Watch Description
What Makes The Springfield 165 Unique:
The Springfield 165 is defined by precision and contrast, centered around a bright enamel dial that feels both clean and highly intentional in its design. Bold black Arabic numerals anchor the layout, their slightly stylized forms adding character without compromising legibility. Surrounding the dial, a finely printed minute track is punctuated by subtle red five-minute markers, introducing a restrained but impactful layer of color that draws the eye without overwhelming the composition. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register adds depth and balance, its tight scale reinforcing the watch’s instrument-like clarity. Blued-steel hands sweep across the dial with a deep, reflective tone, their sharp, angular shape giving the watch a slightly more technical, purposeful presence.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Illinois movement manufactured in 1913. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals broad bridges finished with clean striping and subtle machining marks that reflect the practical precision Illinois was known for during this period. Polished steel components contrast against gold-toned gears beneath, while the exposed balance assembly provides a steady, rhythmic focal point. Illinois movements from the early 1910s were built with an emphasis on reliability and straightforward serviceability, offering dependable performance without unnecessary ornamentation.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a soft tumbled texture that gives the surface a muted, matte appearance. This finish reduces glare and keeps the focus on the dial’s crisp layout. A matching tumbled stainless steel bezel frames the dial with the same quiet restraint, maintaining a cohesive and understated look. The crown, crafted from titanium and finished to match, provides a tactile, secure grip while remaining visually consistent with the case. The movement has been reoriented within the case, placing the crown at 3 o’clock for a natural wristwatch experience compared to its original pocket watch configuration. The watch is paired with a black leather strap, whose understated tone reinforces the watch’s clean, high-contrast aesthetic.
In 1913, American watchmakers like Illinois were refining production techniques to meet growing demand for reliable, precise timekeeping as industrialization accelerated across the country. Movements from this era reflect a focus on durability, efficiency, and consistency—qualities that made them trusted tools in both professional and everyday settings. The Springfield 165 carries that legacy forward, preserving a movement from a time when precision was becoming an expectation rather than a luxury.
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 Diameter: 45mm
- Case Material: Tumbled Stainless Steel
- Crown/Hardware: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 1 ATM
- Crystals: Sapphire
- Case Back: Stainless Steel
- Strap: 22mm Black Leather Strap with Steel Buckle
Movement
- Manufacturer: Illinois Watch Company
- Serial Number: 2550469
- Manufacture Year: 1913
- Function: Manual Wind
- Jewels: 17 Jewels
- Hands: Original
- Size: 12s
- Power Reserve: ~36 Hours
What Makes The Springfield 165 Unique:
The Springfield 165 is defined by precision and contrast, centered around a bright enamel dial that feels both clean and highly intentional in its design. Bold black Arabic numerals anchor the layout, their slightly stylized forms adding character without compromising legibility. Surrounding the dial, a finely printed minute track is punctuated by subtle red five-minute markers, introducing a restrained but impactful layer of color that draws the eye without overwhelming the composition. At 6 o’clock, a recessed sub-seconds register adds depth and balance, its tight scale reinforcing the watch’s instrument-like clarity. Blued-steel hands sweep across the dial with a deep, reflective tone, their sharp, angular shape giving the watch a slightly more technical, purposeful presence.
Inside, this watch is powered by a 17-jewel Illinois movement manufactured in 1913. Through the open caseback, the movement reveals broad bridges finished with clean striping and subtle machining marks that reflect the practical precision Illinois was known for during this period. Polished steel components contrast against gold-toned gears beneath, while the exposed balance assembly provides a steady, rhythmic focal point. Illinois movements from the early 1910s were built with an emphasis on reliability and straightforward serviceability, offering dependable performance without unnecessary ornamentation.
The watch is housed in our Version 3 stainless steel case, finished with a soft tumbled texture that gives the surface a muted, matte appearance. This finish reduces glare and keeps the focus on the dial’s crisp layout. A matching tumbled stainless steel bezel frames the dial with the same quiet restraint, maintaining a cohesive and understated look. The crown, crafted from titanium and finished to match, provides a tactile, secure grip while remaining visually consistent with the case. The movement has been reoriented within the case, placing the crown at 3 o’clock for a natural wristwatch experience compared to its original pocket watch configuration. The watch is paired with a black leather strap, whose understated tone reinforces the watch’s clean, high-contrast aesthetic.
In 1913, American watchmakers like Illinois were refining production techniques to meet growing demand for reliable, precise timekeeping as industrialization accelerated across the country. Movements from this era reflect a focus on durability, efficiency, and consistency—qualities that made them trusted tools in both professional and everyday settings. The Springfield 165 carries that legacy forward, preserving a movement from a time when precision was becoming an expectation rather than a luxury.
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.
