual Wind
  • Jewels: 17 Jewels
  • Hands: Original
  • Size: 12s
  • Power Reserve: ~36 Hours

What makes the Springfield 154 unique:   

The Springfield 154 is a lesson in balance—between elegance and restraint, simplicity and impact. At its center is a crisp white dial marked by bold, black stylized numerals in a fancy serif font, each one spaced with perfect clarity. A track of red minute numerals arcs around the outer edge, providing vivid contrast that brings a flash of energy to the otherwise minimalist display. Hovering above the dial is a pair of heat-blued spade and poker hands—slender and sculptural in equal measure—while the recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock is stark and efficient, its railroad-style markings bringing quiet order to the layout.

Inside beats a 17-jewel Illinois movement originally manufactured in 1916, beautifully preserved and visible through the open caseback. The movement bridges display an intricate interplay of machined graining, with overlapping circular waves that give the metal surface a mesmerizing shimmer as it catches the light. The mechanical precision is matched by decorative artistry, highlighting the golden age of American watchmaking with every gear and jewel.

This movement is housed in a smooth stainless steel case with a matching polished bezel and a knurled machined-steel crown. The fluid transitions between the brushed case sides and polished bezel lend visual depth and subtle complexity, which is perfectly contrasted by the stark black leather strap and cream stitching. This strap grounds the watch with a bold tonal frame, pulling the visual focus back to the vibrant dial.

In 1916, the same year this movement was produced, the Illinois Watch Company was playing a pivotal role in the evolving American railroad system. That year marked the expansion of time signal stations across the U.S., including the Bureau of Standards’ formal time service used by railroads for precise scheduling. Illinois was at the forefront of producing watches that met the strict requirements for railroad-grade accuracy—a legacy preserved in this very piece.

 

The Movement

The Story

The Strap

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